The Kalevala · Chapter
Rune XXVI: Origin of the Serpent explained
Lemminkainen hears of Pohyola's wedding and resolves to attend despite not being invited.
What happens
Lemminkainen hears of Pohyola's wedding and resolves to attend despite not being invited. His mother warns him of three deadly obstacles, but he dismisses her fears with boasts of his magical prowess. She recounts the origin of the serpent from Suoyatar's spittle, and Lemminkainen uses this knowledge to command a snake to leave his path. He arms himself and departs, with his mother giving final advice on conduct at the feast.
Themes in this chapter
Creation and Origins
The chapter provides a detailed origin myth for the serpent, tracing its creation from Suoyatar's spittle, the actions of Hisi, and the contributions of various evil forces.
Heroism and Quest
Lemminkainen's determination to attend Pohyola's wedding despite his mother's warnings and the three deadly obstacles exemplifies the heroic quest motif.
Family and Kinship
The interaction between Lemminkainen and his mother highlights familial bonds, as she tries to protect him and he ultimately heeds her advice before departing.
Characters to notice
- Lemminkainen
The reckless hero, also called Kaukomieli, determines to go to Pohyola's wedding despite his mother's warnings, boasting of his magic and sword.
- Louhi
Mentioned as the host of Pohyola's wedding, though not directly appearing; the wedding is for the Rainbow-virgin, Louhi's daughter.
- Suoyatar
Identified as the ancient mother of the serpent; her spittle, after being rocked by the sea and breathed upon by Hisi, gave rise to the evil serpent.
- Hiisi
The mischief-maker who breathed a soul into Suoyatar's spittle, thus creating the serpent; also associated with the serpent's brain and ears.
- Tuoni
Referenced as the source of the serpent's entrails (death-belt of Tuoni) and as the ruler of the underworld river Lemminkainen once nearly drowned in.
- Mana
Mentioned as the father of the daughter whose teeth became the serpent's fangs; also the realm of Manala where Lemminkainen's mother warns he might end up.
Key passages
“Quick his mind divined the reason, Knew it was Pohyola’s wedding, Wedding of the Rainbow-virgin.”
He quickly understood that the commotion was caused by Pohyola's wedding feast for the Rainbow-maiden.
Lemminkainen realizes the source of the noise and becomes determined to go.
“Suoyatar once let her spittle Fall upon the waves of ocean; This was rocked by winds and waters... Six years rocked upon the billows...”
Suoyatar's spittle fell into the sea, was tossed by waves for six years, and eventually washed ashore, becoming the origin of the serpent.
The mother recounts the creation myth of the serpent to Lemminkainen.
“I am mighty Lemminkainen, On my journey to Pohyola, To the feastings and carousals, In the halls of darksome Northland.”
Lemminkainen declares his identity and purpose to the serpent, commanding it to leave his path.
He uses his name and the serpent's origin story to banish the snake.