Kalmyk Mythology

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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 steppes of Altai. 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, dissatisfied with the control of the alliance by the Choros, most of the Torguts and part of the Dörbets migrated west. They then settled in the Volga basin.