The End of Drum-Time

Willa has been gone for a month, and her absence is treated with an uncomfortable silence. Henrik is one of the few who acknowledges her disappearance, having seen her leave, but he is troubled by the collective pretense that nothing happened. Lorens recovers but is changed, appearing distant and spellbound. His recovery is seen by some as a miracle attributed to Lars Levi's faith, which bolsters his ministry despite the scandal of Willa's actions.

Lars Levi himself is conflicted about Willa's disappearance. He hopes she will return repentant, embodying a prodigal daughter scenario, but he also fears the damage her actions could do to his reputation and ministry. He secretly instructs Biettar to remind Willa of God's grace if he finds her.

Nora, Willa's sister, feels the pressure and frustration of being the perfect, dutiful daughter, which contrasts with Willa's expanding world. Nora's bitterness grows as she feels trapped in her role and deprived of opportunities, such as going to Uppsala. Seeking some respite, she visits Henrik and finds solace in his agreeable company despite the impropriety and her parents' disapproval. Henrik is confused by Nora's visits but enjoys the attention. He is struggling with his own issues, including debt and the spread of Lars Levi's influence, which he sees as an epidemic.

Meanwhile, Risten and her group finally reach the sea, bringing relief and a sense of accomplishment. Risten enjoys the beauty of the place and the playful company of her husband, Mikkol, who seems more relaxed away from religious matters. However, her contentment is marred by the looming presence of Ivvár and the memories associated with him.

Ivvár is also at the sea and is caught off guard by the news that Willa has arrived with the Tommas, which fills him with a mix of excitement and dread. He struggles to process his feelings and the implications of Willa's actions as he prepares for the market and tends to his reindeer. His feelings are mirrored by the intense and somewhat chaotic slaughtering of a reindeer.

At the Ivgobahta (Skibotn) market, various ethnic groups—Swedes, Kvens, Finns, Norwegians, Russians, and Sámi—gather to barter goods, each bringing unique resources to trade. The market, free from taxation due to its geographical and political complexities, offers a respite from daily life and relative anonymity, especially for the non-Sámi participants.

Willa is overwhelmed by the market's scale and disorder. She accompanies Risten, who secretly searches for Ivvár among the crowd. Meanwhile, Ivvár is nervously avoiding Willa and Risten. Biettar stands on a rock, preaching fervently but awkwardly. His sermon about the dangers of materialism and liquor is met with jeers and taunts from the drunken marketgoers, culminating in a tense confrontation. He is pulled down from the rock but manages to stand his ground. After the confrontation, the crowd disperses, leaving Biettar crestfallen. He is invited to stay with Risten and Mikkol in their lávvu, where he finds a semblance of solace.

Willa and Ivvár finally notice each other amid the chaos. Willa’s emotional turmoil and embarrassment manifest as she navigates the market, yearning for Ivvár’s attention but finding herself disappointed when he avoids her. Their brief eye contact leaves her feeling vulnerable and rejected. Unable to handle the emotional weight of seeing Biettar and Ivvár, Willa withdraws to the seashore. She stays out all night, listening to the religious fervor emanating from the lávvu and reflecting on her feelings and the group dynamics.

Henrik receives a letter from his uncle Frans, who expresses shock about Lars Levi's heretical teachings. Frans plans to have Lars Levi relocated to Pajala, a more Swedish and presumably less impressionable town, to mitigate his influence. This news troubles Henrik, as Nora would also move to Pajala.

His interactions with Nora become increasingly serious. When she visits him, looking worse for wear due to mosquito bites and hard labor, she shares her frustrations with her role as the dutiful sibling. She confides in Henrik that marrying him would restore her family's reputation after Willa's scandalous departure. Henrik, caught off guard, doesn't know how to respond. He contemplates proposing to Nora to stabilize his life before his uncle's visit. He also hopes the marriage might attract Lars Levi's followers to his store.

Meanwhile, Willa is determined to try her hand at milking reindeer. She unexpectedly finds herself in Ivvár’s presence, who is lounging by a stream. Despite her anger at his abandonment after they were caught together, she quickly succumbs to his charm and follows him on an impulsive journey down the slope, across a stream, and onto a boat. Ivvár's confidence and ease are infectious, and Willa is swept up in the adventure, feeling a mixture of happiness and trepidation.

As they reach a secluded spot, the dynamic between them shifts. Ivvár's playful demeanor gives way to a more serious and introspective mood. Despite this, Willa remains in love with him, finding joy in their shared moments. Ivvár is haunted by memories of his father's public humiliation at the market and his own indecisiveness.

Ivvár and Willa lay on a sun-warmed rock, Ivvár wrestling with his fear of disappointing Willa and the weight of her love. Willa, still hopeful and in love, tries to draw him out of his reverie. Ivvár, feeling burdened by his past and present, kisses Willa's hand, seeking solace and a brief escape from his inner conflict.

Willa is reveling in her newfound freedom and love as she spends time with Ivvár at the sea. The relief from her previous life at the parsonage, the sense of adventure, and the sin that comes with being with Ivvár create a mix of emotions. The pair do not discuss their future, focusing instead on the present, which is filled with activities like fishing and talking about their pasts. Willa feels powerful in being desired, though she knows their relationship may not last beyond the summer.

Meanwhile, Henrik decides to propose to Nora. His proposal is met with confusion and resistance from Lars Levi and Brita, who cannot approve of him because he sells alcohol. Feeling inadequate and dejected, Henrik drowns his sorrows in a reckless night of drinking and swimming. Nora finds him in a drunken state and delivers an ultimatum: He must publicly destroy all his liquor and confess his sins at church. Driven by desperation and the hope of redeeming himself, Henrik complies. He destroys his alcohol, drawing attention from the townspeople and Nora’s family, realizing it might be the only good deed he ever does. However, the act leaves him contemplating his ruin and the loss of the one thing that brings him comfort.

Earmarking season has come, a festive and busy time when Sámi families mark their reindeer calves. Willa is fascinated by the process, though initially, she struggles with it. She watches as the Sámi expertly identify and mark their calves.

The scene is bustling, with reindeer being rounded up and marked in waves, and the atmosphere is lively and communal. Despite the excitement, Risten is irritated by Ivvár's presence, especially because it suggests he's prioritizing his relationship with Willa over respecting her family. Risten and Mikkol work together smoothly, while Ivvár's exuberant behavior and showboating during the marking draw mixed reactions from those around him.

As the day progresses, tensions rise in the lávvu (tent) during a rest period. Mikkol confronts Ivvár and Willa about their relationship, questioning their actions and highlighting the social and moral consequences, particularly for Willa as Lars Levi’s daughter. Willa, embarrassed by Mikkol’s harsh words, leaves the tent quietly. Ivvár follows, but instead of comforting her, he pours out Mikkol’s coffee on the fire. Willa returns to help with the earmarking, seeking solace in the familiar, communal task.