Elias Lönnrot

Memoria y concepción filosófica del universo de todo un pueblo, el finlandés, elKalevala es a la vez una de las más grandes epopeyas de Europa. Suma del folclore de Finlandia y de su pasado mítico, en ella la leyenda, la fabula y la balada aparecen perfectamente entrelazadas, creando un mundo a caballo entre la realidad y la magia.Memoria y concepcion filosofica del universo de todo un pueblo, el finlandes, elKalevalaes a la vez una de las mas grandes epopeyas de Europa. Compuesta por Elias Lonnrot a partir del disperso repertorio de cantos populares, transmitidos de generacion en generacion por bardos carelianos, su minucioso trabajo de recuperacion y reelaboracion de los cantos alumbro por fin una obra unica y coherente, suma del folclore de Finlandia y de su pasado mitico. La leyenda, la fabula y la balada aparecen en ella perfectamente entrelazadas, creando un mundo a caballo entre la realidad y la magia, poblado no por heroes en sentido estricto, sino por hombres que, si bien destacan por sus atributos casi divinos, actuan movidos por pasiones humanas. La presente edicion responde a la definitiva de la obra, publicada en 1849.Prologo de Agustin Garcia CalvoMemoria y concepcion filosofica del universo de todo un pueblo, el finlandes, elKalevalaes a la vez una de las mas grandes epopeyas de Europa. Compuesta por Elias Lonnrot a partir del disperso repertorio de cantos populares, transmitidos de generacion en generacion por bardos carelianos, su minucioso trabajo de recuperacion y reelaboracion de los cantos alumbro por fin una obra unica y coherente, suma del folclore de Finlandia y de su pasado mitico. La leyenda, la fabula y la balada aparecen en ella perfectamente entrelazadas, creando un mundo a caballo entre la realidad y la magia, poblado no por heroes en sentido estricto, sino por hombres que, si bien destacan por sus atributos casi divinos, actuan movidos por pasiones humanas. La presente edicion responde a la definitiva de la obra, publicada en 1849.Prologo de Agustin Garcia Calvo

Translator: John Martin Crawford

(Also see eBooks 5184-5186)

El Kalevala es una epopeya finlandesa compuesta por Elias Lönnrot a partir del disperso repertorio de cantos populares, transmitidos de generación en generaciónpor bardos carelianos como Arhippa Pert

Translator: John Martin Crawford

Translator: John Martin Crawford

A mitologia que inspirou Tolkien a criar seu mundo fantástico!Kalevala é uma epopeia finlandesa que descreve as façanhas e disputas de poderosos heróis míticos como o trágico Kullervo, Väinämöinen, o

In primeval times, a maiden,Beauteous Daughter of the Ether,Passed for ages her existenceIn the great expanse of heaven,Oer the prairies yet enfolded.Wearisome the maiden growing,Her existence sad and hopeless,Thus alone to live for agesIn the infinite expansesOf the air above the sea-foam,In the far outstretching spaces,In a solitude of ether,She descended to the ocean,Waves her coach, and waves her pillow.Thereupon the rising storm-windFlying from the East in fierceness,Whips the ocean into surges,Strikes the stars with sprays of oceanTill the waves are white with fervor.

Kalevala: The Epic Poem of Finland is a monumental work that serves as both a cultural cornerstone and a literary masterpiece, collecting and reimagining ancient Finnish oral traditions into a cohesive narrative. Elias Lonnrot employs a strikingly lyrical style, employing alliteration and repetition reflective of the oral tradition while weaving together tales of heroism, creation, and the struggles between shamanistic elements and Christian ideologies. The poem not only reflects the rich tapestry of Finnish folklore but also situates itself within the burgeoning nationalistic movements of the 19th century, championing Finnish identity at a time of cultural resurgence. Elias Lonnrot, a physician and philologist, dedicated much of his life to collecting folk songs and oral legends from diverse regions of Finland. His extensive travels across the Finnish countryside and meticulous documentation of these traditions became an integral part of his identity as a scholar. Lonnrots own experiences with the clash of modernity and tradition deeply informed the themes of Kalevala, as he sought to preserve the vanishing folk culture and assert a sense of national pride amidst growing Russian influence. Kalevala is highly recommended for readers who wish to explore the foundations of Finnish literature and culture. Its vivid imagery and rich storytelling not only captivate the reader but also invite reflection on universal themes of struggle and resilience, making it a timeless work that resonates with audiences around the globe.

The "Kalevala: The Epic Poem of Finland" is a monumental compilation of Finnish folklore, meticulously assembled by Elias Lnnrot in the 19th century. This epic poem, structured into 50 cantos, intricately weaves together a tapestry of myth, heroism, and the human experience, rich with lyricism and rhythmic cadences typical of oral traditions. Lnnrots innovative adaptation of various fragmented oral stories presents a deeper cultural identity, reflecting the struggle between nature and mankind, the quest for knowledge, and the intertwining fates of its vibrant characters from the Finnish epic tradition. Elias Lnnrot, a physician and philologist, embarked on extensive travels throughout Finland to collect these oral epic songs, motivated by a desire to preserve the Finnish language and culture during a time of increasing nationalism. His scholarly pursuits were fortified by the Romantic ideals of his era, which championed the importance of folklore and regional identity. LnnrotAos personal passion for the Finnish landscape and mythology undoubtedly fueled his commitment to craft the Kalevala, imbuing it with a sense of authenticity that continues to resonate. This enduring work is highly recommended for readers seeking to understand not only Finlands literary heritage but also the universal themes encapsulated within its verses. The "Kalevala" serves as a powerful tribute to the resilience of folk narratives and remains a vital cultural touchstone, making it essential reading for enthusiasts of mythology, epic poetry, and Finnish history.

"The Kalevala" is a Finnish epic poem that tells the story of the creation of the universe, the heroes who inhabit it, and the tales of their struggles and adventures. We learn how existence was created from a duck egg, how forests were created from the chips of a world-tree felled by an ancient wizard, how the mighty Sampoa multicolored mill of plentywas created and later stolen, and how the nine dread diseases were created, and many other tales.

The Kalevala is the great Finnish epic, which like the Iliad and the Odyssey, grew out of a rich oral tradition with prehistoric roots.During the first millenium of our era, speakers of Uralic languages (those outside the Indo-European group) who had settled in the Baltic region of Karelia, that straddles the border of eastern Finland and north-west Russia, developed an oral poetry that was to last into the nineteenth century.This poetry provided the basis of the Kalevala. It was assembled in the 1840s by the Finnish scholar Elias Lonnrot, who took `dictation from the performance of a folk singer, in much the same way as our great collections from the past, from Homeric poems to medieval songs and epics, have probably been set down.Published in 1849, it played a central role in the march towards Finnish independence and inspired some of Sibeliuss greatest works.