The national epic of the Finns.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Best "Unknown" Epic Translated to the English Language - Must Read for D&D/ Fantasy Nerds,
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This review is from: Kalevala : the Epic Poem of Finland into English, Volume 1 (Paperback)
This is an excellent buy in combination with volume 2.
Not only is a translation of this epic into English extremely hard to find, but this particular translation (among the earliest and with an earnest attempt to maintain the poetic meter of the original song) is especially hard to come by. Also, both volumes are provided at a reasonable price (around $40 together) and have matching blue covers, unlike the pictures displayed here. As for the Kalevala itself, I think it should be a standard read for any well educated and cultured individual. It is easily comparable to the Odyssey in its literary, artistic, historic, and cultural value. Also, for anyone who is an aficionado of the fantasy genre or of the Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game, you will appreciate this epic like none other. The Bard class of 3/3.5 Edition D&D (and perhaps 2nd and 4th Editions to a certain extent) seems to have been strongly influenced by this work (though Bards of the Kalevala's universe are far more effective/powerful than their D&D counterparts). Additionally, the Nightmare (fire horse), Ilmater (as a female goddess), sorceresses and other lore of similar interest are referenced again and again in this work. As a final note, the overall universe is very "high magic," and as a female reader, I really appreciated the portrayals of women in such an ancient work. Women are often independent (resisting marriage without social stigma), powerful (the sorceress Louhi offers good resistance to the combined forces of many of the male leads at a few points), and are respected (especially mothers). It was unexpected and delightful. Overall this is a MUST BUY/MUST READ. Just do it already!
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crimson streamlet, royal racer, wonderful enchanter, seven bluebirds, ancient blacksmith, thy hero, reckless hero, moonlight glimmers, ancient minstrel, magic vessel, fatal river, third day evening, golden moonlight, flaming horse, thou weepest, silken stockings, braided tresses, magic sayings, fairest daughter, ancient singer, magic metals, silken ribbons, gives this answer, thine eyelids, merry maidens Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Great Bear, Beauteous Maiden of the Rainbow New!
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crimson streamlet, royal racer, wonderful enchanter, seven bluebirds, ancient blacksmith, thy hero, reckless hero, moonlight glimmers, ancient minstrel, magic vessel, fatal river, third day evening, golden moonlight, flaming horse, thou weepest, silken stockings, braided tresses, magic sayings, fairest daughter, ancient singer, magic metals, silken ribbons, gives this answer, thine eyelids, merry maidens Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Great Bear, Beauteous Maiden of the Rainbow New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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This book cites 1
book:
- Teutonic Mythology, 4 VolumeSet (Phoenix Edition) by Jacob Grimm in Front Matter
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