It is December 1 and the poor 12-year-old Karen is going to a job interview at the Lindestrupgaard manor. But Karen does not get employment as a maid and therefore has to be sent away from her family and onto the neighboring farm. However, Karen's friend, the elf Rumle, has a special plan. With Rumle's help, Karen convinces the lady of the manor, Rigmor, to hire her anyway. At the same time, the sinister Lars Ravn appears at the manor and lures Karen to him with a special goblin strip that only children should know.