The Kalevala · Chapter
Rune XVIII: The Rival Suitors explained
Wainamoinen sets sail for Pohyola to woo the Maid of Beauty, but Annikki recognizes his vessel and informs her brother Ilmarinen, who then prepares himself and follows as a rival suitor.
What happens
Wainamoinen sets sail for Pohyola to woo the Maid of Beauty, but Annikki recognizes his vessel and informs her brother Ilmarinen, who then prepares himself and follows as a rival suitor. Upon arrival, the maiden rejects Wainamoinen, declaring her preference for Ilmarinen, the forger of the Sampo.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The central conflict of the chapter revolves around two suitors vying for the hand of the Maid of Beauty, highlighting the themes of choice and courtship.
Craftsmanship and Creation
Ilmarinen's preparation—forging gifts for his sister and adorning his sledge—emphasizes the value of skilled labor and artistry.
Conflict Between North and South
The rivalry between Wainamoinen (from Kalevala) and Ilmarinen (also from the south) for a bride from Pohyola reflects the tension between the two regions.
Characters to notice
- Wainamoinen
Sets sail for Pohyola in a magically decorated vessel to woo the Maid of Beauty, but is rejected upon arrival.
- Annikki
Ilmarinen's sister, who spots Wainamoinen's ship and informs her brother, prompting him to prepare for his own journey.
- Ilmarinen
Upon learning of Wainamoinen's quest, he prepares himself with a bath and fine garments, then sets out as a rival suitor.
- Louhi
The hostess of Pohyola, who tries to persuade her daughter to choose Wainamoinen for his wealth over Ilmarinen.
- Ukko
Invoked by both Wainamoinen and Ilmarinen for protection and favorable weather on their journeys.
Key passages
“Wainamoinen, old and truthful, Long considered, long debated, How to woo and win the daughter Of the hostess of Pohyola”
Wainamoinen, the wise and honest hero, spent a long time thinking about how to court and marry the daughter of the Mistress of Pohyola.
Sets up the chapter's central quest.
“I shall choose without his treasures Ilmarinen for his wisdom, For his worth and good behavior, Him that forged the wondrous Sampo”
I will choose Ilmarinen not for his wealth, but for his wisdom, virtue, and because he forged the magical Sampo.
The maiden declares her preference for Ilmarinen over Wainamoinen.
“Ilmarinen stood in wonder, Stood a statue at the story; Silent grief had settled o’er him, Settled o’er the iron-artist”
Ilmarinen was stunned and frozen in place upon hearing the news; a silent sadness overcame the blacksmith.
Ilmarinen's reaction to learning of Wainamoinen's journey.