Kalevala: Analysis of Major Characters
"Kalevala: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the rich tapestry of characters from the Finnish epic, *Kalevala*, which is compiled from various folk tales. Central to the narrative is Kaleva, an ancestral figure who, while not directly appearing in the poem, serves as a foundational element binding the heroic stories together. Among the prominent characters is Väinämöinen, the singer-hero, who embarks on a quest for Louhi's daughter, driven by the requirement to secure a magical artifact known as the Sampo, which leads to a series of conflicts over its possession. Ilmarinen, the skilled smith, also seeks Louhi's daughter and plays a crucial role in forging the Sampo.
The narrative further introduces Lemminkäinen, a warrior seeking love, and Joukahäinen, a young man who faces defeat in a magical duel against Väinämöinen. Aino, Joukahäinen's sister, tragically chooses death over marrying Väinämöinen. The antagonist Louhi, queen of Pohjola, embodies powerful witchcraft and influences the fates of many suitors. Additionally, the character Kullervo represents themes of tragedy and revenge, ultimately leading to his downfall. Other notable characters include Ukko, the supreme god, and Marjatta, a holy woman who births a significant son. This analysis offers insights into how these characters interweave themes of love, conflict, and fate within the cultural context of Finnish mythology.
Kalevala: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Elias Lönnrot
First published: 1835 (English translation, 1888)
Genre: Poetry
Locale: Finland and Lapland
Plot: Saga
Time: Mythological antiquity
Kaleva, the ancestor of all heroes. Although he never appears in the poem, he is one of the unifying principles of this saga, which is put together from the Finnish folk tales of many generations.
Väinämöinen, the singer-hero, who is the Son of the Wind and the Virgin of the Air. Seeking a daughter of Louhi, the witch, for his wife, Väinämöinen is required to furnish the mother with a magic Sampo that grinds out riches. He provides the Sampo, but the daughter chooses another man for a husband. A large part of Väinämöinen's story is then concerned with his efforts to recover the Sampo and the catastrophic results of his theft.
Ilmarinen, the smith-hero and forger of the sky and of the Sampo required of Väinämöinen by Louhi. He is in love with Louhi's daughter and is chosen by her over Väinämöinen.
Lemminkäinen, a warrior-hero, who seeks as a wife a daughter of Louhi.
Joukahäinen, a young man defeated by Väinämöinen in a duel of magic songs.
Aino, Joukahäinen's sister, who is won in a song duel by Väinämöinen. She drowns herself rather than marry him.
Louhi, a witch, the ruler of Pohjola, and the mother of beautiful daughters sought as wives by Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen, and Lemminkäinen.
Kyllikki, the flower of Saari, who is abducted by Lemminkäinen.
Vipunen, a giant who swallows and disgorges Väinämöinen.
Tiera, Lemminkäinen's warrior companion.
Kullervo, a sullen, powerful slave who kills Ilmarinen's wife and ravishes his own sister. In despair, he falls on his sword.
Untamöinen, Kullervo's uncle, who carries off Kullervo's mother. When Kullervo grows up, he kills Untamöinen.
Kalervo, Kullervo's father.
Ukko, the supreme god.
Marjatta, a holy woman and virgin who gives birth to a son in a stable.
The king of Carelia, Marjatta's wise son.