The epic tales of the Kalevala are woven into the landscape of Finland. Embark on adventures with the trio of legendary heroes—Vainamoinen, Lemminkainen, and Ilmarinen—as they reside in the more inviting climes of southern Finland. Here, the weather is far more accommodating than the harsher northern regions, where jagged peaks are cloaked in snow for half the year.

In these stark northern reaches, under the eerie glow of the "midnight sun," lay the dominion of Mistress Louhi, the sinister sorceress commanding shadows. Her realm, Pohjola, was shrouded in mystery and darkness—a notion easily accepted by those who dwelled in a land where winter draped the sky in continuous night for nearly two months. Without the lens of modern science, these enigmatic phenomena were attributed to the arcane prowess of mighty magicians.

Synge's rendition of the Kalevala draws deeply from Lonnrot’s meticulously curated arrangement, likened to an exquisite tapestry of tales, perhaps akin to an "artificial Jacket by Dondie Cox for Land of Heroes" by Ursula Synge. Published by Atheneum, New York, in 1978, this structure weaves together narratives, each crafted by diverse authors across different eras, gathered from the far reaches of the land. These stories were transmitted orally over hundreds, if not thousands, of years. While the epic's segments mesh harmoniously in many respects, the stories’ varied origins create a tapestry rich with clashing elements of character and plot.

Take, for instance, the heroes' initial claim of pursuing the sampo out of sheer desire for adventure, a yearning born from the monotony they face, reflective of an ancient heroic ethos. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, they assert a nobler intent—retrieving the sampo to relieve Finland's suffering populace. This latter explanation echoes a Christian ethos, possibly appended to the tale in subsequent retellings. Such contradictions defy resolution.

While distinctly Finnish in style and essence, the Kalevala resonates with mythologies from other cultures. Its protagonists are as fervently drawn to quests as the legendary Jason, Odysseus, and Aeneas from Greek and Roman epics. Finnish heroes mirror classical gods—Vainamoinen parallels Apollo, and Ilmarinen is likened to Vulcan. Their actions are unpredictable, driven by caprice rather than a moral compass, prioritizing vengeance and honor over justice. This epic shares insightful echoes with classical myth and epic traditions, offering a rich field for comparative study.

In her retelling of the Kalevala, Synge breathes life into customs and beliefs that might appear alien to today’s readers. Even when her tales wander into realms of the supernatural or summon fantastical beings, her portrayal remains convincing, grounded in a sense of realism. Yet, she faithfully preserves the metaphorical beauty and lyrical spirit of Lonnrot’s original work.

One of the most captivating elements of this book lies in its power to compel readers to confront timeless questions of morality: What fuels human actions? How do they discern between right and wrong? Are age-old traditions always virtuous? Although the narrative is devoid of fierce battles, as the heroes wield magic rather than swords, their mystical problem-solving invites reflection on navigating life's challenges. In their mythical realm, magic serves as a tool; in reality, people must rely on their conscience and moral judgment. The epic's protagonists usually strive for goodness, occasionally against their own nature. When they falter, consequences follow. Magic or no, good and evil are formidable forces in the world that demand attention, and readers, like the legendary figures of the Kalevala, must choose their paths and face the repercussions of their decisions.

The Kalevala , like many ancient narratives, often relegates women to the background. These tales were crafted...