The patriarch who, driven by famine desperation, secretly kills his master's ox to feed his starving family. He hides the meat, steals salt, and later attempts to sell the hide, leading to his arrest and a harsh sentence. After six years in prison, he returns to reconcile with his wife and rebuild his family.
Helge brings his desperate actions to the religious authority, who serves as both confessor and eventual accuser.
Flyckt becomes the primary witness who suspects Helge of the crime after observing the salt theft.
Maria's observation of the missing ox triggers the initial community search that temporarily shields Helge.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of The Ox