In the 18th century in a forgotten town in the 18th century, young Benedicta is scrawny on the spot because she is the executioner's daughter. Monk Ambrosius, newly arrived at the village, pities the situation of the girl and lets herself be touched by her beauty. His interest in the girl unleashes the jealousy of Rochus, the son of a city mighty, and the conflict between passion and celibacy.