Hmong folktales tell of a land of ice and snow with six months of light and six of darkness.
Some scholars believe the Hmong originated in western Asia, crossed the Caspian Sea and Siberia into Mongolia and later into China. Hmong settle on the upper Yellow River, become known as the Jiuli tribe, and rule much of northeastern China. Hmong in China's Hebei province, led by the first Hmong warrior king, Chiyou, win nine battles against the Chinese. They lose the 10th and move to the lower Yellow River. Hmong build a kingdom in southern China.