Η Μάβκα - η ψυχή του δάσους και φύλακάς του - αντιμετωπίζει μια αδύνατη επιλογή ανάμεσα στην αγάπη και το καθήκον της ως φύλακας στην καρδιά του δάσους, όταν ερωτεύεται έναν άνθρωπο, τον ταλαντούχο νεαρό μουσικό Λούκας.
In 1812, during the French period, large parts of Germany are occupied by the troops of Napoleon. Several paramilitary Freikorps units battle the French forces, among them the Black Brunswickers led by the 'Black Duke' Frederick William of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. After the War of the Fifth Coalition, the Black Hussars are pursued by Napoleon throughout the country, but frequently take refuge with the noble-minded German people.