On the outskirts of the city of Larissa - the stronghold of Thessaly - a magnificent aristocratic dwelling stands, bordered by the river Peneus. Captivated by the estate, Senator Fotios wants to acquire the property, but learns a condition is required: accompanying the land is an ancient tree, which the deceased owner refuses to allow to be cut down. In spite of this unusual stipulation, Fotios buys the property from a young broker, the Thebain Anthemios. But the conniving senator would have the last word: the tree must fall!
"A remarkable tree" is a free adaptation of the myth of Erysichthon, from the "Metamorphoses" of Ovid.