KRABAT grew up as the stepson of poor parents in the village of Eutrich (Jitk) on the edge of the Sorbian Heath. Even as a child, he had to earn his own living as a shepherd boy, for poverty was rife. Once again, as he was wandering through the countryside, he was surprised by the dark night and lost his way in the forest and pond landscape around Hoyerswerda. After a long and arduous journey, he reached a mill known as the “Black Mill.” The Black Miller and evil sorcerer liked the inquisitive Krabat and took him in to teach him the miller’s trade and many other things. KRABAT seemed to be a clever lad to the miller, and because the twelfth journeyman had just met a sad end, he took him on as an apprentice.

KRABAT quickly realized that the miller could do more than just grind grain. He was initiated by his master into all kinds of incantations, spells, and witchcraft, and soon the inquisitive apprentice surpassed his master in strength and knowledge. KRABAT now knew that death awaited him. In the past, such disobedient apprentices had drowned in the mill stream or fallen into the water wheel. But KRABAT knew of a protection against the sorcerer’s power. A mother’s love—no sorcerer can do anything against that.

KRABAT quickly traveled home and confided in his mother. Although she was initially horrified by her son’s transformation, she agreed to help him. KRABAT knew that the master would turn him into a crow and gave his mother a hint. When she reached the “Black Mill,” she had to watch as the sorcerer turned all the miller’s apprentices into twelve black ravens, among which she was to recognize her son. If she succeeded, both would be free; if she failed, KRABAT would be doomed to death. The mother recognized him immediately by the agreed sign (KRABAT put his head under his left wing) and redeemed him. The miller had no choice but to let them go, and KRABAT fled home with his mother as quickly as possible. It was only later that the master noticed that KRABAT had stolen his spell book. But by then it was too late, and KRABAT was long gone.

In his homeland, he became known as a good wizard and, after many adventures, faced the “Black Miller” in a final battle.