Jelme (, ''Zelme''; 1160 – 1207) was a general and close companion of

Genghis Khan Genghis Khan (born Temüjin; August 1227), also known as Chinggis Khan, was the founder and first khan (title), khan of the Mongol Empire. After spending most of his life uniting the Mongols, Mongol tribes, he launched Mongol invasions and ...

. He was the older brother of

Subutai Subutai (c. 1175–1248) was a Mongol general and the primary military strategist of Genghis Khan and Ögedei Khan. He ultimately directed more than 20 campaigns, during which he conquered more territory than any other commander in history a ...

and was of the Uriankhan clan.Richard A. Gabriel, ''Subotai the Valiant: Genghis Khan's Greatest General'', Westport, Conn.: Praeger, 2004,
pp. 7, 6
Jelme was appointed as leader of a Mingghan, or one thousand men.

Biography

In the ''

Secret History of the Mongols The ''Secret History of the Mongols'' is the oldest surviving literary work in the Mongolic languages. Written for the Mongol royal family some time after the death of Genghis Khan in 1227, it recounts his life and conquests, and partially the r ...

'', Jelme is chronicled as having been given to Temujin (the name given to Genghis Khan at birth) when the latter was an infant, but was deemed too young, and sent back to his father. Jelme's father Jarchiudai again gives his son to Temujin when Temujin was meeting with the Wang Khan. The reason for Jelme's having been given to Genghis is unclear. When Temujin was wounded by an arrow to the neck by his future general

Jebe Jebe (or Jebei, , pronounced as ''Zev''; birth name: Jirqo'adai (Modern Mongolian: Zurgaadai), , ) (death: approximately 1224) was one of the most prominent Noyans (generals) of Genghis Khan. He belonged to the Besud clan, part of the Taichud ...

, Jelme saved his life by sucking the poisoned blood out. He further brought Temujin watered yoghurt (after failing to find milk) from the enemy's camp. Jelme's worth to Genghis is exemplified by one of Genghis's proclamations, where Jelme is granted immunity from prosecution even if he commits nine crimes.

References

*''The Secret History of the Mongols'', translated into modern Mongolian by Tsendiin Damdinsuren {{Generals and ministers of Genghis Khan Generals of the Mongol Empire Year of death unknown Year of birth unknown