Two Ewoks are on sentry duty on the outskirts of Bright Tree Village when a Hanadak goes on a rampage through the nearby forest. The Hanadak throws the two Ewoks to the ground. They survive and decide to warn Chief Chirpa.
In response to the Hanadak threat, Chief Chirpa gathers all the warriors the following day to go out and battle it. When Wicket asks to go, he is told by Chief Chirpa that he is too young for such a dangerous mission and to stay with the other woklings. Kneesaa tries to reassure him that he will be old enough one day. Wicket insists he is old enough. Latara makes fun of him but Wicket is still determined to go face the Hanadak and add more points to his Belt of Honor. Despite Kneesaa's attempt to reason with him, Wicket storms off. She is upset with Latara for making things worse.
Wicket sets off to defeat the Hanadak by himself. He ends up finding the Hanadak asleep by a river, having gorged itself on fermented fruit. Wicket ties it up and tries to pull out one of its fangs for his Belt of Honor. The Hanadak awakens and breaks its bonds. Wicket attempts to muzzle the Hanadak but the creature throws him into the river. Wicket escapes in down a waterfall but hits his head on a rock and passes out. He is carried down river and lands on the banks downriver.
Meanwhile, Kneesaa, Latara and Teebo search for Wicket. Latara wants to return but Kneesaa says they are not leaving until they find Wicket and she apologizes for making fun of him. Teebo is carrying a container with magic Hanadak repellent, which Latara finds strong. Sensing some movement in the bush ahead, the Ewoks panic but are relieved that the other travelers are just Kagles, who warn them that Wicket was in trouble with the Hanadak. Though Teebo and Latara fear that something bad has befallen Wicket, Kneesaa is still determined to continue the search and advises that they check the river.
Later, Wicket awakens to find himself bound by diminutive Mimph warriors, who inform him he is there prisoner. Wicket protests but the Mimphs tell him they are taking him back to the Mimph village. Wicket grumbles about his humiliation.
Meanwhile, Kneesaa and her friends travel down the river on a raft. Approaching a waterfall, Kneesaa decides they should return home. Teebo spots some Hanadak tracks and Wicket's damaged slingshot. Kneesaa, Teebo, and Latara fear he is dead. Kneesaa plans to bring back the slingshot in order to tell his mother Shodu that Wicket went down fighting. Teebo and Latara grieve for their friend.
Elsewhere, Wicket is put on display at the Mimph village, much to the cheer of the villagers. Wicket blows away a few Mimphs and damages a tower with his breath. The Mimph leaders want him to perform but Wicket does not want to be a party to his humiliation. The Mimphs think he reminds them of Kvark and begin chanting. Their shouts attract the attention of the Hanadak who heads towards their village, destroying much of the tiny village in one step. Some Mimphs warriors try to stop him but he brushes them aside like insects.
Wicket manages to free himself from his ropes and saves several Mimphs. Wicket confronts the Hanadak and leads him on a chase. He climbs a tree and then jumps on the giant creature's head, blindfolding it and leading it off the top of a waterfall. The Hanadak falls into the river and down the waterfall. The Mimphs cheer as the Hanadak roars in rage and frustration downriver.
Though the Mimphs are jubilant, Wicket is upset that he was unable to obtain the large Hanadak fang for his belt. Out of gratitude, the Mimphs reward him with a minuscule tooth of their youngest warrior Thrasher, which he had lost previously in a fight. Wicket says nobody will believe his story but the Mimph leader says don't mention it.
Meanwhile, Kneesaa wonders what they will tell Wicket's mother Shodu. Teebo and Latara mourn with the latter blaming herself. Latara wishes she could tell Wicket he is the biggest, bravest Ewok warrior on Endor. Hearing them, Wicket swings down on a rope. He tells them that he took care of the Kanadak. Seeking to make amends with Wicket, Latara compliments him on his bravery as a warrior.