Customer Reviews

Kalevala : the Epic Poem of Finland into English, Volume 1

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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!