Which tribe kidnapped Genghis Khan's wife Börte?

The Merkits kidnapped Genghis Khan’s wife Börte. At the time, Genghis Khan was still known as Temüjin, and Börte had only recently become his wife. Merkit raiders attacked the family camp near the Onon River, taking Börte captive and giving her to a Merkit warrior, Chilger-Bökö, according to traditional accounts.

The raid was connected to an older grievance. Temüjin’s father, Yesügei, had previously abducted Hö’elün from a Merkit marriage and made her his wife. The Merkit attack on Börte was therefore remembered as retaliation as well as a raid. Temüjin sought help from his sworn friend Jamukha and Toghrul, khan of the Keraites, and Börte was rescued.

Börte’s captivity created later uncertainty about the paternity of her first son, Jochi, because she became pregnant soon after returning. Temüjin accepted Jochi as his son, but the question later affected succession politics. The episode also strengthened Temüjin’s alliances and is often treated as a major turning point before his rise to power.