Kalmyk mythology

The Kalmyks, Kalmyks or Khalmyks are descendants of the mongolian Westerners, Oïrats who migrated in the 17th century.

After becoming vassals of the Mongols in 1207, the Oïrats lead a nomadic life in the Altai steppes. At XV^e century, the Oïrates tribes form a powerful alliance known as the “Four Oïrats peoples”. Among the main tribes are the Choros, Torguts and Dörbets.

In 1616, unhappy with the Choros' control of the alliance, most of the Torguts and some of the Dörbets migrated west. They then settled in the Volga basin.