Wendel Gripp, a descendant of the Ice People, a soldier in the army of Charles XII, is captured by the Russians and sent north. He escapes from captivity and, on the icy ocean’s shore, finds shelter with the Taran-gae tribe. The tribe’s shamaness, Tun shi, who in a trance has seen the future, offers Wendel her daughter, assuring him that their child is destined to speak with the gods and lift the curse from the Ice People.