The Tammarus are a modest peasant family living under the feudal system of early 19th century Estonia. They have raised a son Margus and two adopted daughters, Mari and Tiina. Mari is a quiet blonde who fits seamlessly into the hard-working and austere village, whereas Tiina is a lively and free-thinking brunette whose birth mother was flogged to death for suspected witchcraft. Margus and Tiina have grown infatuated with each other, but the elders would like him to marry Mari. With the whole village and superstition on her side, Mari accuses Tiina of being a werewolf, which leaves Margus with a difficult choice - should he follow his heart and go live with Tiina in the forest as outcasts, or settle for the safety of the familiar and stay with Mari in their community? Based on August Kitzberg's 1911 play.