Kalevala: Forge of a Nation

Kalevala is the soaring epic poem of the Finnish people. Born of an ancient tradition of folklore and song, Kalevala is a work rich in magic, cosmic mystery and myth, presenting a story of a people 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 it played a vital role in galvanizing Finland's national identity in the decades leading up to independence. Though Kalevala is set in pre-Christian times its affect in modern times was to forge a people of steel capable of recapturing their destiny even after some 600+ years of subjugation. Its practical affects are not far removed from us today and provides an object lesson to Westernkind for recapturing our destiny.