The End of Drum-Time

The narrative shifts to Ivvár, a young Sámi herder who is struggling with the harsh winter conditions and the responsibilities of managing the reindeer herd in his father Biettar’s absence. Ivvár battles the elements and his exhaustion, trying to maintain the herd while resenting his father for leaving him alone and shirking his duties, presumably to indulge in drinking.

Ivvár's thoughts frequently turn to Risten Tomma, a young woman he has been seeing despite her engagement to another man, Mikkol Piltto. He acknowledges his lack of serious commitment to Risten and reflects on his complicated feelings toward her and his shortcomings as a herder.

As Ivvár tends to the herd, he becomes increasingly anxious about his father's prolonged absence. When Biettar finally returns, their reunion is tense. Biettar attempts to share about his spiritual awakening at the church with Ivvár, and his son’s confusion and resentment deepen.

Biettar's change is evident in his newfound quiet demeanor and his inclination to hum church hymns. Despite Biettar's efforts to connect and invite Ivvár to church, Ivvár remains resistant and skeptical of his father's transformation. A strained silence occurs between them, as Ivvár retreats to his duties outside, unwilling to engage with his father’s religious fervor.

Old Sussu, a traditional Sámi woman, is shocked and disturbed by Biettar's conversion. She travels to the Tomma family's siida to gossip and share her concerns, reflecting on the changes and potential impacts on their community. Old Sussu speculates about Biettar and his son Ivvár, suspecting Ivvár's influence in Risten Tomma's troubled engagement with Mikkol Piltto.

Risten, distracted by Old Sussu's presence and insinuations, struggles to focus on her sewing. Old Sussu's comments make Risten uncomfortable, especially as she tries to defend Biettar. As they discuss Biettar's conversion, Old Sussu hints at supernatural influences, suggesting Biettar might have caused the recent earthquake. She also notes that wolverines are a significant problem, and Risten recounts an incident where she had to fend off a wolverine attacking a reindeer. They also discuss economic pressures in the community.

Risten's thoughts drift to her complicated relationship with Ivvár, recalling their past interactions and her feelings for him. Despite her family's expectations and her own doubts, Risten is drawn to Ivvár's defiance and charm, which contrast with Mikkol's steadiness. Risten and her mother assist Nilsa Tomma in slaughtering reindeer calves, providing a temporary distraction from the emotional turmoil and community gossip.

While similar events have occurred before, Biettar's repentance is significant due to his standing in the community. His frequent presence at the parsonage, surprising for a herder, signifies a major change, though settlers do not grasp its full implications. There, Biettar engages in theological discussions with Pastor Lars Levi Laestadius, often posing philosophical questions that challenge his and his family's understanding. During one visit, Willa sews while contemplating her future trip to Uppsala, reflecting on the contrast between her current life and the expectations of higher society.

On Christmas, Henrik is invited to dinner at the parsonage, where he feels out of place and judged. The Laestadius family, especially Brita, the pastor’s wife, express their disapproval of him. Henrik's attempts to impress fall flat, particularly when he clumsily discusses Sámi culture and shamanism, revealing his ignorance.

Willa visits the sauna with her sister, Nora. Nora reflects on Henrik's interest in her and their differing physiques. The sisters’ conversation reveals Nora's skepticism about shamans and Henrik's credibility.

It is a harsh winter for the Sámi herders marked by increased predator attacks and severe weather. The herders, including women, are pushed to their limits and struggle to protect their dwindling reindeer herds. Ivvár feels the pressure of their precarious situation, knowing that their herd is too small to sustain him and his father, let alone support a future spouse or children.

Risten visits him unexpectedly, arriving in a cheerful mood despite the dire circumstances. Her presence, however, only highlights the embarrassment Ivvár feels about his small herd and poor living conditions. Their conversation is awkward, filled with unspoken tensions and Ivvár's realization that he cannot provide for her. Despite her attempts to engage him, he remains distant. Unable to handle the situation, he decides to leave for town. He makes his way to Rikki's store, seeking brännvin (liquor) to escape his troubles. At the store, Ivvár secures a bottle of brännvin on credit despite his and his father’s mounting debt, and he drinks quickly to dull his senses. He learns from Rikki that Biettar has been spending time at the parsonage, not the store as Ivvár assumed.

Ivvár heads toward the church, intending to find his father, but he collapses in the snow, too drunk and tired to continue. Willa notices him and helps him up. Their interaction is brief but marked by a sense of mutual curiosity and tension.

Willa finds herself preoccupied with thoughts of Ivvár after their encounter. She frequently relives the moment, cherishing the memory of his fall and their brief interaction. Meanwhile, she grapples with feelings of guilt and shame as she compares her lack of spiritual fervor to the intense religious experiences of the Sámi herders who now frequent the parsonage. The confessions of the herders, many involving sins related to drinking, fascinate and disturb her.

Henrik, the storekeeper, receives a letter from his uncle Frans. The letter expresses concern about Henrik's lack of communication and hints at his impending visit to collect debts. Troubled by the letter, Henrik resorts to drinking to cope with his stress.

Willa continues to hope for another encounter with Ivvár and often ventures out under the pretext of setting traps, hoping to see him. When they finally meet again, their conversation is awkward yet charged with unspoken emotions. They flirt and share stories, but there's a palpable tension between them. Ivvár, feeling the weight of his father's newfound religious zeal and his responsibility for their dwindling herd, seeks solace in his meetings with Willa. However, their interactions are tinged with mutual misunderstandings. When Willa reveals that Biettar is set to become a lay preacher and will travel to spread Lars Levi's sermons, Ivvár is taken aback, realizing that his father has been preparing for this without informing him. Ivvár decides to abandon his responsibilities temporarily and seeks out Rikki for more brännvin.