At the end of the nineteenth century, the wealthy farming family Beijen lived in the Lopikerwaard. Son Gieljan revolts against peasant life and his Protestant descent. He is opposed in this by his strict and surly mother, Thera. At first he obeys her and marries the rich farmer's daughter Aaigie, instead of his great love, the poverty-stricken Nelia Boonstoppel. When Aaigie dies of rabies, contracted by a bite from Giel's dog Wees, Giel leaves the polder. However, when a flood threatens, he returns to fight the rising water with the family.