Suomen Kansan Vanhoja Runoja ynnä myös Nykyisempiä Lauluja 2

A rare anthology brings together a vivid tapestry of ancient Finnish verses and a handful of later folk songs, all gathered by a 19th‑century physician‑knight in Turku. The collection opens with mythic creation myths—stories of the birth of the world, the first fire, the origins of the bear, the bee, and the great hero Väinämöinen—offering listeners a glimpse into the oral tradition that shaped early Finnish identity. Interspersed are prayers of sailors, seasonal chants, and lyrical pieces that echo the rhythms of rural life, from harvest prayers to love verses tied to specific dates and events.

Beyond the mythic core, the volume preserves quirky tales and riddles, such as a dog ferrying meat across a river and a playful song about a tiny boy emerging from the sea. These pieces showcase the language’s rich metaphor and the community’s connection to nature, making the anthology a valuable auditory window into Finland’s cultural roots and the evolution of its folk poetry.