# Rune XVIII: The Rival Suitors explained — The Kalevala

> Chapter companion for The Kalevala by Elias Lönnrot.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/chapters/rune-xviii-the-rival-suitors
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/chapters