Yesugei, the Chieftain of Kiyat Clan, launches an attack against the tartars to avenge for their previous attacks. His victory is made more joyous when his wife, Hoelun, gives birth to a baby boy, later named Temujin. To celebrate Temujin's birth, Yesugei releases the sIaves of the Tartar Clan. Years later, Yesugei is poisoned to death by the Tartars. He has the loyal Mulhika promise to take care of his family. Mulhika later on becomes the husband of Hoelun and the stepfather of Temujin. Temujin and his brother Kasai are thorns in the eyes of their half? brother Pikha, who thinks the' two are better favoured by Mulhika. In a dispute, Kasai kills Pikha. Temujin takes over the blame of killing, and is severely reprimanded by Hoelun. Temujin grows to be a fine and brave young man, which is viewed as threats by the Taijint Clan.… ...

Temujin hides himself up a mountain, hungry and cold. Only the memories of his childhood give him strength. Years before, his father Yesugei takes him to visit the Onggirat Clan. Temujin is betrothed to Berta, the daughter of the Clan's Chieftain, Dai Sechen. According to convention, Temujin stays in his future father-in-law place for one year. On his way back alone, Yesugei is poisoned by the Tatars. He dies after returning home. Temujin is sent back home. Reflecting his role as the son of a dignified chieftain, Temujin decides to confront his enemies, which ends in his captivity. Temujin is harshly tortured. Two former slaves of Kiyat Clan, Chilaun, the brother, and Kataan the sister, witness his suffering and decides to help him escape. They unchain him on the night when a big feast is held. The next day, the enemies begin their pursuit of Temujin. Chilaun and Kataan are actually childhood acquaintances of Temujin.… ...

Kataan, devoted to Temujin in their childhood, nurses Temujin with great care. Temujin is greatly touched. Longing to rejoin hi s family, Temujin departs with Kataan. On his way, he gets acquainted with Jamuka, who helps him fight off his enemies. The two quickly become great friends and solemnly declare ‘anda ' (friends). Jamuka’s two brothers, Yita and Saita view it with bitter jealousy. Jamuka escorts Temujin home, and joins the celebration of the family reunion. Hoelun reminds Temujin of his betrothal with Berta. Reflecting on his own belittled state, TemuJin sets off with Kasai for his marriage quest with little confidence of success. To his surprise, Dai Sechen gladly offers his daughter to him with rich dowry. Dai Sechen also encourages Temujin to summon his clansmen back to rebuild his clan. Berta is a beautiful woman as well as a competent housewife. She is a delight and comfort to the whole family of Temujin.

To rebuild his clan, Temujin seeks the advice and help from an anda of his father called Peili. Peili is greedy, fickle and totally insincere in helping Temujin. His son Toghrul is jealous and hostile to Temujin for losing a combat contest to him. The Merkits grab Berta and Suechi to revenge for Yesugei's taking away Hoelun years ago. The beautiful Berta is ravished by Chila, the son of Chieftain Chilatu. Temujin secures the help of Jamuka and Peili to retrieve Berta. They fought a victorious battIe against the Merkits. Berta is saved, but Suechi is killed. Jamuka falls for Berta's beauty. He views her fortunate husband, Temujin with great envy. Kataan refuses to marry a Taichiut. She follows her brother Chilaun to seek Temujin, intending to reveal her affection. When she witnesses the happy marriage of Temujin and Berta, she changes her mind and consents to the marriage.

Temujin is distressed when Berta tells him that she is conceiving Chila's baby. His compassion for Berta overpowers. He names the baby boy Jochi and treats him as his son, Jamuka goes as far as forcing himself on Berta. Temujin appears in time to stop him. The friendship between the two andas suffers; Temujin decides to leave Jamuka's Clan to build his own. Temujin grows more reputed as a warrior and military talent since the battle with the Merkits. More and More clansmen and tribesmen come to join him. Temujin highly values his followers, he has the good sense to trust his subordinates to help him. In return, he wins the steadfast loyalties from them. When the time ripens, they declare him their Khan. Jamuka’s relationship with Temujin deteriorates. He launches an attack against him but is defeated. His brother dies in the battle, which deepens his hatred towards Temujin.