The Kalevala

Summary

"The Kalevala" is the Finnish national epic, compiled and reworked by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century. The epic is based on folk songs and runic chants passed down through generations among the Karelians and Finns. Elias Lönnrot combined these songs into a cohesive narrative, creating an epic tale about the origins and heroes of the Finno-Ugric peoples. "The Kalevala" tells of the creation of the world, the adventures and duels of heroes, including Väinämöinen, the wise shaman and singer; Ilmarinen, the legendary blacksmith who forged the sky; and Lemminkäinen, the fearless warrior. The central event of the work is the quest for and creation of the Sampo, a mystical artifact that ensures prosperity and well-being. The book is imbued with themes of love, loyalty, revenge, and the search for truth, reflecting the deep spiritual world of the Finno-Ugric peoples and their perception of nature and the universe.