Land of Kalevala
Realm in the Kalevala
Väinölä – The Land of Heroes
Karelian / Finnish Mythology
Kalevala, or the Land of Heroes, is the realm where the main heroes reside alongside other humans. Geographically, the land correlates to the region of Karelia, in southeast Finland and western Russia.
The land of Kalevala symbolizes Finland as a whole in modern thought. It emphasizes the importance of harmony between man and nature. The heroes that reside within Kalevala also portray Finnish values of creativity, connection to nature, resilience, and cultural identity.
Väinölä’s Geography
Kalevala’s landscape consists of what we would see throughout modern Karelia. It also encompasses the Forge of Ilmarinen, which is seen as a place that the Eternal Smith used to forge parts of the Earth.
Forests – Forests surround the land of Kalevala, where animals and spirits reside. Ancient forests contain natural wonders and magic, while Kalevala’s heroes often encounter challenges.
Lakes and Rivers – Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” which is reflected throughout the Kalevala. Lakes and rivers hold spirits, often seen as passageways to other realms. Tuonela’s gateway, for example, resides within a river.
Farmlands – Farmlands play a significant role in sustaining people in Kalevala. Barley is one of the key crops in the Kalevala, symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and renewal. The farmlands also portray the importance of the connection between humans and nature through agriculture.
The Forge – Ilmarinen’s Forge is a significant artifact in the Kalevala. It is responsible for crafting the sky’s dome and shaping the Earth. In addition, it was used to create the Sampo, one of the most important relics in Kalevala.
Crafting centers play a crucial role in Kalevala. They are places where humans can create the tools they need to overcome obstacles.
Role of Kalevala
The people of Kalevala personify wisdom, bravery, nobleness, and skill. Harmony with nature is a priority for these people. The land is seen as rich and bountiful, demanding respect from the people.
In addition, the Land of Kalevala symbolizes morality, ingenuity, and resilience, often referred to as “Sisu” in Finnish culture. As the home of Väinämöinen, Kalevala is the center of storytelling, cultural heritage, music, wisdom, and creativity.
The land of Kalevala is also sometimes referred to as “Väinölä,” meaning the land where Väinämöinen resides.
Inhabitants of Kalevala
Kalevala is the land of heroes and Karelians. Its inhabitants include the central heroes and other mortals.
- Väinämöinen – An ancient bard
- Ilmarinen – The Eternal Blacksmith
- Lemminkäinen – A brash warrior
- Joukahainen – Väinämöinen’s rival
- Aino – The sister of Joukahainen
- Kullervo – A tragic hero
- The Karelian People
Symbolism of Väinölä
Harmony between man and nature is a critical viewpoint for the Finns. The agrarian lifestyle was also a key focus during the times of Kalevala. The Lands of Kalevala symbolize the connection with nature, the importance of crops, and struggling against the challenges of nature.
Väinölä was named as the homeland of Väinämöinen, the most significant hero in the Kalevala. It symbolizes wisdom, spirituality, and a place where the heroes reside. Furthermore, the land of Väinölä represnts the harmony between civilization and nature, which is a critical aspect of Finnish psyche and idealology. The land is made up of natural wonders including lakes, rivers, forests, and caves where spirits are believed to inhabit.