Rudy anchors the "Ice-Maiden" story arc across anime episodes 38-40. Orphaned in childhood after losing both parents, he lives under his uncle's care. During his youth, he helps sell toy houses crafted by his grandfather, earning coins.

As an adult, Rudy gains renown for his extraordinary mountain climbing and hunting prowess. He falls in love with Babette, the miller's daughter. Their relationship faces fierce opposition from her father, who sets a deadly condition for approval: Rudy must capture a live baby eaglet from a perilous mountain peak.

Conflict erupts when Babette visits her godmother and engages in flirtatious behavior with her cousin. This ignites Rudy's fury. Later, discovering the cousin attempting to climb into Babette's window, Rudy confronts him. Babette reacts with anger and commands Rudy to leave.

Distraught and furious, Rudy encounters the supernatural Ice Maiden—the entity responsible for his mother's death, who marked him since infancy. In a moment of vulnerability stoked by his anger towards Babette, Rudy kisses the Ice Maiden. He eventually reconciles with Babette, and their wedding preparations begin.

Shortly before the ceremony, Babette experiences a troubling dream of infidelity involving her cousin. On their wedding eve, the couple visits a small island. When their boat drifts away, Rudy dives into the water to retrieve it. The Ice Maiden appears and whispers her final kiss, claiming Rudy and causing his drowning. Babette is left alone on the island, grieving his death as a storm rages.

The narrative frame involves two pixies attempting to rewrite Andersen's tales, yet their efforts cannot avert Rudy's tragic fate.