Swedish Lasse and his 9 years old son Pelle emigrate to Denmark at the end of the last century. They get the ungrateful job of cattlemen on a farm, where they are treated like slaves. Pelle lives through many humiliations and witness several tragedies. Through these events he develops a strong urge for freedom, and preserves his zest for life which is kept alive mainly by his father’s boundless love and his close relationship with the farmland Erik, the only person who dares rebel against the authorities. In spite of many disappointments and disillusions, Lasse still preserves his dream of a more dignified life.
In the end Pelle revolts, and leaves to conquer the world.