Princess Žalmila is called the Owl of Noodles because she sheds rivers of tears. When the wizard Zlosos learns of her tearfulness, he is delighted. His power grows with the flow of human tears. It is therefore no surprise that Princess Žalmila mysteriously disappears from her home castle one day. At the request of her mother, Queen Trudmila, the benevolent king of the neighboring kingdom, Bertrand, promises to try to find her. However, he is not eager to join the search. He has many concerns about the welfare of his own country and must also face the intrigues of the power-hungry Marshal Osmond. Nevertheless, he eventually meets the princess...