The word Kalevala, which means “land of the descendants of Kaleva,” is an imaginary region associated with Finland. The epic’s fifty poems or songs—also known as cantos or runes—recount the stories of various legendary heroes and ofgods and goddesses and describe mythical events such as the creation of the world.
Vainamoinen (pronounced vye-nuh-MOY-nen), one of the heroes in the Kalevala, is a wise old seer who can see the future and work magic through the songs that he sings. His mother is Ilmatar (pronounced EEL-mah-tar), the virgin spirit of air, who brought about creation. Another great hero of the epic, Lemminkainen (pronounced LEM-in-kye-nen), appears as a handsome, carefree, and romantic adventurer.
Vainamoinen and Lemminkainen have certain experiences and goals in common. In their adventures, both men meet Louhi (pronounced LOH-hee), the evil mistress of Pohjola (the Northland), and both of them seek to wed Louhi’s daughter, the beautiful Maiden of Pohjola. A third suitor for the maiden’s hand, Ilmarinen (EEL-mah-ree-nen), is a blacksmith who constructs a sampo, a mysterious object like a mill that can produce prosperity for its owner.
A number of other figures become involved with these leading characters. Kuura, another hero, joins Lemminkainen on his journey to Pohjola. Joukahainen (pronounced YOH-kuh-hye-nen), an evil youth, challenges Vainamoinen to a singing contest. His sister Aino (pronounced EYE-noh), who is offered in marriage to Vainamoinen, drowns herself rather than wed the aged hero. Another character, Kullervo (pronounced KOO-ler-vaw), commits suicide after unknowingly raping his own sister. Marjatta (pronounced MAR-yah-tah), the last major character introduced in the Kalevala, is a virgin who gives birth to a king.
World History
