After the reign of Emperor Frederick II and during the interregnum, the law of the fist prevailed in the empire. Kurt's father, a proud nobleman, the knight of Koppigen, was killed in his youth while trying to take a herd of cows from a shepherd. Kurt, a massive man, wild, rough, and reckless, wants to become a knight and rides out into the world to seek his fortune in feuds. Already at the nearby castle of the noble squire of Önz, Kurt is warmly welcomed by the old castle lord. The three beautiful daughters of the squire giggle at the sight of the unwashed, scruffy guest. The old gentleman laughs at the clumsy movements of the young newcomer. Kurt continues his ride to Zurich but first falls in with the retinue of the Baron of Regensperg, Zurich's most dangerous enemy. The baron recognizes Kurt's combat skills and unwavering courage. However, the young fighter does not want to submit, sneaks away secretly, and sets off with the old Hans from Gütsch in search of fortune once again. From then on, between Zurich and Lucerne, Kurt travels with Hans as a noble highwayman. Anyone who appears weaker than the two robbers is ambushed and robbed. Jeremias Gotthelf (1797-1854) was the pseudonym of the Swiss writer and pastor Albert Bitzius.