Ayla, seeking refuge, came across a cave but was then attacked and mauled by a cave bear who had also used the cave. Seriously injured and almost starved to death, she was fortunately found by a group of Neanderthals. This band was known locally as the Cave Bear clan. Creb, the clan's shaman, and his sister Iza, the medicine woman, show mercy and adopt Ayla as their own. Iza is intent on teaching Ayla to become a medicine woman to secure her place in the clan. She fears that Ayla will never find a mate because of her repugnance. Ayla, being Cro-Magnon, seems completely different from her new found family. Iza finds it extremely difficult to teach Ayla because she is not born with the memories that all Neanderthals inherit at birth. Brud, a young boy from the clan, is particularly hateful towards Ayla. As these two reach adolescence, Ayla is continually raped by Broud. This behavior is widely accepted by the clan