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  • Published: 13 April 2021
  • ISBN: 9780241403068
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 656
  • RRP: $39.99
Categories:

Kalevala

The Epic of the Finnish People




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 Lönnrot 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.

  • Published: 13 April 2021
  • ISBN: 9780241403068
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 656
  • RRP: $39.99
Categories:

Praise for Kalevala

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