King Hildebrand, a widowed ruler, fathered seven children: six princes and Princess Eliza. Lost during a hunt in a cursed forest, he met an old witch. She offered escape only if he married her daughter, Greta. Believing Greta beautiful, he agreed and returned to his kingdom with her as his new queen.

Honoring his deceased wife's wish for their children to live surrounded by nature, King Hildebrand had established a secluded forest castle for them. It could only be found using a magical ball of yarn left by their mother. He visited the children there periodically, but his new marriage created tension. Greta grew resentful of these visits and his attention towards his children.

King Hildebrand's failure to protect his children became clear when Greta stole the magic yarn, located the forest castle, and used enchanted cloths to transform the six princes into swans. Only Eliza escaped the curse. Discovering Greta's actions, King Hildebrand expelled her from the kingdom as punishment.

Later, after Eliza broke the curse on her brothers and married King Friedrich of a neighboring kingdom, King Hildebrand reconciled with his children. He attended Eliza's wedding, witnessing her forgiveness towards Greta and the witch, though they were banished from the kingdom. The family's restoration concluded as King Hildebrand joined his children in their newfound peace.