About Jelme
Lived 1157 – 1300. Jelme was a Chinese military leader.
Jelme (, Zelme; 1160 – 1207) was a general and close companion of Genghis Khan. He was the older brother of Subutai and was of the Uriankhan clan. Jelme was appointed as leader of a Mingghan, or one thousand men.
Biography In the Secret History of the Mongols, Jelme is chronicled as having been given to Temujin (the name given to Genghis Khan at birth) when the latter was an infant, but was deemed too young, and sent back to his father. Jelme's father Jarchiudai again gives his son to Temujin when Temujin was meeting with the Wang Khan. The reason for Jelme's having been given to Genghis is unclear.
When Temujin was wounded by an arrow to the neck by his future general Jebe, Jelme saved his life by sucking the poisoned blood out. He further brought Temujin watered yoghurt (after failing to find milk) from the enemy's camp.
Jelme's worth to Genghis is exemplified by one of Genghis's proclamations, where Jelme is granted immunity from prosecution even if he commits nine crimes.
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Important facts
People in Jelme's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Jelme's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Jelme?
general and close companion of Genghis Khan
When was Jelme born?
Jelme was born in 1157.
When did Jelme die?
Jelme died in 1300.
What was Jelme's occupation?
Jelme was a military leader.
What nationality was Jelme?
Jelme was Chinese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Jelme. https://biography.guide/jelme/
MLA: "Jelme." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/jelme/.
Chicago: "Jelme." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/jelme/.
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