Taivas
Realm in the Kalevala
The Heavens
Karelian / Finnish Mythology
Taivas encompasses the heavens and is the residence of the primary deity Ukko. The great smith Ilmarinen crafted the sky, which contains jewels that make up the celestial bodies.
The heavens are a source of wonder and represent the bond between the supernatural and nature. All the celestial bodies were forged into a dome covering the Earth, acting like a shield and instilling order in the natural world.
Cosmology (Geography)
While Taivas doesn’t contain geography, several distinct areas make up the heavens.
The Dome of the Sky – Ilmarinan, the Eternal Blacksmith, is said to have crafted the Dome of the Sky. The dome represents order, protection, and craftsmanship. It also serves to shield the Earth and hold the heavens in order.
Pathways of the Sun and Moon – Celestial bodies move along fixed pathways in Kalevala. Most notably, the sun and the moon have distinct pathways observed by the inhabitants of Kalevala.
Celestial Bodies – The moon, sun, and stars appear as jewels adorning the Dome of the Sky. Louhi will later steal fire from Kalevala, the sun, and the moon to hold as captives in Pohjola. Consequently, with the cosmic order disturbed, the world plunges into darkness.
Ukko’s Domain (Celestial Heights) – Ukko, the god of thunder, inhabits the upper level of Taivas. From here, he controls the weather, rain, and thunder. Ukonvasama, or the thunderbolt, is Ukko’s hammer that instills destruction and creation.
Aurora Borealis and Rainbows – Lights in the sky are seen as bridges and pathways across the heavens. Rainbows and the aurora borealis make up these mystical bridges.
Role of Taivas
Taivas plays an important role throughout the Kalevala narrative. It represents the home of the divine god Ukko, who is responsible for controlling the weather. From this realm, Ukko bestows favor and influences the weather on Earth. Furthermore, the Dome of the Sky (Taivas) represents spiritual order and protection for the natural world.
In addition, it serves as the focal point of a quest for Väinämöinen. After Louhi hides the sun and the moon, Väinämöinen must restore cosmic order to Taivas.
Inhabitants of Taivas
The celestial gods of Kalevala inhabit Taivas. Although Ukko’s wife is Akka, the fertility goddess, she resides on the Earth outside of Taivas. The heavens have few inhabitants but represent a critical role in the Kalevala.
- Ukko: the god of thunder
- Aurinko: the sun
- Kuu: the moon
- Tähdet: the stars
Symbolism of the Heavens
Taivas plays a vital role in defining divinity in the Kalevala. The celestial bodies represent power, time, and guidance. It is also seen as a vault that protects the world, creating order.
The Dome of the Sky was forged by Ilmarinen and contains the natural world underneath it (Earth). It represents the order that protects the world. Additionally, gems affixed in the Dome of the Sky make up the celestial bodies, stars, planets, and the moon.
Pagan Finnish cosmology believed that a central world pillar (maailmanpylväs) connects the underworld, Earth, and the heavens. This pillar holds the different parts of the world in place, representing order and stability in the natural world. Circling this pillar is the Milky Way, or Linnunrata (Path of the Birds). Birds played a significant role in Finnish paganism as they represent guardians of the soul.
