The streets of Munich are filled with people busy preparing for the Midsummer Night’s bonfires and celebrating the Feast of St. John. Children go from door to door collecting firewood. In keeping with tradition, every citizen contributes their share of wood as do the Mayor and his daughter, Diemut. Only one door remains shut. It is Kunrad’s door. Kunrad is an outsider who excites the prejudice and curiosity of his neighbors. Obsessed with his books he pays no attention to the outside world until the children call him out. Only then does he realize how close he came to missing the most beautiful night of the year and out of gratitude he donates all his possessions to be burnt. He decides on the spur of the moment to abandon his solitary studies and learn from life instead. Instantly he falls in love with Diemut and kisses her in front of the crowd. The conventional burghers and townsfolk are horrified and the young girl feels humiliated. As everyone goes to light the fire Diemut stays and prepares her revenge on Kunrad. He wants to gain admittance to her room, but she refuses. Appearing on her balcony she suggests he get into the log basket so she can pull him up to her. Half-way up she suspends him. Her girlfriends call the townsfolk back to mock the unfortunate Kunrad. Angrily he calls upon the spirits of his old Masters and with their help he renders total darkness (“Feuersnot“). He reaches Diemut’s balcony and addresses the crowd, haranguing them for their intolerance and narrow-mindedness. Only love, he warns them, will re-light the fires. The people are overcome with despair and beg Diemut to surrender to Kunrad. She admits him to her room. A small glimmer of light is then noticed from her window and soon the bonfires are lit and all light returns. Everyone celebrates the love between Diemut and Kunrad.