Words of Wisdom and Magic from the Kalevala

Translated and compiled by Richard Impola. Illustrations by Diane Heusinkveld. The Kalevala played an important part in developing a sense of identity among Finns, and in the eventual emergence of Finland as a nation. This selection from the Kalevala suggests at the richness of the entire work. The Kalevala is a compilation from the oral poetry of the Finns, written down and shaped into an epic poem by Dr. Elias Lonnrot. Its subject matter accumulated over many centuries, and includes everything from tales of mythical figures with superhuman powers to touchingly human stories. "Wise words never die, although the mighty pass away." Paperback, 5-½x8-½", 78 pages.