The Kalevala provides a compelling insight into the myths and folklore of Finland. Compiled by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century, this impressive volume follows a tradition of oral storytelling that goes back some 2000 years, and it is often compared to such epic poems as Homer’s Odyssey. However, the Kalevala has little in common with the culture of its Nordic neighbours: it is primarily poetic, it is mythical rather than historic, and its heroes solve their problems with magic more often than violence. This version uses the acclaimed translation by Keith Bosley, who is one of the acknowledged experts on the Kalevala. Highly popular and accessible, his is widely regarded to be the authoritative text.
