# Rune XVII: Wainamoinen Finds the Lost-Word explained — The Kalevala

> Chapter companion for The Kalevala by Elias Lönnrot.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

> Then the artist of Wainola Straightway sets himself to forging, Sets at work to hammer metals; Makes a smithy from his armor, Of his sleeves he makes the bellows,

Wainamoinen starts forging inside Wipunen using his own gear as tools.

_Wainamoinen's creative response to captivity._

> Smoke arises from my nostrils, From my mouth the fire is streaming, In my throat are iron-clinkers.

Smoke and fire come from Wipunen's mouth, and iron clinkers are in his throat.

_Wipunen's discomfort from the forging._

> O, thou Antero Wipunen, Open wide thy mouth and fauces, I have found the magic lost-words, I will leave thee now forever,

Wainamoinen asks Wipunen to open his mouth so he can leave with the words.

_Climax of the quest._

> Thou hast found what thou desirest, Found the three words of the Master; Go in peace, and ne'er returning, Take my blessing on thy going.

Wipunen confirms Wainamoinen has the three words and sends him away.

_Resolution of the quest._

> I have learned of words a hundred, Learned a thousand incantations, Hidden deep for many ages, Learned the words of ancient wisdom, Found the keys of secret doctrine, Found the lost-words of the Master.

Wainamoinen announces he has learned many ancient words and the lost-words.

_Wainamoinen reports success to Ilmarinen._

> Thus the ancient Wainamoinen Built the boat with magic only, And with magic launched his vessel, Using not the hand to touch it, Using not the foot to move it, Using not the knee to turn it, Using nothing to propel it.

Wainamoinen built and launched the boat using only magic, without physical effort.

_Demonstrates the power of the acquired words._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/chapters/rune-xvii-wainamoinen-finds-the-lost-word
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se
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