Mongols, the legendary nomadic riders created their own unique instrument - the Morin Khuur (horse fiddle), the horse was a symbol of worship, and this custom was one of the main factors for the independence and power of the of the Mongols throughout history. The Mongols created and used over 400 kinds od music instruments, among which Morin khuur has remained the most popular and widespread through time.
Mongolians have deep respect toward this music instrument, keeping the Morin Khuur at the most honored placeof the ger and playing the Morin Khuur to call the good fortune and keep away evil spirits. Morin Khuur is played at the start of all the rites, family feasts, shamanist rituals and state ceremonies; It also accompanies everyday life occasions like story telling in the evening, singing, dancing and even live-stock herding. There are a number of legends about how the Morin Khuur was created, all based on a man's love and grief for his dead horse. These include 'Legend of Khukhuu namjil', 'Legend of Left Handed Khuur Player' and 'White Horse of a Boy named Sukh' in inner Mongolia and etc. So central was and still is the horse to Mongolian culture that it was registered to the Masterpieces of the Oral and intangible Heritage of Humanity identified by UNESCO.
Much of the canon of Mongolian performance art(song, dace, poetry, drama, stories, even blessing) is inseparably entwined with the music of the Morin Khuur. It is not simply a traditional instrument; but considered to be an enchanting art and a precious treasurer and its special sound contributes much to the quality of modern music.
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