# Rune XXI: Ilmarinen’s Wedding-Feast explained — The Kalevala

> Chapter companion for The Kalevala by Elias Lönnrot.

## What happens

Ilmarinen arrives at Louhi's home in Pohyola for his wedding feast. Louhi welcomes him, orders the stables prepared, and has the doorway adjusted for the tall suitor. She serves a lavish feast with beer, and Wainamoinen sings in praise of the drink, calling for songs and blessings from Ukko.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The chapter centers on Ilmarinen's wedding feast, highlighting the rituals and hospitality surrounding the marriage.

### Craftsmanship and Creation

Louhi's halls are magically remodeled with bones, wood, and precious metals, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Northland.

## Character check-ins

### Ilmarinen

The bridegroom arriving at Pohyola for his wedding feast; welcomed by Louhi and served the finest food and drink.

### Louhi

Hostess of Pohyola who prepares the wedding feast, orders the stables and chambers readied, and serves the guests.

### Wainamoinen

Present at the feast; speaks through the beer, calling for songs and praising the drink.

### Ukko

Invoked by Louhi and Ilmarinen for blessings on the feast and the marriage.

## Key lines

> Spake the hostess of Pohyola: 'Hie ye hither, men and heroes, Haste, ye watchers, to the stables, There unhitch the suitor's stallion, Lower well the racer's breastplate, There undo the straps and buckles, Loosen well the shafts and traces, And conduct the suitor hither, Give my son-in-law good welcome!'

Louhi calls for the servants to attend to Ilmarinen's horse and to welcome the groom into her home.

_Louhi directs the preparation for Ilmarinen's arrival, showing the importance of hospitality._

> Spake the hostess of the Northland As the bridegroom freely passes Through the doorway of her dwelling: 'Thanks are due to thee, O Ukko, That my son-in-law has entered!'

Louhi thanks Ukko as Ilmarinen enters her home.

_Louhi acknowledges divine blessing for the groom's safe arrival._

> Spake the beer in merry accents Through the tongues of the magicians, Through the tongue of many a hero, Through the tongue of Wainamoinen, Famed to be the sweetest singer Of the Northland bards and minstrels, These the words of the enchanter: 'O thou beer of honeyed flavor, Let us not imbibe in silence, Let some hero sing thy praises, Sing thy worth in golden measures;'

The beer itself seems to speak through Wainamoinen, urging the guests to sing in celebration.

_Wainamoinen uses the occasion to call for songs, emphasizing the role of music and poetry in the feast._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/chapters/rune-xxi-ilmarinen-s-wedding-feast
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/chapters