Prince Temujin (Omar Sharif) watches the execution of his father by the ruthless Mongol leader, Jamuga (Stephen Boyd), who forces Temujin and his people into slavery. Escaping into the mountains, Temujin vows to avenge his father and unite the Mongol people. He kidnaps and eventually marries Bortei (Françoise Dorléac), a woman betrothed to Jamuga. He then raises an army and saves China from Jamuga's invaders, prompting the emperor (Robert Morley) to convey upon him the title Genghis Khan.