The Kalevala · Chapter
Rune V: Wainamoinen’s Lamentation explained
Wainamoinen mourns the loss of Aino, who drowned herself rather than marry him.
What happens
Wainamoinen mourns the loss of Aino, who drowned herself rather than marry him. He goes fishing hoping to catch her as a mermaid, and indeed catches a fish that reveals itself to be Aino transformed. She rebukes him for his violence and disappears. Wainamoinen continues to search in vain, then returns home in despair. His mother's spirit advises him to seek a new bride among the daughters of Suomi.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Tragedy
Aino's death and transformation into a mermaid underscore the tragic consequences of Wainamoinen's pursuit and the inescapable fate of the characters.
Nature and the Landscape
The sea, islands, and water-maidens' grottoes are central to the chapter, emphasizing the connection between the characters and the natural world.
Characters to notice
- Wainamoinen
Grieves for Aino, attempts to catch her as a mermaid, and is rebuked by her spirit.
- Aino
Appears as a mermaid after her death, rebukes Wainamoinen for trying to kill and eat her.
- Youkahainen
Mentioned as Aino's brother; his sister's fate is central to the chapter.
- Wellamo
Ruler of the water-maidens; Aino becomes one of Wellamo's maidens.
- Untamoinen
Wainamoinen asks Untamoinen about the location of the water-maidens.
Key passages
“Far and wide the tidings travelled, Far away men heard the story Of the flight and death of Aino, Sister dear of Youkahainen, Fairest daughter of creation.”
News of Aino's flight and death spread far and wide, reaching many people.
Opening lines establishing the widespread impact of Aino's fate.
“I am not a scaly sea-fish, Not a trout of Northland rivers, Not a whiting from the waters, Not a salmon of the North-seas, I, a young and merry maiden, Friend and sister of the fishes, Youkahainen's youngest sister, I, the one that thou dost fish for, I am Aino whom thou lovest.”
The fish reveals itself to be Aino, Youkahainen's sister, not a real fish but a transformed maiden.
Key revelation where Aino identifies herself to Wainamoinen.
“Only sleeping was thy mother, Now awakes to give thee answer, What thy thought and what thine action, That this cup of grief may pass thee, That this sorrow may escape thee, And this darkened cloud pass over.”
Wainamoinen's mother awakens from the dead to advise him on how to overcome his grief.
The mother's spirit provides guidance, urging Wainamoinen to seek a new bride in Suomi.