Triad Poems' Paradox

Called 'world triad,' this kind of verses represents a distinctive form of the oral literature of Mongolian nomads. Main theme of these verses is different phenomena of the Universe classified according to similarities. What are three most faraway things of the world? Sun is far from sleeping one, home is far for a tired horse, and end of the year seems far for a poor person. Or what are three whites? Teeth are white when grow, hairs are white when old and white are bones after death.

According to researchers, triad verses served first and foremost to stir the imagination, the ability to associate various things and to help to understand the Universe. 

Therefore, this form of poetry is very light and can easily changed depending on the context. Variations are countless and renowned writer Tangadyn Galsan who has a hobby of collecting triad verses already recorded more than 6,000 of them. 

It is not a coincidence that verses have three lines, because the number three has a special meaning in the culture of Mongolian nomads reflecting the three sided aspects of the Universe like past- present- future or beginning- continuation- end or sky- earth- man.

Three endless
Skies are endless,
Wisdom is endless
Stupidity is endless

Three beautiful
Beautiful is a camel foal struggling to its feet
Beautiful is a cub just opening its eyes
Beautiful is a baby recently born 

Three dark
Dark is a person without education 
Dark is moonless night
Dark is the house without herd

Three treasures
Knowledge is supreme treasure 
Children are highest treasures
Material things are lowest treasures

Three fastest
Clouds fly fast when windy
Thoughts fly fast in sober mind
A good horse runs fast

Three blues
Blues is the endless skydom
Blue is rainwater in a pond
Blue is water in flowing river

Three stupid
Stupid one praises his horse
Fool one praises his wife
and most stupid praises himself 

Three red
Red is sunset on a cold winter day
Red are cheeks of a happy queen
Red are sukhai flowers in a valley
 

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