Homo Erectus

Ishbo is the younger son of Mookoo, respected for his intelligence rather than brute strength. He dreams of inventing and lifting his tribe beyond sticks and stones, hoping to modernize their life. Yet his ideas are repeatedly thwarted by flimsy materials and a lack of faith from his people.

Ishbo finally declares his love for Fardart, his childhood friend. Immediately after, Thudnik clubs Fardart and marries her, leaving Ishbo crushed and sidelined. The episode underscores the gap between intellect and brute force in the tribe.

Ishbo tries to prove his usefulness on a mammoth hunt, but his plans misfire and his attempts at clubbing fail. He tumbles into a mammoth dung pile, is swallowed by the beast, and is expelled when the mammoth is slain by the others. The sequence highlights his banishment from practical success despite his brains.

The rival Binadrak tribe is revealed to be planning an attack on Ishbo's people. They train for battle and present a credible threat to the tribe's safety. The looming danger sets the stage for the coming raid.

During the raid, Mookoo is killed and Fardart is captured by the Binadraks, who disguise her as a man to join the fight. Thudnik orders a retreat and the attackers haul away their prize. The tribe mourns their leader as chaos unfolds.

Following the assault, the tribe decides to abandon their current cave and seek a new homeland. The decision marks a turning point as Ishbo realizes that survival may require breaking with tradition. A sense of loss fuels the trek toward a fresh start.

Ishbo resolves to avenge his father and rescue Fardart, setting out alone into unknown lands. Thudnik proclaims him an enemy and vows to kill him on sight. The rift between brothers widens as Ishbo goes his own way.

On his journey, Ishbo becomes lost and stumbles upon a tribe of Amazon cavewomen. They initially threaten him but are impressed by his stance against the clubbing of women. They offer him a form of freedom, testing his resolve.

The Amazons present a bargain: freedom in exchange for impregnating their Queen. He hesitates because his heart remains with Fardart, and he cannot accept the offer. The women chase him away with spears when he declines.

Ishbo finally reaches the Binadrak cave and spots Fardart. To his surprise, she does not wish to be rescued, having adapted to life with her captors and enjoying luxurious comforts. The return journey resumes as the pursuit intensifies.

The Binadraks, the Amazons, and Ishbo's former tribe converge to chase him. They push across landscapes until he is driven toward the edge of a cliff. The pursuit reaches a frenzied peak as allies converge against him.

As he falls from the cliff, Ishbo delivers a thoughtful monologue to the audience, reflecting on his life and the world around him. The fall marks the end of his quest and his physical life. The moment blends tragedy with a meta-commentary on storytelling itself.

In present-day, a modern museum shows a life-sized model of Ishbo and explains how fossils reconstruct his appearance. The guide notes he looked 'short and fat' and the exhibit invites reflection on history. Ishbo then addresses the audience one last time, closing the tale with a final word.