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The Epic Tales of Finnish Mythology

a collection of traditional oral poems compiled by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century. It tells the story of the Finnish people's origins, their struggles, and their triumphs. Kalevala is a rich source of Finnish mythology, folklore, and cultural traditions.

2. The Creation of the World

According to Kalevala, the world was created from the fragments of an egg laid by a giant bird. The sky was formed from the upper half of the egg, the earth from the lower half, and the stars and moon from the yolk. The first human beings were created from the feathers of the bird.

3. The Birth of Väinämöinen

Väinämöinen is the central figure in Kalevala. He is a wise and powerful sage who is said to have been born from the sea foam. Väinämöinen is a skilled musician and poet, and he is often credited with creating the world's first kantele, a traditional Finnish stringed instrument.

4. The Heroics of Ilmarinen

Ilmarinen is a blacksmith and the creator of the Sampo, a magical artifact that brings prosperity to its owner. Ilmarinen is also a skilled warrior, and he plays a major role in the defense of Kalevala against the forces of evil.

5. The Tragedy of Kullervo

Kullervo is a tragic figure in Kalevala. He is cursed by the gods from birth, and he is forced to endure a series of misfortunes. Kullervo is a skilled warrior, but he is also impulsive and quick to anger. He eventually meets a tragic end, but his story is a reminder of the power of fate and the importance of forgiveness.

6. The Wooing of Louhi

Louhi is the mistress of Pohjola, a land of darkness and cold. She is

The Epic Tales of Finnish Mythology