Different political groups have reinterpreted the Kalevala to align with their own ideological agendas. What features of the Kalevala make it suitable for political interpretation? How can both the political left and right use the same piece of literature as a unifying symbol? Is there a comparison to be made between the Finnish political parties' use of the Kalevala and the Nazi propagandists' use of the Nibelungenlied mythology during the 1930s and 40s? Are there similar instances in other nations where a piece of imaginative literature has been used to support an ideology? Is this a fitting use of literature?

The Kalevala served as a source of ethnic pride for the Finns during their struggle for national independence and recognition. However, later Finnish generations used the Kalevala to promote the aggressive, militaristic agenda of "Greater Finland." Using examples from current global events, evaluate the advantages and risks of ethnic pride. You might consider the former Soviet republics, the Middle East, the United States, the former Yugoslavia, Serbia, and Croatia, or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Is there a distinction between ethnic pride and tribalism?

Some critics claim that the Kalevala is anti-feminist. Do you agree with this perspective, or would you challenge it? Support your argument with examples from the text.

Lonnrot believed Finland's national essence resided in the oral traditions of rural communities, and he sourced the material for the Finnish epic from these traditions. A shared identity or myth is seen as crucial in building a sense of national pride and unity. The United States lacks a national epic, but North Americans share certain myths about their beginnings. If an American folklorist aimed to create an American national epic, what elements might be included? Consider the widespread national myths about the Pilgrim settlers and the Westward expansion, for instance. Would these be essential components of a U.S. national epic? What other elements would be necessary?

The poetry collection Leaves of Grass by American poet Walt Whitman (1819-1892) has been interpreted as an attempt or initial step toward an American epic. Can you identify aspects of Whitman's work that support or refute this interpretation?

Compare and contrast the structure, content, themes, or characters of the Kalevala with those of the Iliad, Nibelungenlied, or another major world epic.

What could an anthropologist deduce about the material culture and daily life (diet, habits, clothing, etc.) of ancient Finns by studying the poetry of the Kalevala?

Lonnrot is often referred to as the last great Finnish folk singer because he combined elements from various songs to create a new form. How does his approach compare to or differ from that of contemporary folk singers and rap artists who construct new compositions using samples? The band Negativland argues that copyright law is detrimental to folk music. They state, "True folk music, for instance, no longer exists. The original folk music process of actually incorporating previous melodies and lyrics as it evolved through time is no longer possible in modern societies, where melodies and lyrics are privately owned." ("Crosley Bendix on U.S. Copyright" [http://www.negativland.com/crosley.html]) If Lonnrot were attempting to compile the Kalevala in today's world, what steps would he need to take to avoid legal issues with performers who claim ownership of the songs they perform?