Alewijn, de Lijfeigene: Historisch verhaal uit de 12e eeuw

A humble farmer returns from the crusades with a modest parcel of fertile land near an abbey, hoping to build a stable life for his wife and child. Through hard work and thrift the family prospers, but the patriarch’s secret love of gambling soon erodes their modest fortune, forcing them into the abbey’s serfdom. Stripped of freedom, they become bound to the abbot’s service, and their young son Alewijn steps into a world of strict hierarchy and daily toil.

Now Alewijn’s days are spent assisting Diedaart, the feather‑caretaker, whose quirky methods of feeding the chickens blend practicality with a dash of humor. The boy’s simple tasks—delivering eggs and listening to Diedaart’s stories—offer a glimpse of life within the cloistered community, where every chore is watched and every mistake weighed. As Alewijn adapts to his new role, the gentle rhythm of the abbey’s routines begins to shape his future, hinting at both challenges and unexpected friendships ahead.