
An ancient chorus of Finnish myth comes alive in this sweeping saga of heroes, enchantments, and the stark beauty of the North. Listeners are drawn into the restless spirit of Lemminkäinen, a bold wanderer whose yearning for adventure pushes him beyond his mother’s warnings and into the foreboding realm of Pohjola. The tale unfolds with vivid encounters—talks with elemental forces, daring battles, and the haunting allure of a distant, icy kingdom.
The language, rhythmic and lyrical, echoes the oral traditions that shaped the epic, turning each verse into a melodic journey. As Lemminkäinen prepares for his perilous quest, the narrative balances his youthful bravado with the solemn counsel of his mother, highlighting the tension between personal desire and communal duty. The rich tapestry of nature, magic, and human emotion invites listeners to experience a world where every line hums with the pulse of ancient Finland.
Full title
Kalevala (1835) 2. Osa taikka Wanhoja Karjalan Runoja Suomen kansan muinosista ajoista
Language
fi
Duration
~4 hours (253K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jari Koivisto and Tapio Riikonen
Release date
2015-02-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1802–1884
A country doctor who turned oral poetry into a national epic, he is best known as the compiler of the Kalevala. His work helped shape modern Finnish literature and preserve a vast tradition of folk songs and language.
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