In Montsou, the miners work hard and are not spared from accidents which are sometimes fatal to them. Etienne Lantier, in his twenties, arrives from Lille to try to be forgotten after incidents. He was hired at the mine and discovered harsh working conditions there. The new is not insensitive to the charms of Catherine, also coveted by Chaval. Maheude struggles to feed the 10 members of her family who live under her roof.
—Canon y mus