The Kalevala · Chapter
Rune XXXI: Kullerwoinen Son of Evil explained
This chapter recounts the tragic origins of Kullervo, born of a captive mother after Untamoinen's slaughter of Kalervo's tribe.
What happens
This chapter recounts the tragic origins of Kullervo, born of a captive mother after Untamoinen's slaughter of Kalervo's tribe. Despite attempts to kill him by water, fire, and hanging, Kullervo proves indestructible and is eventually given tasks, which he ruins through his destructive magic. Ultimately, Untamoinen sells him to the blacksmith Ilmarinen.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Tragedy
Kullervo is born under a curse of vengeance and is doomed to bring destruction despite all efforts to prevent it.
Revenge and Retribution
Kullervo's entire existence is driven by the need to avenge his father's murder, and his actions bring ruin to those around him.
Family and Kinship
The conflict between the brothers Untamoinen and Kalervo, and Kullervo's status as a fatherless child, highlight the importance and fragility of family bonds.
Characters to notice
- Kullervo
The son of evil, born of a captive mother; survives multiple attempts on his life and performs destructive tasks.
- Untamoinen
The evil-minded brother who kills Kalervo's people and repeatedly tries to kill Kullervo, eventually selling him to Ilmarinen.
- Kalervo
Kullervo's father, whose tribe is slaughtered by Untamoinen.
- Ilmarinen
The blacksmith to whom Kullervo is sold; forges an axe for Kullervo.
- Youkahainen
Not directly present in this chapter.
Key passages
“In the ancient times a mother Hatched and raised some swans and chickens... Came an eagle, hawk, and falcon, Scattered all her swans and chickens, One was carried to Karyala, And a second into Ehstland, Left a third at home in Pohya.”
Long ago, a mother raised birds, but predators scattered them; one went to Karyala, one to Ehstland, and one stayed in Pohya.
This allegorical opening introduces the three brothers who become Kalervo, the merchant, and Untamoinen.
“Then Untamo, evil-minded, Angry grew and sighed for vengeance, Clutched his fingers for the combat, Bared his mighty arms for battle, For the stealing of his salmon, For the robbing of his fish-nets.”
Untamo became furious over the theft of his fish and prepared for war.
The conflict between the brothers escalates from a petty dispute over fish nets to full-scale war.
“Kicks the boy with might of magic, Forwards, backwards, upwards, downwards, Kicks in miracles of power, Bursts with might his swaddling garments; Creeping from beneath his blankets, Knocks his cradle into fragments, Tears to tatters all his raiment.”
The infant Kullervo kicks with supernatural force, destroying his cradle and clothing.
Kullervo's magical strength manifests even in infancy, foreshadowing his destructive nature.
“When three months the boy had thriven, He began to speak as follows: 'When my form is full of stature, When these arms grow strong and hardy, Then will I avenge the murder Of Kalervo and his people!'”
At three months old, Kullervo declares he will avenge his father's death when he grows up.
Kullervo's first words are a vow of revenge, establishing his tragic purpose.
“Untamoinen sells Kullervo, Trades him off in far Karyala, To the blacksmith, Ilmarinen, To the master of the metals, This the sum received in payment: Seven worn and worthless sickles, Three old cauldrons worse than useless, Three old scythes, and hoes, and axes.”
Untamoinen sells Kullervo to the blacksmith Ilmarinen for a pittance of old, broken tools.
Kullervo is traded away as a worthless slave, highlighting his status as an outcast.
