In 17 Century Eastern Germany a 14 year-old orphan, Krabat, starts working as an apprentice at a mill where black magic and witchcraft are at work. Enticed to become an apprentice in the school of black magic, he soon becomes the miller’s favorite. But the miller has made a deal with the devil, and each year one of the apprentices has to be sacrificed. Some of Krabat's friends end up dead. Krabat soon becomes determined to escape. He finds salvation through his love, a singer from the nearby village. She is able to rescue him from certain death and put an end to Satan's reign due to her love for Krabat, which is stronger than witchcraft.