# Rune XXXIX: Wainamoinen's Sailing explained — The Kalevala

> Chapter companion for The Kalevala by Elias Lönnrot.

## What happens

Wainamoinen persuades Ilmarinen to journey to Pohyola to seize the Sampo. Ilmarinen forges a mighty fire-sword for Wainamoinen, and they set out by land. On the way, they encounter a weeping vessel that laments its inactivity. Wainamoinen magically brings the ship to life, fills it with heroes and maidens, and sets sail. They meet Lemminkainen, who joins their quest.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroism and Quest

The chapter centers on the quest to seize the Sampo, with heroes preparing and setting out on a perilous journey.

### Craftsmanship and Creation

Ilmarinen forges a magical fire-sword, and Wainamoinen magically creates a crew and animates a ship.

### Conflict Between North and South

The journey to Pohyola (Northland) to take the Sampo from Louhi underscores the tension between Kalevala and Pohyola.

## Character check-ins

### Wainamoinen

Leads the quest to seize the Sampo, forges a magic sword, and magically animates a ship.

### Ilmarinen

Forces the fire-sword and rows the ship with master-magic, but is hesitant about the sea journey.

### Lemminkainen

Joins the expedition after recognizing the vessel, offering his skills in warfare.

### Louhi

Mentioned as having hidden the Sampo in the copper mountain of Pohyola.

## Key lines

> Let us go to Sariola, There to gain the magic Sampo, There to see the lid in colors.

Wainamoinen proposes they travel to Sariola to obtain the magical Sampo and its colorful lid.

_Sets the objective for the chapter's quest._

> Forge me now the sword of battle, Forge for me the mighty fire-sword, that I may destroy the wild-beasts, Frighten all the Northland people.

Wainamoinen asks Ilmarinen to create a powerful fire-sword to protect them and intimidate the Northlanders.

_Highlights the need for magical weaponry._

> Weep no more, thou goodly vessel, Man-of-war, no longer murmur; Thou shalt sail to Sariola, Sing the war-songs of the Northland, Sail with us to deadly combat.

Wainamoinen comforts the weeping ship, promising it will sail to Sariola and join them in battle.

_Wainamoinen magically animates the ship._

> Take me with thee to Pohyola, Make me third of magic heroes, Since thou goest for the Sampo, Goest for the lid in colors; I shall prove a valiant soldier.

Lemminkainen asks to join the expedition, offering his combat skills.

_Lemminkainen's request to join the quest._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/chapters/rune-xxxix-wainamoinen-s-sailing
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/chapters