The fable of Kullervo is a dismal story. During a life of hardship, Kullervo is visited by violence and also commits horrible deeds himself. The painting depicts one turning point in the story. Kullervo, an orphan with supernatural strength, is sold as a slave and sent to the forest to shepherd cattle. His mean-spirited mistress has baked a stone inside the loaf of bread Kullervo has for his meal. When Kullervo cuts the bread, he breaks his knife, the only keepsake he has from his father. Enraged, Kullervo drives the cattle into a bog and gathers a new herd of wolves, bears and lynx. The story becomes a spiral of revenge. This painting casts the story into a setting of a landscape glowing with the colours of autumn.