Finnish Legends for English Children

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24948

Title

Finnish Legends for English Children

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A collection of Finnish legends retold for English children, featuring the tragic romance of Aino and Wainamoinen, the heroic exploits of Lemminkainen, and the wisdom of the great singer Wainamoinen as he departs Kalevala.

Summary up to 500 words

In R. Eivind's *Finnish Legends for English Children*, the narrative unfolds within the mystical realm of Kalevala, centering on the legendary hero Wainamoinen. The story begins with Wainamoinen's tragic pursuit of Aino, the fairest maid of the north. Despite her mother's pleas, Aino rejects Wainamoinen's advances, choosing instead to live with her mother. Heartbroken, she discards her jewels and wanders to the sea, where she transforms into a water-maiden and drowns. Wainamoinen searches desperately, eventually catching her spirit in a fish, but she refuses to return, lamenting his cruelty. Meanwhile, the quarrelsome hero Lemminkainen is excluded from a great wedding feast in Pohjola due to his nature. Enraged by the sorceress Louhi's refusal to invite him, he journeys to the Northland to confront her. His mother warns him of deadly dangers, including a fiery eagle, venomous serpents, and a river of fire, but he proceeds anyway, armed with magic armor and his father's sword. Wainamoinen later travels to Pohjola to rescue the Sun and Moon, which Louhi has imprisoned. After defeating her warriors, he finds the celestial bodies trapped behind a massive door. Although he cannot open it alone, he seeks help from the smith Ilmarinen. Louhi, fearing a steel collar Ilmarinen is forging, releases the Sun and Moon prematurely, restoring light to Kalevala. The narrative concludes with the birth of a new hero, Flower, born to the outcast maiden Mariatta after she eats a magic berry. Flower, initially cast out by Wainamoinen for his humble origins, speaks magically to defend his mother and prove his nobility. As Wainamoinen feels his power fading, he builds a magic boat and sails west to leave Kalevala. He passes the torch of leadership to the Christ-child, leaving behind his songs and wisdom for future generations. The tale ends with the establishment of a new era of comfort and happiness under the rule of the Christ-child, marking a transition from the old magic to a new spiritual order.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Folklore
• Legends