Young Prince Temujin witnesses the execution of his father, a Mongol chieftain, by the warlike Merkit Mongol leader Jamuga, who forces Temujin to wear a wooden yoke and enslaves his people. Growing to manhood, Temujin escapes into the mountains accompanied by Sengal, a Negro mute, and Geen, a wise man. He abducts Jamuga's betrothed, Princess Bortei, who becomes his devoted wife, and her brothers become his lieutenants as he gathers an army in order someday to unite the warring Mongols. Recaptured by Jamuga, the princess is raped and branded before she is rescued by Temujin, who sets out with his forces toward China. Along the way he befriends Kam Ling, an official of the Peking court, who introduces him to the Emperor of China. The emperor imprisons the warriors in luxurious surroundings, but Temujin refuses to allow his men to grow soft. When the Merkits threaten the Great Wall, Temujin and an army of Mongols repel the invasion and capture Jamuga. The grateful emperor gives Temujin the title of Genghis Khan but refuses to permit him to leave China, fearing that he will return as an invader. Genghis Khan is warned by Kam Ling that the emperor has arranged for his assassination by Jamuga, and he escapes to spread his empire across the continent. In Persia he defeats the combined forces of the Merkits and the Shah of Khwarezm and kills Jamuga in a duel. Mortally wounded himself, Genghis Khan gives over his command to his son, having realized his dream of a united Mongol nation.