Character Ögedei Khan

statue of Ögedei khan in mongolia

Ögedei considered father s favorite son, ever since childhood. adult, known ability sway doubters in debate in involved, force of personality. physically big, jovial, , charismatic man, seemed interested in enjoying times. intelligent , steady in character. charisma partially credited success in keeping mongol empire on path father had set.

Ögedei kept peace among family, criticizing son , chagatai s grandson. sudden death of tolui seems have affected him deeply. according sources, tolui sacrificed own life, accepting poisoned drink in shamanist ritual in order save Ögedei suffering illness. Ögedei fell victim alcoholism. chagatai entrusted official watch habit, Ögedei managed drink anyway. commonly told did vowing reduce number of cups drank day had cups twice size created personal use. when died @ dawn on 11 december 1241, after late-night drinking bout abd-ur-rahman, people blamed sister of tolui s widow , abd-ur-rahman. mongol aristocrats recognized, however, khagan s own lack of self-control had killed him.

Ögedei known humble man, did not believe himself genius, , willing listen , use great generals father left him, himself found capable. emperor (khagan) not dictator. mongols @ time, raised , educated warrior childhood, , son of genghis khan, part of father s plan establish world empire. military experience notable willingness listen generals , adapt circumstances. extremely pragmatic person, father, , looked @ end rather means. steadiness of character , dependability traits father valued, , gained him role of successor father, despite 2 older brothers.