The former soldier Ludvig Kahlen followed the call of the Danish king in 1755 to cultivate the thorny heath of Jutland. So far, everyone has failed in their attempt to cultivate the barren land. But Ludvig Kahlen is fiercely determined, after all, if he is successful, social advancement beckons. If it weren't for the power-hungry landlord Frederik De Schinkel, who is willing to use any means, no matter how brutal, to stop Kahlen's plan. But stubbornly and unshakably, Ludvig opposes the unscrupulous ruler as well as the merciless nature. He is supported by a young housemaid and a little girl, of all people, who open his heart and move him to an unexpected decision.