In the untamed ice-age wilderness, a young Cro-Magnon girl named Ayla is left alone after a devastating earthquake. Ayla, distinguished by her blonde hair and blue eyes, struggles to survive until she is adopted by a tribe of Neanderthals known as the Clan. Iza, the Clan's healer, and Creb, the wise Mog-ur, come to love Ayla and accept her as one of their own. Yet, Ayla's very presence challenges the deeply ingrained traditions and hierarchy of the Clan, especially for Broud, the future leader. Her intelligence and ingenuity lead to significant changes within the group, but also incite fear and hatred. As Ayla grows, her unique abilities and the Clan's reactions to her foreshadow the inevitable evolution of the human species, ultimately shaping the future of humanity.