'One of the great mythic poems of Europe' The New York Times
Sharing its title with the poetic name for Finland - 'the land of heroes' - Kalevala is the soaring epic poem of its people, a work rich in magic and myth which tells the story of a nation through the ages from the dawn of creation. Sung by rural Finns since prehistoric times, and formally compiled by Elias Lönnrot in the nineteenth century, it is a landmark of Finnish culture and played a vital role in galvanizing its national identity in the decades leading to independence. Its themes, however, reach beyond borders and search the heart of human existence.
Translated with an Introduction by Eino Friberg
Imprint: Penguin
Published: 29/04/2021
ISBN: 9780241403075
Length: 656 Pages
RRP: £12.99
A masterpiece
One of the great mythic poems of Europe
The Kalevala is a fabulous narrative spiced with exotic images and much hilarity