Centuries ago, in what would become the Canadian Arctic, Atuat is
promised to the malevolent Oki, son of the leader of their tribe. But
Atuat loves the good-natured Atanarjuat, who ultimately finds a way to
marry her. Oki's sister, Puja also fancies Atanarjuat, and when she
causes strife between him and his brother Amaqjuaq, Oki seizes the
opportunity to wreak a terrible revenge on Atanarjuat.