The End of Drum-Time

Frans decides to take over Lars Levi's role until a new pastor is found, aiming to regain control over the parishioners and recover debts. He reinstates the sale of liquor and encourages the practice of parishioners sharing a drink with the pastor. Frans adopts strict disciplinary measures during church services, including boxing the ears of anyone who makes noise, even small children. Simmon, a parishioner, is sent to Tornio to buy more casks of liquor, while Mikkol spends his nights reading sermons to Risten, her aunt, and the children.

Meanwhile, Willa, feeling ashamed, hides on an island but is eventually found by Ivvár, who brings her to his siida. She is not formally introduced as his wife or fiancée, just as Willa, and Ivvár’s family largely ignores her, causing friction. Ivvár, furious at their behavior, marks one of his uncle's calves as his own, escalating tensions within the family.

Willa realizes something is wrong when she notices the camp is eerily quiet and empty except for smoke coming from the largest lávvu. When she enters, she finds the entire siida gathered inside discussing the closure of the Russian border and its implications for their reindeer herding. Ivvár expresses his frustration about the border closure, suggesting they unite their herds with another siida to cross the border together. Nilsa Tomma's arrival the next day brings some relief. He proposes joining their herds for the journey, rekindling a sense of hope and solidarity among the group. Ivvár's spirits lift as he plans to stay close to Willa during the migration.

Despite the initial optimism, Risten struggles with her relationship with Mikkol, who has become consumed by his faith. Their communication is strained, and Risten feels increasingly isolated. In a desperate attempt to connect with him, she reads one of his sermons but feels even more alienated by its message about the sin of doubt. When she tries to discuss it with Mikkol, he rebuffs her, and their argument further strains their marriage. Risten contemplates burning the Bible in her frustration but ultimately decides against it, fearing the consequences.

Henrik learns about the border closure from Simmon and feels panicked about its implications for the Sámi and their reindeer herding, which affects his business. He rushes to inform Frans, who is unfazed and dismissive, reminding Henrik that he mentioned this in a letter. Henrik, unsure and seeking reassurance, asks to come in. Frans argues that keeping the reindeer in one place might simplify taxes and increase regular church attendance, though Henrik doubts this logic. His anxiety is compounded by the need to recover debts from the Sámi. Frans explains that he will help with the debt collection and charge a fee for his efforts. Henrik reluctantly agrees, realizing the importance of recovering the debt to pay off Frans and make improvements to the store. However, the interaction leaves Henrik feeling more anxious about the future.

Meanwhile, the reindeer herd moves swiftly toward Gilbbesjávri, driven by the impending border closure and early snowfall. Willa sneaks into Ivvár's lávvu to be with him, though their relationship remains fragile. Ivvár is restless and reveals his fear and sadness over the "end of drum-time" (265), meaning the gradual erosion of Sámi culture and autonomy since the arrival of Christianity.

During the day, Willa spends time with Anna and Risten, longing for acknowledgment of her relationship with Ivvár. She learns about Sámi marriage traditions and realizes that aligning with Ivvár means forgoing any reindeer rádju, unlike Risten, who became wealthy through her marriage to Mikkol. Willa feels ashamed and uncertain about her place within the siida.

A visitor, Jáhko-Duoma, brings news from town, including the shocking information that Willa’s family has moved south and that Nora has married Henrik. Willa struggles to process this, feeling abandoned and disconnected. She resolves to stay with Ivvár and make her place within the siida despite the challenges.

The herd continues toward the border, and Willa clings to Ivvár for comfort, hoping they can create a life together. Their nights together become precious to her.

Biettar, feeling the weight of his years and the toll of his recent nomadic and evangelical lifestyle, struggles with the news of the border closure. This has made him feel personally betrayed by God. He prays, but the fear remains, prompting him to seek out Ivvár and the herd for reassurance. He is drawn to the church, hoping for news of the siida.

Arriving late to the church, Biettar is surprised to see few sleds. Inside, he sees Henrik and Nora in the front pew along with Risten, Mikkol, Ánde, and Niko. He immediately notices the dynamics within the church, recognizing the new pastor’s attempt to enforce silence and order. Risten, also at the service, reflects on Ivvár’s whereabouts, suspecting he’s drinking again. She is relieved by the new pastor's dull sermon compared to Mad Lasse’s, though she feels conflicted about the criticisms of their traditional ways. The service is disrupted when Biettar stands and accuses the pastor, Frans, of drinking. This accusation leads to a heated confrontation, with many congregants siding with Biettar and refusing to leave. Frans eventually ends the service, walking out in frustration.

Meanwhile, Ivvár, feeling conflicted and driven by a desire for alcohol, visits Old Sussu instead of going to the store. Inside her suffocatingly warm hut, they talk about his late mother and his father’s past struggles. Old Sussu shares a brooch from Ivvár’s mother, suggesting it’s time for him to pass it on, possibly to Willa. As they drink coffee, Old Sussu warns Ivvár that Frans is aware of his father’s prayer meetings, indicating potential trouble. The sound of the church bell, a heavy, iron call stirs something in Ivvár.

Nora is making supper, but she is still shaken by the incident at church. Henrik and Frans are upstairs, drinking and discussing the situation, and Henrik assures Frans that he handled the disruption correctly. Frans criticizes the Sámi, whom he calls the Lapps (a term that’s considered pejorative by present-day Sámi), and shows a lack of understanding about Lars Levi's methods. Nora, feeling the tension, prepares their meal, trying to avoid their conversation.

During dinner, Frans comments on the toughness of the meat, and the conversation shifts to Henrik's debts and the upcoming reindeer slaughter in December. Frans seems satisfied as Henrik pours more brännvin for him. Nora senses a hidden agenda between the men. After dinner, Frans and Henrik move supplies from the storeroom to the woodshed at the parsonage. When Nora tries to ask Henrik what is happening, he dismisses her questions, leaving her feeling isolated. Frans remains behind with Nora and attempts to engage her in conversation, making uncomfortable comments about the Sámi and their primal nature. He touches her inappropriately, making her feel trapped. She wishes for Willa’s presence.

Meanwhile, Willa wakes in the middle of the night, disturbed by the northern lights and Ivvár’s absence. She goes outside and waits for him. Ivvár is visiting Old Sussu, who speaks to him about his mother and gives him a brooch as an offering to the sieidi. His visit to the sieidi is a moving and personal experience, but he leaves, feeling an urgent need to protect the herd. He is convinced Frans and others are coming for them and tries to rally Risten, Anna, and the others to move. They doubt him, suspecting he is drunk. Feeling increasingly desperate and isolated, Ivvár decides he and Willa will move their own herd despite the others' reluctance.