A blind woman's lost sight is restored in a Cathedral. A procession forms, including many pilgrims and nuns. They pass through the cloisters, chanting. Among the nuns there is one younger, Beatrix, more beautiful than the rest. Among the pilgrims is a handsome knight, Ritter. The two are attracted to each other during the service. Beatrix struggles to control her emotions. Gradually the knight overcomes Beatrix's resistance, aided by the Spirit of Evil, a sinister apparition that makes its appearance several times throughout the story.
—Ulf Kjell Gür