The narratives of Plano Carpini, William of Rubruck, John of Monte Corvino and several other missionaries are recognized in the book, “Mission to Asia” by Christopher Dawson which depicts their journeys to Mongolia in the early times. The authors were more predisposed towards the nature of political embassies {1} between them and the East, then focusing on their sole purpose. Many missionaries acknowledged in this book had different purposes to their Mission, but John of Plano Caprini’s experience will be emphasized in this paper as he had the courage to embark on the Mission of Asia.
John of Plano Caprini was sent by the Pope and the Cardinals of the time to diffuse the threat that the Mongols substantiated towards them and as a result he was instructed to examine everything. It was noted that he tends to over exaggerate details which contrasted his belief entirely. His faith in monogamy played a huge role in him having a biased judgement on the Mongolian men having many wives.
The mode he describes their religion seems very much incontrovertible. He describes their religion while being very prejudiced and contradictory. Although they believed in one God, they were able to make idols to whom they could worship to and to these they pay great honour {1}. They make offerings andsacrifces to these idols, like in any prehistoric religion. They show no mercy to anyone that steals from their cart; they are put to death without any consideration. John showed an utter criticism towards their religion which is shown in the unenthusiastic undertone in his narration.
He recorded that they had no body of law involved, which is confirmed when he states that, nothing civilized could be expected from a barbaric group. They had no law concerning the doing of right and wrong or the avoidance of sin {1}. It seems pretty satirical that there killings and committing other crimes were not forbidden in their mandate. When it comes to women they were seen as objects of no use. They were treated so low and their attitude towards them was so debasing. They were sometimes considered as sex-slaves.
Mongolian men shared great unity amongst each other and they were known for being faithful to their chiefs and emperors than any men in the world {1}. They were very simplistic rather than materialistic. Yet again, their barbaric nature was revealed with others, which affirms them to be excessively haughty. Their contradictory and egotistical nature shows that they are able to do whatever they want. The only way to peace is to surrender to their divine power. Their ignorant behaviour confirms that nothing good can be seen of this race and that they were meant to be a plague for all mankind.
