Excited to see the outside world, Ronja observes the sights and sounds of the forest with enthusiasm and wonder. She eventually falls asleep despite her father's instruction to come back home before dark. Ronja wakes up during the night to find herself surrounded by Gray Dwarfs, small nocturnal creatures who are hostile to humans. She is eventually rescued by her father and the other bandits who come looking for her. Ronja learns to be brave and confident in the face of danger.