In Valais, during the 1950s, cowherds are confronted with an epidemic raging in the Sasseneire mountain pasture. Joseph, who wants to marry Victorine, wants to take his animals there despite the place's bad reputation. Barthélemy claims that an evil curse is responsible for the death of the cows. The mountain pastures are soon quarantined. Clou, who is innocent, is cruelly locked up.