While his tribe is ready to move on, little Sioux Yakari sets off for the unknown to follow the trail of Little Lightning, an indomitable mustang. Along the way, Yakari has a magical encounter with the Great Eagle, his totem animal, who gives him a beautiful feather, and a fantastic gift: being able to speak with animals. All alone and for the first time, on his quest he traverses the prairie to the territory of the terrible fur hunters.