Kalevala (1862): Lyhennetty laitos by Elias Lönnrot
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"Kalevala (1862): Lyhennetty laitos" by Elias Lönnrot is an epic poetry collection written in the mid-19th century. The work compiles Finnish folklore and poetry, focusing on the legendary hero Väinämöinen and his adventures, interactions with other mythical characters, and the themes of creation, love, and conflict. It serves as a cornerstone of Finnish national identity, weaving tales of gods, nature, and the supernatural. The beginning of "Kalevala" introduces the central character, Väinämöinen,
called upon to sing and share his wisdom. The narrative starts with the creation myth surrounding Ilmatar, the daughter of the air, who becomes pregnant after floating on the sea and gives birth to Väinämöinen, who then seeks his place in the world. This portion sets the stage for his subsequent adventures and emphasizes themes of solitude, longing, and the mystical connection between the characters and nature. The text highlights the importance of singing and storytelling in Finnish culture, promising rich tales interwoven with the natural world and mythical elements. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
