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In the beginning of the movie, why is Temudjin going to the Merkits?

to choose a bride. Esugei has stolen a woman from the Merkits and she has become his wife. He intends to make peace with them by bringing his son, Temudjin, to their village to choose a bride. On the way to the Merkits, Temudjin decides to choose a bride from a nearby tribe and never makes it to the Merkits.

How does Temudjin’s father die?

He drinks poisoned milk.. On his way to the Merkits, Esugei is given milk as an offering from passersby, whom Tarutai sees as enemies. Despite Tarutai's warning, Esugei drinks the milk. He later drops off his horse and appears to die from the poison.

Why does Tarutai, one of Esugei's top soldiers, have to wait before he can kill Temudjin?

Temudjin is still a child.. Esugei names Temudjin as the next Khan. Tarutai is angered. Although he wants very much to kill Temudjin now, he decides not to break Mongol custom and waits for Temudjin to grow bigger.

Does Tarutai ever die in this movie?

Yes. Tarutai survives thoughout the movie until the end of the final battle. His own men drag his dead body to Temudjin and explain that they have killed him after he tried to run away. Temudjin orders the men to die for disobeying their Khan.

While being chased on horse-back by the Merkits, Temudjin is hit by an arrow in the back. How does he survive?

Borte gives herself up.. The Merkits find Temudjin and Borte and are being chased on horse-back. One of the Merkit men shoots an arrow that hits Temudjin square in the back. Temudjin is slumped over on his horse. Borte gives herself up to the Merkits and saves Temudjin by slapping his horse. Borte is captured as Temudjin rides off.

Temudjin rejoins with his friend, Jamukha, to recapture his wife, Borte. After the victory, why do some of Jamukha’s soldiers defect and follow Temudjin?

Temudjin is fair to his soldiers.. The night of celebrating victory for recapturing Borte, Temudjin shares 90% of his spoils with the soldiers. The morning after, Jamukha is surprised to find Temudjin gone with some of his quality soldiers. Jamukha catches up to them on horseback and Altan explains that Temudjin is fair to his soldiers.

Why has Jamukha declared war with Temudjin?

His brother has been killed.. Jamukha's brother tries to recapture horses that his tribe has given to Temudjin's men, but while riding away Taichar kills him with an arrow. Taichar explains to Temudjin that he had not recognized him and suggests his severed head be delivered to Jamukha. Temudjin refuses the suggestion and understands a war is imminent.

What happens to Temudjin after his first battle is lost to Jamukha?

He is sold into slavery.. Seriously outnumbered, Temudjin's army succumbs to Jamukha's attacks. After losing the battle, Temudjin is brought back alive to Jamukha. He is sent with a merchant to be sold as a slave.

How does Borte know Temudjin is still alive after the battle?

She finds her wishbone.. While in prison, Temudjin sends a monk to find Borte and gives him her wishbone. While on his quest, the monk dies and Borte’s son finds the wishbone near his dead body. Borte then sets out to find Temudjin.

What happens to Jamukha, after he is captured by Temudjin’s army?

He is released.. After the battle, Jamukha is brought to Temudjin's yurt alive. Temudjin asks Jamukha what to do with him. Jamukha honestly replies, "I would probably kill me". With a puzzled look, Jamukha is put on a horse and released. As he rides off, Temudjin still sees Jamukha as his brother.