The Kalevala · Chapter
Rune XXXIV: Kullervo Finds His Tribe-Folk explained
Kullervo leaves Ilmarinen's home after causing the death of Ilmarinen's wife, wandering through forests and fields.
What happens
Kullervo leaves Ilmarinen's home after causing the death of Ilmarinen's wife, wandering through forests and fields. He laments his orphaned state and resolves to avenge his father's murder against Untamoinen. An old woman informs him that his parents are still alive in Northland, and he journeys to find them. Upon reaching a cottage, he reunites with his mother and father, who had long believed him dead. His mother tells him of his sister's mysterious disappearance while berry-picking.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Retribution
Kullervo's primary motivation is to avenge his father's murder and his mother's tortures, vowing to slay Untamoinen and burn his homes.
Family and Kinship
The chapter centers on Kullervo's search for his lost family and his emotional reunion with his mother and father, highlighting the importance of kinship.
Fate and Tragedy
Kullervo laments his orphaned state and perceived ill-fate, while his mother mourns the mysterious loss of her daughter, underscoring the tragic elements of the narrative.
Characters to notice
- Kullervo
Leaves Ilmarinen's home after the death of the blacksmith's wife, wanders in despair, and learns from an old woman that his parents are alive. He journeys to Northland and reunites with his family.
- Ilmarinen
Discovers his wife's death and mourns bitterly, but does not confront Kullervo as the young magician has already departed.
- Untamoinen
Mentioned as the destroyer of Kullervo's people; Kullervo vows to avenge his father's murder against him.
- Kalervo
Kullervo's father, revealed to be still alive in Northland, living with his wife on the long-point of the fish-lake.
- Ukko
Invoked by Kullervo in his lament as the god who gave him form and feature, but whom he feels has abandoned him.
Key passages
“Why was I, alas! created, Why was I so ill-begotten, Since for months and years I wander, Lost among the ether-spaces?”
Kullervo laments his creation and his aimless wandering, feeling abandoned and without a home.
Expresses Kullervo's deep despair and sense of purposelessness after leaving Ilmarinen.
“Wait, yea wait, thou Untamoinen, Thou destroyer of my people; When I meet thee in the combat, I will slay thee and thy kindred, I will burn thy homes to ashes!”
Kullervo vows to kill Untamoinen and his entire clan, and to burn their homes, as revenge for the destruction of his own people.
Highlights Kullervo's vengeful resolve and the central theme of retribution.
“Dost thou know me not, my mother, Dost thou know me not, my father? I am hapless Kullerwoinen, Whom the heroes of Untamo Carried to their distant country, When my height was but a hand-breadth.”
Kullervo reveals his identity to his parents, explaining that he was taken by Untamo's warriors when he was very young.
The moment of recognition and reunion after years of separation.