We love The 13th Warrior

Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan, Ibn Al Abbas, Ibn Rasid, Ibn Hammad (yes that's his whole name) is a poet "in the greatest city in the world". He fell in love with the woman of another man who complained to the Caliph. As punishment he was sent on a mission to act as an ambassador in the land of the Tossuk Vlad -- a north country -- basically banished. He travelled over harsh deserts with an old friend of his father's, Mechisidek (Omar Sharif).

As luck would have it they run into a group of Northmen. Their leader has died in battle and Buliwyf, son of Hygiliak has just become ruler of his people. The only means of communication is Greek which Mechisidek speaks with one of Buliwyf's men, Herger.

The next morning the young son of Lord Hrothgar from Odin comes to ask Buliwyf for help against "a terror that must not be named" that is attacking them. Buliwyf calls for the "Angel of Death", an oracle/witch/seer who helps Buliwyf decide if he should go and help. The oracle calls for thirteen men to go and offer aid. Twelve men volunteer (Buliwyf is first) one by one but for the final thirteenth man she stipulates he must be "no northman" Of course they all look to Ahmed who after some encouragement agrees.

The next morning the men set off for the North. Ahmed has no form of communication because his travelling companion was left behind. The northmen use this to their advantage joking about him. They ride off to the north. After a few nights of listening to the North men chatter on and by the morning he has deciphered and learned their language.

Because Ahmed's name is so long they call him Eban or Arabe for short. There are many moments throughout the film of comical bonding between Eban and the other warriors. It isn't long before he is accepted by them as a brother.

When they arrive in the North they are greeted by Lord Hrothgar and his daughter. They explain to the warriors the recent deaths and take them to the gruesome scene. Something unimaginable is killing them -- magical, manly, or animal is yet to be discovered. They leave no tracks. The heads of the dead are missing. They come with the mist. They call them The Wendol (who use a Willendorf-like figurine as their idol).

He sleeps with them, eats with them, drinks with them and fights with them. He gets to watch some of them die. Ahmed learns about battle, friendship, trust and of great men. He remembers their story to honor them.