'Kalevala: the Epic Poem of Finland (Crawford Translation)' Summary

The Kalevala is a collection of Finnish oral folklore and mythology compiled by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century. It is considered the national epic of Finland and is one of the most important works of Finnish literature. The poem tells the story of the creation of the world, the birth of the Finnish people, and their struggles against their enemies. It is a rich tapestry of myth, legend, and history, and provides a fascinating glimpse into the culture and beliefs of the Finnish people. The Kalevala is divided into 50 cantos, each of which tells a different story. The first cantos deal with the creation of the world and the birth of the Finnish people. The middle cantos tell of the adventures of the hero Väinämöinen, who is a powerful magician and musician. The last cantos tell of the wars between the Finns and their enemies, and of the eventual triumph of the Finns. The Kalevala is a complex and multifaceted work that has been interpreted in many different ways. It is a valuable source of information about Finnish history, culture, and mythology, and it continues to inspire artists and writers today.