The Kalevala

Interesting Facts

• "The Kalevala" is an epic poem based on Karelian-Finnish folklore and mythology.
• The epic consists of 50 runes (songs) that narrate the adventures of heroes such as Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen, and Lemminkäinen.
• The collection and systematization of material for "The Kalevala" took the author about 15 years.
• "The Kalevala" had a significant impact on Finnish culture and national consciousness, becoming a symbol of Finnish national revival.
• The epic inspired many artists, composers, and writers, including Jean Sibelius, who composed the symphonic poem "Kullervo" based on "The Kalevala" themes.
• Väinämöinen, one of the main heroes of the epic, is a powerful shaman and singer with magical abilities.
• "The Kalevala" describes the creation of the world and the origin of various natural phenomena, making it an important source for studying the mythology of the Finno-Ugric peoples.