The Kalevala [antikvár]

To the Reader The purpose of this small book, published in the 150th anniversar/ year of the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic, is to introduce it pnainiy to people other than Finns. The Kalevala is exannined in its historical context, in an easily understandable manner and in the light of modern research. Our aim is not only to enumerate facts or to describe the content of the Kalevala-that can be done best by everyone reading it for himself - but also to present problems relating to the origin of the Kalevala, its content, structure, language and style, and to the position and significance of the Kalevala in the Finnish literature and culture. We hope thus to be able to deepen the reader's conceptions regarding the Kalevala and to help him understand the poetic world of the Kalevala and enjoy its beauty. The Kalevala is a great poem and a national epic, but it is also a work of art which transcends national and cultural boundaries, which is read in many languages, and which has a message also for our time. General problems, difficulties and riches of human nature and human life can be seen behind its myths, and their message touches also the people of today. This booklet was written in "Kalevalaic Karelia." Its first part up to page 29 is by Heikki Kirkinen, Professor of History, and the latter part by Hannes Sihvo, Professor of Literature, both at the University of Joensuu. At the tirrie this was written, at least two English translations of the Kalevala were available: The Kalevala or Poems of the Kalevala District Compiled by Bias Lonnrot A Prose Translation with Foreword and Appendices by Francis Peabody Magoun, Jr. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass. and London. 5th Ed. 1980, and a translation in verse: Kalevala. The Land of Heroes, I-II. Translated by W.F. Kirby. Dent, London. Reprint 1970. Joensuu, September 50, 1984 Heikki Kirkinen and Hannes Sihvo