FINNISH MYTHOLOGY

FINNISH SUPERNATURAL BEINGS

• Lemminkainen, Kaleva, Kullervo, Marjatta, Pohjola, Väinämöinen, & Joukahainen.
• http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Dr-Fi/Finnish-e

WHAT THE SYMBOLS REPRESENT

• The Kalevala begins with the story of Ilmatar, who descends from the heavens to the sea, where she is tossed about for 700 years. During that time, a seabird lays eggs on her knee. When Ilmatar moves, the eggs break, and the pieces form the physical world and the sun and the moon. She then has a son, Vainamoinen, who begins life as a wise old man.
• http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Dr-Fi/Finnish-Mythology.html

CHARACTERISTICS & EMOTIONS

• Joukahainen's sister, drowns herself after being offered in marriage by Vainamoinen
• If they didn't like what was going on in life they would often harm themselves

MYTHICAL PLAcES & CHARACTERS

• Louhi- mother of the Maiden & an evil woman Lemminkainen- handsome man & adventurous & a hero.

CREATION MYTH

• The Kalevala begins with the story of Ilmatar, who descends from the heavens to the sea, where she is tossed about for 700 years. During that time, a seabird lays eggs on her knee. When Ilmatar moves, the eggs break, and the pieces form the physical world and the sun and the moon.

EXPLANATORY MYTH

• Cristfried Ganander's Mythologia Fennica, published in 1789, was the first truly scholarly foray into Finnish mythology. In the 19th century, research into Finnish folklore intensified. Scholars like Elias Lönnrot, J.F. Cajan, M.A. Castrén, and D.E.D. Europaeus travelled around Finland writing down folk poetry sung by runo singers.
• http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_mythology