Kalevala facts for kids
The Kalevala is a very special book for Finnish people. It's known as their national epic, which means it's a collection of stories and poems that are super important to their culture and history. Think of it like a country's main storybook!
The Kalevala is full of exciting tales. These stories are actually very old poems. Long, long ago, people didn't just read them; they sang them! These poems have a special rhythm and style that is unique to languages like Finnish. The stories cover many different times, with some parts being as old as the Stone Age. Many of these poems were gathered from a region called Karelia and nearby areas.
Contents
Who Are the Heroes of Kalevala?
The Kalevala is packed with brave heroes and their amazing adventures.
Main Heroes
- Väinämöinen: He is a wise old man with magical powers. He can sing spells and create things with his voice. He is often seen as a hero of wisdom and music.
- Ilmarinen: This hero is a master craftsman. He can forge anything, even magical items. He once forged the sky itself!
- Lemminkäinen: He is a brave and sometimes reckless warrior. He loves adventure and often gets into trouble.
- Kullervo: His story is a sad one. He is a tragic hero who faces many hardships and seeks revenge.
Main Enemies
The heroes often face tough opponents. The main enemies are:
- Louhi: She is the powerful and often evil mistress of Pohjola. She has strong magic and tries to stop the heroes.
- Joukahainen: He is a young, boastful rival of Väinämöinen. Their rivalry leads to many conflicts.
What Are the Stories About?
Many stories in the Kalevala are about a big conflict between two lands.
The Land of Kalevala
This is the home of the heroes. It's a place of courage, wisdom, and craftsmanship. The heroes work to protect their land and people.
The Land of Pohjola
Pohjola is the land of the enemies. It's described as a cold, dark, and often evil place far in the north. The people of Pohjola, led by Louhi, often try to steal magical items or cause trouble for the heroes.
The Sampo
One of the most important magical items in the Kalevala is the Sampo. It's a magical mill that can create wealth and good fortune. The heroes of Kalevala and the people of Pohjola often fight over who gets to control the Sampo. It's a central part of many adventures.
How Was the Kalevala Created?
The Kalevala wasn't written by one person from scratch. It was put together by a very dedicated man.
Elias Lönnrot's Work
Elias Lönnrot was a Finnish doctor and scholar. He spent many years traveling around Finland and Karelia. He listened to people singing these old poems and wrote them down. He then organized and combined these poems into the book we know today as the Kalevala. His first version was published in 1835, and a longer, more complete version came out in 1849.
Global Impact
The Kalevala has become famous worldwide. It has been translated into many different languages, including English. People all over the world can read and enjoy these ancient Finnish stories. It has also inspired many artists, musicians, and writers.
Images for kids
-
Elias Lönnrot
-
The statue of Väinämöinen by (1888) decorates the Old Student House in Helsinki
-
A caricature of Elias Lönnrot by A. W. Linsen: "Unus homo nobis currendo restituit rem" – "One man saved everything for us by running".
-
Notable towns visited by Elias Lönnrot during his 15 years of field trips – both sides then belonged to Russia
-
Karelian poem singing brothers Poavila and Triihvo Jamanen reciting traditional Finnish folk poetry, Uhtua, 1894.
-
Ilmatar by Robert Wilhelm Ekman, 1860
-
Lemminkäinen's Mother by Akseli Gallen-Kallela, 1897
-
Kullervo Speaks to His Sword by Carl Eneas Sjöstrand, 1868 (cast into bronze in 1932)
-
Väinämöinen is deeply identified with his kantele. (Väinämöinen's Play, Robert Wilhelm Ekman, 1866)
-
Mistress of the North, Louhi attacking Väinämöinen in the form of a giant eagle with her troops on her back. (The Defense of the Sampo, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, 1896)
-
Entrance hall of the National Museum of Finland with Kalevala frescoes by Gallen-Kallela
-
The lachrymose Kullervo has been a source of inspiration for several artists. (Kullervo's Curse, Gallen-Kallela, 1899)
-
Jean Sibelius in the 1950s. Sibelius is Finland's most famous composer. Many of his works were influenced by the Kalevala.
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Kalevala para niños
