Jacob Schröder, who lives with his parents and two sisters in a forester's house in the Teutoburg Forest, takes refuge in a rock crevice during a hurricane. The boy injures himself and loses consciousness. When he regains his senses, he finds himself in a wondrous land. Jacob manages to find his way back home and needs a few days to recover from his injuries. Then he sets off to explore the magical land. On his journey, he encounters the Frog Queen Mathilda, who recognizes him as the Chosen One. According to ancient prophecies, only the Chosen One can free the land at the end of the rainbow from evil. Mathilda takes Jacob to a mountain called Devil's Thumb. At the peak of the mountain, which is made entirely of rock crystal, lives the Mother of Wisdom. She gives Jacob an amulet that is meant to protect him and assist him in the battle against the evil sorcerer Todarius.