Kalevala

The Epic of the Finnish People

Elias Lönnrot, Jukka Korpela, Eino Friberg

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English

Penguin
13 April 2021

Literature, Poetry & Criticism; Poetry; Folklore, myths & legends

The great epic poem of Northern Europe, born deep in the heart of ancient Karelian forests

Sharing its title with the poetic name for Finland - 'the land of heroes' - Kalevala is the soaring epic poem of the Finnish people. Born of an ancient tradition of folklore and song, Kalevala is a work rich in magic, cosmic mystery and myth, presenting a story of a people through the ages, from the dawn of creation. Sung by rural Finns since prehistoric times, and formally compiled by Elias L nnrot in the nineteenth century, it is a landmark of Finnish culture and it played a vital role in galvanizing Finland's national identity in the decades leading up to independence. And yet its tales of tragedy and triumph, adventure and ambition, hope, lust, death and birth, reach far beyond the region's borders, searching the heart of human existence.

Introduction by: Jukka Korpela
Edited by: Elias Lönnrot
Translated by: Eino Friberg
Imprint: Penguin
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 28mm
Weight: 447g
ISBN: 9780241403068
ISBN 10: 0241403065
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 13 April 2021
Audience: General/trade , Professional and scholarly , College/higher education , ELT Advanced , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Elias Lonnrot (1802 - 1884) was a Finnish physician, philologist and collector of traditional Finnish oral poetry. Eino Friberg (1901 - 1995) was a Finnish-born American author, noted for his 1989 translation the Kalevala.

Reviews for Kalevala: The Epic of the Finnish People

A masterpiece * Spectator * One of the great mythic poems of Europe * New York Times * The Kalevala is a fabulous narrative spiced with exotic images and much hilarity -- Jennifer Cooke * Melbourne Sunday Herald *