Characters
Kaleva
Kaleva, the patronymic ancestor of the Kalevala tribe, is a significant yet unseen figure in the epic. He serves as a unifying principle through the saga, constructed from Finnish folk tales of numerous generations. Lönnrot speculated that Kaleva was the earliest Finnish champion, possibly the pioneer settler on the Finnish peninsula whose clan expanded into the hinterland. The name "Kalevala" means "Kaleva's District," and its inhabitants, including Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen, and Lemminkäinen, are known as "Kaleva's sons." Kaleva's District is located several days' journey south of Pohjola along a sea or bay.
Väinämöinen
Väinämöinen, the singer-hero and son of the Wind and the Virgin of the Air, is central to many adventures in the epic. He seeks Louhi's daughter for marriage and is tasked with obtaining the magical Sampo that produces endless wealth for her mother. Although he secures the Sampo, the daughter prefers Ilmarinen. Väinämöinen is later embroiled in efforts to recover the Sampo, leading to disastrous consequences. Known also as "Eternal Sage" and "Suvantolainen," he is involved in various quests, including journeys to the underworld, Tuonela, in search of wisdom and materials. He is often portrayed as a wise and powerful figure, whose knowledge is unmatched.
Ilmarinen
Ilmarinen, the celebrated smith-hero, is famed for forging the sky and crafting the Sampo. He is deeply in love with Louhi’s daughter, who chooses him over Väinämöinen. His story includes a tragic arc involving his wife—the Maiden of Pohjola—who bakes a stone into Kullervo's bread, leading to her eventual demise at the hands of vengeful bears and wolves disguised as cows. Ilmarinen mourns her death deeply.
Lemminkäinen
Lemminkäinen, also known as Ahti of the Island, Far-Mind, and Kaukomieli, is a warrior-hero renowned for his daring exploits. He too seeks to marry one of Louhi's daughters. His adventures are marked by boldness and a lust for adventure, often leaving his domestic life unsatisfying. He abducts Kyllikki, known as the "Flower of Saari," and their marriage is troubled due to mutual broken promises. Lemminkäinen's escapades include attempting to capture Hiisi's Elk and facing numerous supernatural challenges.
Joukahäinen
Joukahäinen, a brash young challenger from the northern regions, confronts Väinämöinen in a magical singing contest, only to be bested and humiliated. In desperation, he offers his sister Aino as a bride to Väinämöinen to save himself. After Aino's tragic death, he harbors a grudge, attempting but failing to kill Väinämöinen, mistakenly believing he succeeded.
Aino
Aino, Joukahäinen’s sister, is a tragic figure, created by Lönnrot based on folk songs of a reluctant bride. Unwilling to marry Väinämöinen, she drowns herself in the sea, transforming into a fish. When Väinämöinen catches her, she reveals her identity before vanishing forever. Her story is poignant, symbolizing a tragic resistance to an unwanted fate.
Louhi
Louhi, the cunning and powerful witch-ruler of Pohjola, is the mother of the beautiful daughters pursued by Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen, and Lemminkäinen. Known for setting challenging tasks to her daughters' suitors, she plays a pivotal role in the epic's conflicts, particularly in relation to the creation and theft of the Sampo.
Kyllikki
Kyllikki, the "Flower of Saari," is abducted by Lemminkäinen and becomes his wife under strained circumstances. Known for her beauty, Kyllikki makes a mutual vow with Lemminkäinen to live peacefully, but their marriage falters when she breaks her promise. This leads to Lemminkäinen abandoning her, resuming his life of adventure.
Vipunen
Vipunen, a giant with vast knowledge, swallows Väinämöinen during one of his quests. Eventually, Väinämöinen is released, gaining valuable wisdom from his encounter.
Tiera
Tiera, Lemminkäinen’s steadfast warrior companion, shares his friend's adventurous spirit. In Poem 30, Tiera joins Lemminkäinen in a...
(This entire section contains 1589 words.)
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daring raid against Pohjola. Despite their fervor, they encounter adversity in the form of a harsh frost sent by Louhi, leading them to retreat without achieving their objective.
Kullervo
Kullervo, a powerful yet tragic slave, is driven to despair by numerous misfortunes. He avenges himself against Ilmarinen's wife, ultimately leading to his own demise by falling on his sword. His tale is one of profound sorrow and destructive vengeance.
Untamöinen
Untamöinen, Kullervo’s uncle, abducts Kullervo’s mother after killing his brother, Kalervo. When Kullervo matures, he enacts revenge by killing Untamöinen and ravaging his farm.
Kalervo
Kalervo, Kullervo’s father, is embroiled in a bitter feud with his brother Untamöinen. This conflict leads to Kalervo's death and the destruction of his lands. His legacy continues through his son, Kullervo, who avenges the family wrongs.
Ukko
Ukko, meaning "ancient one," is a supreme deity in Finnish mythology, akin to the Norse god Thor. In the Kalevala, he is revered as a powerful god of thunder, and Väinämöinen frequently invokes his aid. Over time, Ukko becomes synonymous with the Christian God.
Marjatta
Marjatta, a virtuous and pious woman, parallels the Virgin Mary. Her miraculous conception after consuming a lingonberry leads to the birth of a son in a stable. This son is destined to become the king of Karelia, prompting Väinämöinen to depart from the world.
The king of Carelia
The king of Carelia, Marjatta’s son, is a wise and noble ruler who signifies a new era, challenging Väinämöinen and ushering in a transformation in the kingdom.
Ahti of the Island
Related to Lemminkäinen, sharing the same daring and adventurous characteristics. See Lemminkäinen for more details on his exploits and persona.
Annikki
Annikki plays a dual role in the epic. She is Lemminkäinen's sister, who reveals Kyllikki's broken vow, and also Ilmarinen’s sister, acting as a messenger to inform him of Väinämöinen's plans. Annikki's character is often associated with being a tattletale, highlighting her role in conveying critical information.
Hiisi
Hiisi is a prominent evil spirit in the Kalevala, although he does not directly engage in the epic's events. His influence is felt in various poems, where his name is invoked. Louhi tasks Lemminkäinen with capturing Hiisi's Elk, a magical creature, as one of his challenges.
Joukdhainen
See Joukahainen. His encounter with Väinämöinen serves as a significant plot point, leading to the offering of his sister Aino as a bride to Väinämöinen.
Kauppi
Kauppi, the skilled ski-maker, aids Lemminkäinen by crafting skis for his quest to capture the Demon's Elk in Poem 13. His contribution is crucial to Lemminkäinen's journey.
Lempo
Lempo, an evil spirit, works in conjunction with Hiisi, further emphasizing the presence of malevolent forces within the epic's narrative.
Lokka
Lokka, Ilmarinen's mother, is briefly mentioned in Poem 25, identified as a "daughter of Kaleva." Her role, though minor, ties back to the larger Kaleva lineage.
Maiden of Pohjola
The Maiden of Pohjola, Louhi's eldest daughter, is renowned for her beauty. Courted by both Ilmarinen and Väinämöinen, she exercises her autonomy by choosing Ilmarinen. She assists him in completing his courtship tasks, but later becomes a vengeful mistress, culminating in her tragic death at Kullervo's hands.
Mielikki
Mielikki, also known as Mimerkki, is the Mistress of the Forest and consort of Tapio. She is mentioned in Poem 14 and plays a role in the mystical woodland hierarchy.
Otsonen
Otsonen, euphemistically referred to as "forest's apple," is a name for the bear in the Kalevala, reflecting cultural taboos around naming bears directly.
Pakkanen
Pakkanen personifies cold and winter, representing the harsh and often challenging conditions faced by the characters within the epic.
Sampsa Pellervoinen
Sampsa, known for his diminutive stature, aids Väinämöinen by helping sow trees across the earth and later finding an oak for boat-building. His contributions are vital in the realm of nature and growth within the Kalevala.
Tapio
Tapio, the god of the forest, rules over the realm of Tapiola. His worship continued into the Christian era, and hunters often sought his favor for success in their endeavors. Tapio's presence highlights the importance of the forest and its deities in Finnish culture.
Tellervo
Tellervo, the cattlemaid of Tapio and potentially his daughter, is one of the forest spirits mentioned in the epic. She illustrates the interconnectedness of the natural and supernatural worlds in the Kalevala.
Tuonetar
Tuonetar, encountered by Väinämöinen at the River of Death, plays a role in the underworld of Tuonela, attempting to thwart Väinämöinen's quest for knowledge.
Tuoni
Tuoni, the ruler of the underworld, presides over Tuonela or Manala, which lies across the River of Death. Only the deceased may enter this realm, though Väinämöinen ventures there twice. The location of Tuonela near Pohjola suggests a close relationship between Louhi's trials and Tuoni's domain.
Tursas
Tursas, a benevolent water spirit, assists Väinämöinen in sowing efforts during Poem 2. Tursas should not be confused with Turso, an evil sea monster.
Turso
Turso is an antagonistic sea monster sent by Louhi to retrieve the Sampo in Poem 42. Unlike the benign Tursas, Turso embodies malevolence and conflict.
Untamo
Untamo, Kalervo's estranged brother and Kullervo's uncle, is responsible for a family feud that leads to Kalervo's death. He raises Kullervo as a slave, yet the boy's destructive nature leads Untamo to sell him. Ultimately, Kullervo returns to exact revenge, killing Untamo and destroying his farm.
