Mongolia, 12th century. Yesügei, chief of the Qiyat tribe, is poisoned by the Tatars. His son, Temüjin, is not yet old enough to succeed him. Targutai, chief of the Tayichiud tribe, seizes his chance. He takes control of the clan and orders Temüjin and his family to be banished. Temüjin exchanges the life of ease of a high nobleman for the impoverished existence of the nomads. For several years he manages to survive in poverty with his family and then with his wife, Börte. But then Merkit warriors kidnap Börte. Temüjin asks for help from his blood brother, Djamuqa, and his army to rescue his wife and take revenge. During this campaign, Temüjin proves to be a charismatic and courageous leader. Impressed, several Mongol warriors decide to follow him. With his charisma, Temüjin brings several Mongol tribes together and conquers the others through his talent for battle. He becomes Emperor of the Mongols and bears the title of Genghis Khan. He throws himself into major conquests throughout the whole of Asia and builds the largest contiguous empire of all time. The kidnapping of his wife turned Temüjin into Genghis Khan.