Pohjola
Realm in the Kalevala
The Northlands
Karelian / Finnish Mythology
Pohjola is a mystical land in northern Finland, which corresponds to modern-day Lapland. Louhi, the Mistress of the North, is a powerful sorceress who rules over the Northlands. For the heroes of Kalevala, the Northlands are an icy land of magic and danger.
The people of Pohjola are considered hostile, deceitful, cunning, and fierce defenders of their land. It is an arctic landscape filled with enchanted forests inhabited by the Saami people and magical and mystical creatures.
Pohjola’s Geography
Pohjola geographically resides in modern-day Lapland, the region above the Arctic Circle that spans Finland, Sweden, and Norway. It contains a mix of enchanted forests, barren wastelands, and mystical spirits.
Barren Arctic Landscape – The Northlands symbolizes the challenges of surviving in an unforgiving environment. Evil spirits inhabit this isolated, cold, and dark land. As such, Pohjola is a place where the heroes encounter peril and challenges that test their strength, wit, and courage.
Isolated and Remote – Pohjola is beyond the wilderness in the far north. Mysticism and enchantment emanate from the remote and isolated land. Due to the extreme isolation, the lands emit an aura of mystery and danger.
Enchanted Forests – The forests surrounding the barren landscapes are perceived as magical and dangerous. Supernatural beings inhabit them and create challenges and tests for the heroes of Kalevala. The enchanted forests symbolize the wild and untamed while also displaying the duality of the unknown and familiar.
Mystical and Supernatural – Magical beings, spirits, and the powerful sorceress Louhi inhabit the land of Pohjola. The Northlands’ landscape consists of enchanted forests and icy, barren terrains. Beasts of enchantment, spirits, and elementals also dwell in the magical forests of the north.
Role of Pohjola
Pohjola plays a crucial role in the stories of Kalevala, as heroes venture into the unforgiving land and must overcome adversity. Although Louhi is a crooked chin hag, her daughters’ beauty is renowned. This leads to several quests by the heroes, who seek a bride from the beautiful maidens of the North.
The Northlands serve to provide challenges and conflict for the heroes of Kalevala. Within these lands, danger lurks around every corner; antagonists use cunning wit, and the order of Kalevala ceases to exist.
Pohjola is a place where the heroes of Kalevala go to seek brides. The heroes are willing to face the perils of the land for a chance to wed Louhi’s daughters, known for the reknowned beauty. The heroes of Kalevala also conduct raids to steal the Sampo and return it to their lands.
Inhabitants of Pohjola
The Saami people are the primary inhabitants of Pohjola. However, the forests are also home to magical creatures.
- Louhi: The Mistress of Pohjola
- Louhi’s Daughters: Maidens of Pohjola
- Saami People: Seen as witches and sorcerers
- The Great Pike: A fish Väinämöinen used to craft his kantele
- Otso: The spirit of the bear
Symbolism of the Northlands
Pohjola, of the Northlands, is a representation of Lapland in northern Finland. For the Karelians, this land was distant, cold, unforgiving, and inhabited by strange people. Outsiders describe the land as a place where evil and deceit thrive, while remaining eternally cold.
Once the heroes enter the Northlands, the aurora borealis is visible. This phenomenon earned the nickname “the Glowing Gates” which reprentes a gateway between the mortal and spiritual realms. Consequently, the Glowing Gates added to the mystery of the lands giving it a magical allure for those from Väinölä, of the Land of Heroes.