Kalevala katsottuna kaunotieteen kannalta

This scholarly work offers a close‑up look at Finland’s national epic through the lens of aesthetic theory. Drawing on years of lectures and research, the author examines how the poems achieve a striking unity and a distinctive lyrical beauty that sets them apart from other folk traditions. The study balances rigorous analysis with an appreciation for the poetic spirit that still resonates today.

The book is organized around the epic’s central figures, dedicating chapters to the sage Väinämöinen, the inventive Ilmarinen, the tragic Kullervo, and the other iconic characters who shape the narrative’s emotional core. Each section explores how these heroes embody the work’s artistic principles, from rhythm and metaphor to the deeper cultural symbolism they carry. Readers will come away with a richer understanding of why the Kalevala continues to inspire both scholars and lovers of poetry alike.