Kubilai Khan

Also known as Kubilai

Major
First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 54

Even at a distance, Kubilai Khan’s authority shapes the account: his command sets others in motion across far-reaching lands. The text gives no portrait of the man himself, making his imperial presence felt chiefly through the reach of his decisions.

Gender: male
Age: Unknown
First appears: Book 1 · Ch. 54
Books: 1

Kubilai Khan appears as the Mongol emperor who orders Hurdutai to accompany Bu-lo no-yen on a mission to Hormuz. The account records the command but offers no further personal history, relationships, or transformation for this entry. His role is that of distant sovereign, whose authority extends into the journeys of others.

Description

No physical details of Kubilai Khan are provided here. His height, build, complexion, hair, eyes, facial features, clothing, and distinctive marks remain unspecified; the title of emperor establishes rank, not a particular appearance. The text provides no physical description of Kubilai. His build, coloring, hair, eyes, facial features, clothing, and demeanor are not specified, and no distinguishing marks or accessories are recorded.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

A
Aláubrother
The text identifies Aláu as Hulaku, a brother of the Great Kaan Kublai.
C
Chagataiuncle
The commentary corrects Marco’s account: Chagatai was Kubilai’s uncle, not his brother.
S
Sigatayuncle
Sigatay is the name used in the narrative for Chagatai, whom the commentary identifies as Kubilai’s uncle.
Maffeo Poloenvoy
Kublai received Maffeo and Nicolo at court, questioned them about western rulers and customs, and later commissioned them as envoys to the Pope.
Marco Polosovereign
Marco’s account describes several Central Asian territories as subject to the Great Kaan, Kubilai Khan, whose authority shapes the political geography through which Marco travels.
Nicolo Poloenvoy
Kublai received Nicolo and Maffeo at court, questioned them about western rulers and customs, and later commissioned them as envoys to the Pope.
C
Cogataibaron
Cogatai was Kublai’s baron, appointed to accompany the Polo brothers on their mission to the Pope.
K
Kaidurival
The chapter calls Caidou the Great Kaan’s nephew and says he is in bitter enmity with the Kaan; the commentary clarifies that Kaidu was not actually Kubilai’s nephew.