Yrja Mattiasdatter is heavy, unshapely, and disfigured from sickness. Because she is so unattractive, she is nicknamed The Thistle. But there is something else that burdens her as well: she is deeply and madly in love with the rich and charming Tarald, son of Baron Dag Meiden and Liv of the Ice People. But Tarald has only eyes for his beautiful cousin, Sunniva. However, because of the evil legacy of the Ice People, a union between Yrja and Tarald...