Following Yesügei's death, his family, led by the young Temüjin and his mother Hö'elün, faced abandonment by their clan, the Borjigin, and their allies, due to Temüjin's and his brother Behter's young ages. Despite some sources suggesting familial support, the majority depict Hö'elün's family as outcast, leading to a difficult hunter-gatherer existence. Tensions over inheritance and leadership between Temüjin and Behter escalated, culminating in Behter's death by Temüjin and his brother Qasar. Temüjin formed a pivotal friendship with Jamukha, a boy of noble birth, at the age of eleven. They solidified their bond by exchanging gifts and swearing the anda pact, a Mongol tradition signifying blood brotherhood.

During this period of vulnerability, Temüjin faced several captures. He escaped from the Tayichiuds with the help of Sorkan-Shira, who sheltered him, and later Bo'orchu, who assisted him in a crucial moment and became his first nökor, showcasing Temüjin's emerging leadership and charisma.