The Falcon and Trident Monument: Symbols of the Borjigin Lineage

The Sacred Symbols of the Great Khan

This monument in Chinggis City brings together two of the most powerful symbols in Mongolian history: the Falcon and the Trident (Suld). As Khentii is the "Khan Khentii" region—the ancestral home of the Mongol Empire—the monument serves to ground the city's modern identity in its ancient imperial roots.

The White Falcon (Shonkhor)

At the top of the monument sits a majestic falcon. In Mongolian tradition, the White Falcon is the totem bird of the Borjigin clan, the family of Temujin (Chinggis Khaan).

• Symbolism: It represents speed, sharp intelligence, and the heavenly spirit.

• History: According to the Secret History of the Mongols, the falcon appeared in prophetic dreams and omens marking the rise of the Great Khan. Today, the Saker Falcon is the national bird of Mongolia, a nod to this historical legacy.

The Trident (Suld)

The falcon is perched upon or positioned with a Trident-shaped standard, known as a Suld.

• The Spirit Banner: In the Mongol Empire, the Suld (specifically the White Sulde) was believed to house the guardian spirit of the nation. It was never allowed to touch the ground and was carried into battle to ensure victory.

• Design: The three prongs of the trident symbolize the "Eternal Blue Sky" (Munkh Khukh Tenguer) and the stability of the state.

Traditional Inscriptions

The monument is adorned with Classical Vertical Mongolian Script and often features Square Script (Phags-pa), which was created during the Yuan Dynasty to unify the diverse languages of the empire. These inscriptions typically offer prayers for the prosperity of the Mongol people and the eternal flame of the state.