It is the 16th century in Livonia. Hans von Risbieter, a young knight, inherits a chest with the remains of St. Bridget – this is a relic desired by the convent. Risbieter agrees to give up the chest on one condition – if he can marry Agnes von Mönnikhusen, an angelic young niece of the abbess. Agnes, however, is in love with a freeman Gabriel who bravely stands for freedom and justice.