GOLDMUND and NARCISSUS get to know each other as children at a monastery. An unlikely but special friendship develops between these two very dissimilar cloister residents. They are respectively the antithesis of each other, both are torn and are looking for perfection.

As the years pass they become young men and Goldmund realises that the cloister´s inwardly orientated outlook on life does not coincide with his needs. He sets out on a journey full of adventure. Narziss, whose dedication to his faith has always been his own decision, finds his fulfillment by staying in the monastery. Their friendship overcomes time, all difficulties and obstacles.