18th century Kazakhstan, a vast, pitiless region of austere and terrible beauty, bordered by China, Russia and Tibet. Here the proud and warlike Kazakh tribes have survived and fought for centuries - against invaders, against their formidable Jungar enemies and amongst themselves.

Oraz, a mystic and warrior possessed of great powers, foretells the birth of a new star, a hero. This boy -Mansur - is destined to unite the Kazakhs, and lead them to glorious victory against their enemies. Fearful of Oraz' prediction, the Jungar ruler Galdan orders his General, Sharish, to find the child and slay him. However, Oraz saves Mansur and delivers him to his father, Sultan Wali.