Brother

In a post-ice age Alaska, Kenai, alongside his brothers Sitka and Denahi, returns to their tribe for a significant ceremony where he is to receive his totem. This ceremonial necklace symbolizes his path to manhood, and represents qualities he must embody, leaving Kenai eager to prove himself as a brave warrior.

During the ceremony, Kenai receives the bear of love as his totem, a choice he vehemently resents. Unlike his brothers, whose totems symbolize guidance and wisdom, Kenai believes bears to be lesser creatures and is frustrated that his shortcomings are highlighted rather than his strengths.

In a reckless attempt to reclaim the salmon basket stolen by a bear, Kenai ends up provoking the creature into a fight. This altercation escalates when his brothers attempt to save him, culminating in a fateful moment atop a glacier that changes their lives forever.

In a heroic act to protect his brothers, Sitka sacrifices himself to save Kenai and Denahi from the bear. This tragic moment leads to Sitka's death, profoundly impacting Kenai and igniting his desire for vengeance against the bear he holds responsible.

Overcome with grief and anger, Kenai resolves to hunt down the bear, believing that killing it will grant him justice and restore his sense of manhood. Denahi, however, protests against this decision, reminding Kenai that the bear is not to blame for Sitka's demise.

Kenai tracks down the bear, leading to a fierce confrontation atop a rocky cliff. In a struggle for survival, Kenai manages to slay the bear, but the victory comes with grave consequences as the spirits intervene, transforming him into a bear himself.

Awaking to find himself transformed into a bear, Kenai is shocked and confused. Tanana, the shaman of the tribe, informs him that he must atone for his actions before being allowed to return to human form, setting him on an unexpected journey.

Kenai encounters a young bear cub named Koda, who is searching for his missing mother. Initially reluctant, Kenai agrees to help Koda by escorting him to the salmon run, where they hope to find her, forming a bond in the process.

As they travel toward the salmon run, Kenai and Koda navigate various challenges, including evading Kenai's brother Denahi, who is still pursuing a bear he believes killed Kenai. The unlikely pair begins to develop a brotherly relationship despite their original circumstances.

Upon reaching the salmon run, Kenai learns that Koda's mother was the bear he killed in vengeance for Sitka's death. Gripped by guilt and regret, Kenai is devastated and runs away, understanding the true monster he has become through his actions.

After a period of grieving, Rutt and Tuke inspire Koda to forgive Kenai, realizing the importance of love and connection. This moment of reconciliation allows Kenai to hope for redemption and the possibility to make amends for his past.

Kenai encounters Denahi again on the mountain where the lights touch the Earth, leading to a confrontation between the two brothers. However, when Koda protects Kenai, forcing a reevaluation of their conflict, Kenai ultimately chooses love over vengeance.

In a moment of true selflessness, Kenai is transformed back into a human by Sitka, but he willingly chooses to become a bear again to remain with Koda. This act embodies the lesson that love is the truest form of manhood and connection.

Kenai embraces his life as a bear, realizing that his journey has made him a better man. He understands the value of love, family, and reconciliation, celebrating his new identity among the bears and taking on the responsibilities it entails.

Denahi shares the story of Kenai's transformation with the tribe, highlighting the importance of love as the most powerful gift. The tale serves as a reminder of the bonds that unite them and the lessons learned through hardship and forgiveness.