'One of the great mythic poems of Europe' The New York TimesSharing its title with the poetic
name for Finland - 'the land of heroes' - Kalevala is the soaring epic poem of its people a
work rich in magic and myth which tells the story of a nation through the ages from the dawn of
creation. Sung by rural Finns since prehistoric times and formally compiled by Elias Lönnrot
in the nineteenth century it is a landmark of Finnish culture and played a vital role in
galvanizing its national identity in the decades leading to independence. Its themes however
reach beyond borders and search the heart of human existence.Translated with an Introduction by
Eino Friberg
