The morin khuur is a special bowed-string instrument from Mongolia. Its name means “horse-head fiddle”, and it's loved for its warm, soulful sound. But did you know that the morin khuur was inspired by a touching legend about a boy and his beloved horse? Read on to discover a story of friendship, courage and remembrance—and try a fun activity at the end!

Long ago, on the wide-open grasslands of Mongolia, there lived a gentle and kind shepherd boy named Suho.

Suho lived in a yurt with his grandmother. Though they were poor, they were happy. Each morning, he woke at dawn to tend to their small flock of sheep, singing as he wandered the steppes.

One day, Suho found a tiny foal lying alone in the grass. Its coat was whiter than snow, with soft golden hair. It was too weak to stand, and there was no mother in sight. Fearing wolves would come, Suho brought the foal home and cared for it.

Day by day, the foal grew into a strong and beautiful horse, and the two became the best of friends. They would ride across the plains together, Suho singing as the wind rushed past.

One day, the king decided to hold a great horse race. The winner would receive enough gold to buy food for an entire year! Hoping to help his grandmother, Suho entered the race.

The day of the great race finally arrived. Horses of every colour and size stood at the starting line, their hooves pawing nervously at the ground, snorting and tossing their heads. The air was thick with anticipation, but Suho was not worried. He trusted that his horse would be stronger and faster than the others!

When the race began, all the horses thundered across the plains. Suho’s horse ran like the wind—galloping swiftly and gracefully—winning with ease!

The king, however, was greedy. He wanted Suho’s horse for himself.

The scheming king pulled Suho aside and said, “I will give you silver and gold beyond your wildest dreams, if only you give me your horse.” Suho shook his head. “No, all the money in the world cannot buy my horse.” The king grew enraged. “You insolent beggar! You are inches away from riches and yet you choose a horse?”

The king summoned his guards and they seized the horse. The horse whinnied and neighed, trying to escape.

“No,” Suho pleaded. “This horse is my only friend. Please don’t take him.”

But the king refused and drove Suho away.

When the king returned to his palace, he threw a grand feast to show off his prize.  

As he rode into the room, the horse seized the chance to escape. It bucked and reared, throwing the king to the ground. It burst through the palace doors, galloping away in the night.

“Guards!” The king shouted. “After it! Shoot if you must. Do not let him get away!”

The guards gave chase, but the horse was too fast and strong. Arrows flew through the air as it ran—on and on—desperate to return home.

That night, Suho lay awake mourning the horse the king had taken from him, when he heard a sound outside.

To his joy, he saw his white horse racing toward him—but it looked weak and injured. To his horror, Suho saw arrows embedded deep in the flesh of his loyal companion. He held the horse close, singing softly to comfort it as it collapsed to the ground.

Before long, the horse grew still.

Suho was filled with grief. He missed his friend more than anything in the world.

That night, as he slept, the white horse appeared to Suho in a dream.

“Do not be sad,” the horse said gently. “Take my bones, my hair and my spirit. Make an instrument, and I will always be with you.”

When Suho awoke, he did as the horse had said.

Over many days and nights, he worked tirelessly with great care, crafting a special instrument in memory of his beloved friend. He carved the shape of the horse’s head at the top and used its golden hair for the strings, as it was the last gift his friend had gifted to him.

At last, he was done. When he played it for the first time, the music sounded like wind moving across the grasslands… like the soft rhythm of galloping hooves… like the voice of his dear friend.
 
Through its music, the white horse lived on forever—beside Suho.
 
With this, the first morin khuur, the horse-head fiddle of Mongolia, was complete—an instrument that would live on through the centuries, carrying the heart and stories of the Mongolian people.

Now that you’ve heard the touching story of the morin khuur, listen to its beautiful sound in the video below.

Then, print out the activity sheet to draw and colour your own morin khuur, and discover other bowed-string instruments across Asia!