Bastian is a young boy who lives a dreary life. When he is harassed by school bullies, he escapes into a book shop where the old proprieter reveals an ancient story-book to him, and tells him it has dangerous power. Shortly after, he “borrows” the book and begins to read it in the school attic where he is drawn into the mythical land of Fantasia, which desperately needs a hero to save it from destruction.