The story is based on the history of Ukraine through the eyes of a long-lived Volyn peasant, Yakiv Mekh. Since childhood, he has been in love with Ulyana, but despite the reciprocity of feelings, her parents married her off to a boy from a wealthy family. Unable to change anything, Yakiv leaves the village. He joins the Polish army and meets a Polish noblewoman, Zosia... His fate includes wars, captivity, and the loss of loved ones, but its main outcome is the preservation of humanity and the ability to love.