Kalevala

by Unknown

"Kalevala" by Elias Lönnrot is a compilation of epic poetry published in 1849. Drawing from Finnish, Karelian, and Ingrian folklore, it tells of Earth's creation and the fierce conflicts between the peoples of Kalevala and Pohjola. At the center lies the Sampo, a mythical wealth-making machine whose construction and theft drive the narrative. This national epic shaped Finnish identity and influenced writers worldwide, including J.R.R. Tolkien. Its verses preserve ancient oral traditions that may stretch back three thousand years.