When a frightening creature attacks his remote village, young warrior Ashitaka is able to put the great beast out of its misery. It is a boar god corrupted by sinister magic, transformed into a monster by a wound from a mysterious iron ball. Ashitaka has received a wound as well, which bubbles with supernatural putrescence, so he must travel far to the east seeking a cure. In Iron Town, Lady Eboshi employs freed prostitutes, former serfs, and even outcast lepers to build a human empire that will civilize the wilderness with iron and guns. In the forest, the wild gods gather their strength to fight back, led by San, the Princess Mononoke. She is a beautiful but savage girl who has chosen to give up her humanity and side with the animals. Ashitaka finds himself embroiled in a battle between the two forces, both of whom see him as supporting the enemy.