In 1238, Khan Köten, her father according to historians, led the Cumans and a number of other clans in invading the Kingdom of Hungary while fleeing from the advancing hordes of the Mongol Empire.

In time, Béla IV of Hungary negotiated an alliance with Köten and his people, granting them asylum in exchange for their conversion to Roman Catholicism and loyalty to the King.

The agreement was sealed with the betrothal of Elizabeth to Stephen, eldest son of Béla IV.

In 1241, the Mongol invasion of Europe under the leadership of Batu Khan and Subutai began, with Hungary among its primary targets.

Other historians point out that a charter of her father-in-law, Béla IV, refers to a Cuman chieftain Seyhan as his "kinsman," which can be interpreted to mean that Zeyhan was in fact Elizabeth's father.

[1][2] It is unclear whether Zeyhan refers to Köten or another chief, as it can be interpreted as a name or a title; Say-χan translates to "good khan".