The plot centers around Dar’s quest for vengeance after his village is destroyed by the evil high priest Maax (Rip Torn), who serves an ancient and dark cult. During his journey, Dar discovers his royal heritage and learns that he is the son of a king who was taken from his family at birth as part of a prophecy. He sets out to defeat Maax, stop his evil reign, and reclaim his rightful place as ruler.

Dar is aided by a variety of animal companions, including a black panther, an eagle, and two clever ferrets, all of whom help him in his fight against Maax’s forces. Along the way, he meets Kiri (Tanya Roberts), a slave girl, and Seth (John Amos), a warrior who becomes his ally.

The Beastmaster is known for its mix of action, adventure, and fantasy elements, with Dar’s telepathic bond with animals adding a unique twist to the typical sword-and-sorcery genre. The film became a cult classic in the years following its release, due in part to its frequent airings on cable television during the 1980s. Though it did not perform strongly at the box office upon release, its adventurous spirit and imaginative world earned it a lasting fan base. It also spawned two sequels and a television series.