In a deep German forest, a young man named Peter, who lives in poverty, dreams of a better life for himself and his beloved, the sweet Lieschen. Trapped in his grim existence, he makes a pact with a mysterious supernatural being, the spirit of the forest. In exchange for his human heart, Peter receives wealth and power, quickly becoming an influential man in his village. However, this new life is not what he expected; filled with ambition and disdain, he distances himself from those he once loved.
Over time, Peter realizes that his cold heart and material wealth cannot fill the emotional void left by his humanity. His relationship with Lieschen crumbles as he pursues power, while he faces the consequences of the dark pact. The spirit of the forest, which initially seemed like a savior, becomes a terrifying shadow that haunts his new life and reminds him of his true nature.
Taking a step back, Peter decides he needs to reclaim his heart, and to do so, he must confront the dangers of the forest and his own demons. In a journey filled with tension and self-discovery, he realizes that true worth does not lie in gold or status, but in human connections and the love he has squandered. The story becomes a powerful lesson about the choices we make and the burdens we carry.