Abstract
In examining two corpuses of Mongolian riddles (Tүmen onsogo [Ten Thousand Riddles] collected and edited by C.Өlzijchutag; and the collection of G. Lovor and C. Өlzijchutag, Mongol ardyn onsogo, taavar [Enigmas and Puzzles of Mongolia]) a high frequency is evident of riddles that make reference to the cosmos of the natural world surrounding the nomad, as well as the structuring principles of this cosmos.
At times, a poetic metaphor or simile is drawn between two beings or objects and the primary division of the universe into the (male) vertical and (female) horizontal axes of Tenger - Gazar. Other riddles use images of Tenger (Sky, Heaven) as an enclosed space like that of an upturned bowl (ajaga), a yurt, or a wooden trunk (avdar).
These riddles go far beyond the typical functions of riddles in Western cultures in that they paint a picture of the entire cosmos through the humblest of everyday objects. In addition, in conveying the need for equilibrium between these two axes they express in succinct oral form one of the most important tenets of what could be termed 'nomadic philosophy' and thus form an important part of Mongolian nomad 'ethno-pedagogy.'