The End of Drum-Time

Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses the novel’s treatment of cultural erasure and religious coercion. This section also contains references to abuse.

Ivvár is a young Sámi reindeer herder who is burdened by the responsibilities of managing his family's herd in his father's absence. He embodies the archetype of the conflicted hero, torn between traditional Sámi ways and the encroaching influence of settlers. Physically, Ivvár is depicted as resilient and capable, enduring harsh winters and the grueling demands of herding. His thoughts reveal a mixture of resentment toward his father for abandoning him and a longing for freedom. His speech, often filled with frustration and defiance, underscores his rebellious nature and his struggle against the changes imposed by the settlers.

Ivvár's actions and decisions are heavily influenced by external pressures beyond his control. His father’s imprisonment by the settlers, for example, exemplifies the broader sociopolitical conflict between the Sámi and the colonizing forces. The climactic moment in which he kills Henrik signifies a turning point in his journey. This act of violence and the ensuing fire symbolize the destructive impact of colonization on his life. Ivvár’s subsequent decision to wander off reflects his overwhelming sense of loss and the weight of his burdens.