ABSTRACT

THE “White Old Man of the Steppe” is the protector of the Mongolian pastures and herds. It is he who makes the steppe luxuriant and the nomads prosperous. The “White Old Man of the Steppe” is friendly and genial and wishes happiness to prevail in the world he rules—but at the same time he is a pleasure-loving old fellow, easily tempted into gambling and drunkenness.