Version of the fairy tale "The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs"; unlike this one, the young charcoal-burner's son, who has been prophesied as the hard-hearted king's successor - which he is determined to prevent - has a begrudging foster brother. The king uses him for his sinister plans. While the hero wins the princess's heart through honesty, kindness and courage and masters the tests set by the king, the two darklings bring each other to ruin.