Kalevala may be roughly translated as Land of Heroes. It is of such a land and its people that this tale is told. The original epic is to the culture of Finland what the Iliad is to Greece. Here are the exploits of brave men, the wonder of strange journeys, the thrill of tremendous sea-fights, the fun of wooings and weddings and festivities of sorts. The book gathers into one absorbing narrative the tall tales that were recited for generations before the chief of clans and among the farmers and fishermen of the far north. Wild fantasy mingles with homely realism and the fascinating details of a primitive way of life.

The central character is the oldest of magicians, the famous singer, Vainamoinen. His feats are scarcely more wonderful than those of his brother, the mighty smith, forger of the magic Sampo, which grinds kegfuls of corn and salt and money, and which is the source of endless conflict. The adventures of a third hero, the mischievous Lemminkainen, who also takes part in the struggle for the Sampo, make a story by themselves. And the wiles of the Mistress of the North Country, owner of the Sampo, and mother of a wicked beauty, add color to the whole. Yet these are only a part of the riches offered here.

These tales have been retold in verse and in prose many times and in many languages, but seldom with such gusto. The pages are enlivened by a humor that recalls the charm of the Paul Bunyan yarns of our own Northwest. Here is exciting adventure, challenging courage, and the enduring spell of a great story beautifully told.

From the dust jacket