The Eagle Huntress (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Nomadic Life in the Altai Mountains

Aisholpan, a 13-year-old Kazakh girl, lives with her family of nomads in Mongolia. They spend their summers in a ger in the Altai Mountains and their winters in a house in town. For seven generations, the men in her family have carried on the tradition of eagle hunting.

When

Summer

Where

Altai Mountains, Mongolia

A Dream to Follow the Family Tradition

Although eagle hunting has always been reserved for men, Aisholpan decides she wants to follow in her family's footsteps. Her ambition is to become the first female eagle hunter to compete in the Golden Eagle Festival. She sets out to challenge a centuries-old tradition.

Where

Altai Mountains

Learning from Her Father

With the help of her father, Nurgaiv, Aisholpan begins learning the ancient art of training golden eagles. Her father patiently passes down skills that have belonged to men in the family for generations. Step by step, she absorbs the knowledge needed to handle these powerful birds.

Capturing Her Own Eaglet

Aisholpan ventures out to capture her own eaglet, an essential step for any aspiring eagle hunter. She takes a young golden eagle into her care to raise and train. This eaglet will become her hunting partner and closest companion throughout her journey.

Where

Altai Mountains

Training and Bonding with the Eaglet

Aisholpan spends long hours training and bonding with her young eagle. She develops the trust and skills required to work with such a formidable bird. Through patience and constant practice, she demonstrates her dedication to the craft.

Facing Doubt and Opposition

As her ambitions become known, Aisholpan encounters disbelief and opposition from those around her. Many doubt that a young girl can succeed in the traditionally male sport of eagle hunting. Rather than deterring her, the resistance only strengthens her determination.

Making History at the Eagle Festival

Aisholpan becomes the first female to enter the annual Golden Eagle Festival, a competition established at Ölgii in 1999. She arrives ready to compete against experienced male hunters. Her participation alone marks a groundbreaking moment in the history of the sport.

Where

Ölgii, Mongolia

Winning the Competition

Against all expectations, Aisholpan ends up winning the Golden Eagle Festival competition. Her performance proves that she is every bit as capable as the male eagle hunters. The victory cements her place as a true trailblazer for women in the sport.

Where

Ölgii, Mongolia

Breaking a Speed Record

In one of the festival's events, Aisholpan's eaglet breaks a speed record. The achievement further silences her skeptics and showcases the strength of the bond between her and her eagle. It becomes another remarkable milestone in her young career as an eagle huntress.

Where

Ölgii, Mongolia

The Final Step Toward Becoming an Eagle Hunter

After the competition, Aisholpan takes the final step toward becoming a true eagle hunter: hunting foxes. She must travel with her father to the mountains in the depths of winter to complete this rite of passage. The real test of her skills as a huntress is about to begin.

When

Winter

Where

Altai Mountains

Braving Snow and Extreme Cold

Aisholpan and her father brave snowy conditions and extreme cold on their hunting expedition. The harsh winter weather in the mountains tests both her endurance and her eaglet's abilities. Despite the punishing environment, she pushes forward on her mission.

When

Winter

Where

Altai Mountains

Learning from Initial Misses

The early attempts at hunting prove difficult, as the eaglet comes up empty on its first tries. Aisholpan must remain patient and composed while continuing to trust her bird through the process. These initial misses are a natural part of learning the demanding craft of hunting with eagles.

When

Winter

Where

Altai Mountains

The Eaglet's First Fox

After some initial misses, Aisholpan's eaglet successfully kills its first fox. This long-awaited moment proves that girl and eagle have truly become an effective hunting team. With the kill, the essential rite of passage for an eagle hunter is finally complete.

When

Winter

Where

Altai Mountains

Returning Home a True Eagle Huntress

With her first successful hunt behind her, Aisholpan returns home from the mountains. She has achieved what no girl in her family's seven-generation history ever had before. Her journey stands as living proof that even the oldest traditions can evolve.