Ivan and his father have a tenuous relationship. Together, they travel to distant city, seeing the sights and supporting his father's love of gambling. One night, while his father sits at a card table, Ivan befriends a musician who plans to visit Ivan's little village for his sister's wedding. Meanwhile, Ivan's father wins a hand of cards and receives a pig as a settlement of debts. When they return to the village, the pig comes with. Ivan loves his new companion. When he doesn't want to play with the village children, as is often the case, he finds refuge in the pig's companionship. He brings the pig little treats and gifts constantly, and imagines them to be the closest of friends. However, one night, Ivan's father proclaims it's time to slaughter and eat the animal. Horrified, Ivan gathers his belongings and the pig, determined to run away somewhere where neither of them will die. Along the road, he encounters the musician he met before. Although drunk, the musician tries to discourage Ivan from running away. In the midst of their conversation, Ivan's father comes outside, and the musician ignores the boy, instead congratulating his father on his excellent speech and the wedding and jovially remarking on the great feast the pig will provide. A week later, Ivan's mother dies. As he stands at her deathbed, Ivan is unable to cry. He has grown up.