An Illustrated Kalevala

An Illustrated Kalevala: Myths and Legends from Finland

An Illustrated Kalevala has encounters with magical shamans, mighty eagles and terrifying beasts in this lavishly illustrated, adaptation of the classic Finnish epic.

This superb prose retelling of Finland’s national folk saga is brought to life with exquisitely detailed artwork of magical creatures, snowy mountains, adventurous heroes and dark forests by renowned illustrator Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin.

Thrilling and inspiring, An Illustrated Kalevala is the perfect collection to share and give a lifetime of enjoyment to children and adults alike.

C O N T E N T S:

About the Kalevala
Prologue

1. The Creation of the World
2. Väinämöinen and Joukahainen
3. The Sad Fate of Aino
4. Joukahainen’s Revenge
5. Väinämöinen in Pohjola
6. Väinämöinen and the Maid of Pohjola
7. Ilmarinen Forges the Sampo
8. Lemminkäinen and Kyllikki
9. Lemminkäinen Wages War on Pohjola
10. The Restoration of Lemminkäinen
11. Väinämöinen’s Journey to the Land of the Dead
12. The Maid of Pohjola’s Rival Suitors
13. The Wedding Feast
14. Lemminkäinen’s Adventures
15. The Tragic Life of Kullervo
16. The Golden Maiden
17. The Theft of the Sampo
18. The Birchwood Kantele
19. Louhi’s Revenge
20. Marjatta and the King of Kalevala

Epilogue
Glossary
About the Contributors

About the Author

Kirsti Mäkinen (1939-2016) worked at the National Board of Education of Finland and was a lecturer in Finnish language and literature at the Helsinki Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu High School. Her adaptation of The Kalevala for children was awarded a 2009 Aesop Prize from the American Folklore Society.

Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin is a well-known Finnish illustrator, renowned for her delicate, detailed portrayals of Finland’s wildlife and folklore. She graduated in 1977 from Helsinki University of Art and Design and has since illustrated many books loved by children and adults. She is the illustrator of Floris Books’ Illustrated Kalevala (2020) and Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas (2016).

Kaarina Brooks was born in Finland and emigrated to Canada as a child. She is a translator and illustrator of three books of Finnish folktales for children.