The Kalevala · Chapter
Rune XVII: Wainamoinen Finds the Lost-Word explained
Wainamoinen, having failed to learn magic words in Tuoni's realm, is directed by a shepherd to seek the lost-words from the mouth of the ancient bard Wipunen.
What happens
Wainamoinen, having failed to learn magic words in Tuoni's realm, is directed by a shepherd to seek the lost-words from the mouth of the ancient bard Wipunen. He commissions iron shoes, gloves, and a staff from Ilmarinen, then journeys across needles, broadswords, and hatchets to reach Wipunen's tomb. After clearing the overgrown vegetation from Wipunen's body, Wainamoinen forces his way into the giant's mouth and is swallowed. Inside Wipunen's abdomen, he builds a boat and forges metals, causing great torment. Wipunen, after a lengthy invocation, finally reveals the three magic words. Wainamoinen escapes and returns to Kalevala, where he uses the words to complete the boat for the Maid of Pohyola.
Themes in this chapter
Power of Song and Magic
The entire chapter revolves around the quest for lost magic words, with Wainamoinen using song and forging inside Wipunen to obtain them.
Heroism and Quest
Wainamoinen's perilous journey to the tomb of Wipunen and his ordeal inside the giant's body exemplify the heroic quest for knowledge.
Craftsmanship and Creation
Ilmarinen's forging of metal gear and Wainamoinen's internal forging and boat-building highlight the theme of creation through craft.
Characters to notice
- Wainamoinen
The old and truthful hero seeks the lost magic words, journeys to Wipunen, and is swallowed; he forges inside Wipunen's body and ultimately obtains the words.
- Ilmarinen
The worthy blacksmith forges iron shoes, copper gloves, and a metal staff for Wainamoinen's journey.
- Wipunen
The ancient bard and magician who has long been dead; he swallows Wainamoinen and, after suffering torment, reveals the three lost words.
Key passages
“Wainamoinen, old and truthful, Did not learn the words of magic In Tuoni's gloomy regions, In the kingdom of Manala.”
Wainamoinen failed to find the magic words in the underworld.
Sets up the need for a new quest.
“Thou canst find of words a hundred, Find a thousand wisdom-sayings, In the mouth of wise Wipunen, In the body of the hero;”
You can find many magic words in the mouth of the wise Wipunen.
Shepherd directs Wainamoinen to Wipunen.
“Wainamoinen, old and hopeful, Little heeding, not discouraged, In his metal shoes and armor, Hastens forward on his journey,”
Wainamoinen, undeterred, sets out in his metal gear.
Shows his determination.
“Wise Wipunen, wisdom-singer, Ancient bard, and great magician, With his magic songs lay yonder, Stretched beside him, lay his sayings,”
The ancient bard Wipunen lay with his songs beside him.
Describes Wipunen's state.
“Wainamoinen of Wainola, In his iron-shoes and armor, Careless walking, headlong stumbles In the spacious mouth and fauces Of the magic bard, Wipunen.”
Wainamoinen accidentally falls into Wipunen's mouth.
Key moment of being swallowed.
“Old Wipunen, master-singer, Barely feels the hero's presence, Gives no heed to Wainamoinen.”
Wipunen barely notices Wainamoinen inside him.
Wainamoinen's initial invisibility.