Lemminkäinen
Ahti Saarelainen – The Farminded
Hero of the Kalevala
Karelian / Finnish Mythology
Lemminkäinen is the youngest of the three main heroes in Kalevala. He is reckless, handsome, charismatic, brave, and romantic. Although fearless, his demeanor often leads to reckless actions that get him in trouble.
Lemminkäinen’s stories revolve around love, death, and courageousness. His spirit of adventure leads him to quest into the lands of Pohjola and Tuonela.
His mother refers to him as Ahti Saarelainen, which refers to his homelands in the island region of Kalevala.
Nicknames
- Wanton Lemminkäinen
- Ahti Saarelainen: Ahti the Islander
- Kaukomieli: The Farminded
Lemminkäinen’s Characteristics
Lemminkäinen is a hard-headed hero who often puts his pride above the dangers he faces. His stubbornness and impulses lead him into adventures, while his courage and quick wit help him overcome them.
Charismatic Loverboy – The motives of Lemminkäinen often revolve around romantic pursuits. As a handsome, young, and strong warrior, his ambitions lead his decisions. Wanton Lemminkäinen is willing to travel great distances for love and admiration.
Reckless Bravery – Lemminkäinen has an immense ego, as he perceives himself as invincible. He often ignores the warnings of others and is quick to set foot in dangerous situations. This recklessness eventually leads to his death at the hands of the Swan of Tuonela and his resurrection by his mother.
Stubborn – The stubborn nature of Lemminkäinen is one of frustration for his mother in particular. Even after his death and resurrection, he persists in traveling to Pohjola to attend the feast of Ilmarinen’s wedding.
Adventurous Spirit – Despite his negative traits, Lemminkäinen is willing to travel great distances to pursue fame, recognition, and ambition. His willingness to go to these lengths led to his nickname, “the Farminded.”
Lemminkäinen’s Family
Lemminkäinen’s family plays a central role in his adventures. He often ignores his mother’s advice while pursuing women and adventure.
- Parents: Unnamed. Lemminkäinen’s mother plays a significant role in his life and his adventures. His father is absent but mentioned briefly.
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Kyllikki
- Children: None
Interactions
Kyllikki
Lemminkäinen’s story begins with his courtship of Kyllikki. She is a beautiful maiden from the northern parts of the Land of Kalevala. His charm and persistence eventually lead to their marriage. However, this marriage is fraught with difficulties from Lemminkäinen’s infidelity.
Lemminkäinen’s Mother
After his death at the hands of the Swan of Tuonela, Lemminkäinen’s mother seeks him out in Pohjola. Finding his dismembered corpse in the river, she sews him back together and brings him back to life.
Louhi
With his marriage to Kyllikki in shambles, Lemminkäinen travels to Pohjola to marry one of Louhi’s daughters. She gives him three trials, the last of which is to slay the Swan of Tounela. This previous trial leads to his death and rebirth.
The Swan of Tuonela
As the third trial from Louhi, Lemminkäinen must slay the Swan of Tuonela. During this quest, the herdsman of Tuonela slays Lemminkäinen. His limbs are dismembered and scattered across the lands of the dead.
Väinämöinen and Ilmarinen
Lemminkäinen, Väinämöinen, and Ilmarinen work together to steal the Sampo back from Louhi. Despite their failure to return the Sampo to Kalevala, this becomes one of the central stories.
Appearance
Kalevala describes Lemminkäinen as a handsome, young, charismatic warrior with a fiery red beard. His flowing golden hair and piercing eyes allure and captivate the women he courts. His physical traits include:
- Flowing golden hair
- Fiery red beard
- Peak physical prowess
- Well-spoken
- Noble garb
- Magnetic personality
Realms
Lemminkäinen’s travels lead him into perilous danger and mysterious lands. As a brash young warrior, his ego often sparks his sense of adventure. Especially when told not to do something, as was the case in his venture to Ilmarinen’s wedding, which he wasn’t invited to.