The Kalevala: Finland's National Epic

The Kalevala is a magical book, full of old wisdom,

myths, spells, and exciting adventures.

February 28 is the Kalevala Day, and the day of Finnish Culture. The Kalevala is a national epic of Finland and one of the most significant works of Finnish literature. It's an epic poetry compiled by Elias Lönnrot from Finnish and Karelian oral folklore and mythology. The Kalevala is almost like a "holy book" or Finland's own Bible for some patriotic people. For my part, I love this book!

The first version of The Kalevala was published in 1835, and the final version was published in 1849. This book contains a fifty poems, full of magic, spells, myths, folk wisdom, and exciting adventures of old heroes (gods).

The Kalevala is Finland's most translated work of literature. It has been translated into 61 languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, German, French, and Spanish. A well-known English writer J. R. R. Tolkien was a huge fan of The Kalevala!

The Magical Power of the Music

Väinämöinen is the central character of The Kalevala. He is a wise man who knows good magic, and hero with many adventures. According to Finnish mythology, Väinämöinen is also a god. Magic of Väinämöinen is in his songs. When he sings hills shake and water moves! He sings his enemy, Joukahainen, to sink in swamp. Väinämöinen plays a magical kantele.

Kantele is a traditional Finnish stringed instrument that resembles and is played like a zither. Kantele is also related to the ancient Asian instruments such as Chinese gu zheng and Japanese koto. Kantele is a national instrument and symbol of Finland.

Here I list some other symbols of Finland; two of them are national symbols of Russia, too:

Brown bear (Finnish: karhu) national animal (also in Russia)
Whooper Swan (Finnish: laulujoutsen) national bird
Finnhorse (Finnish: suomenhevonen) national horse
Granite (Finnish: graniitti) national rock
Lily of the Valley (Finnish: kielo) national flower
Birch (Finnish: koivu) national tree (also in Russia)

 

Kantele is a traditional Finnish stringed instrument,

and also national instrument and symbol of Finland.

Similarities with Asian Cultures

Some scientists says that even 25 % of the genes of Finns comes from the Asia. Part of original Finns (Finno-Ugric people) were ancient nomads from the East. When they lived close by the Silk Road about 3000 years ago, they were dealing with other Asian nomadic people.

That's why there are many similar old myths and legends in Finland, Japan, China and India (for example, so-called World egg myth). It has been said that Finland is the most Asian country in Europe!

Finally, one quote from The Kalevala. This is an ancient Finnish blessing according to English translation:

Grant, O Ukko, our Creator,

Grant to us, thy needful children,

Peace, and happiness, and plenty,

That our lives may be successful,

That our days may end in honor.

I recommend this amazing and mystical book to everyone who are interested in Finnish mythology and old poetry. Happy Kalevala Day! （＾—＾）

Teisuka

Joukahainen's Revenge (1897), a painting by Akseli

Gallen-Kallela, who is best known for his illustrations

of the Kalevala. His work was considered very

important for the Finnish national identity.