Character guide

Wainamoinen

major

Also known as old Wainamoinen, wise Wainamoinen, ancient Wainamoinen, the trusty Wainamoinen, the valiant Wainamoinen, the thoughtless Wainamoinen, brave Wainamoinen, Iron Wainamoinen, Sano wanha Wainamoinen, wiisas Wainamoinen

Eternal sage and chief hero of Kalevala, central to the Sampo quest and creation of the kantele.

Ilmarinen

major

Also known as dear Ilmarinen, young Ilmarinen, Wicked Ilmarinen

Eternal smith who forged the Sampo; a key hero and rival suitor in the epic.

Lemminkainen

major

Also known as the reckless Lemminkainen, Kaukomieli, wild Lemminkainen, the fearless Lemminkainen, the warlike Lemminkainen, the merry Lemminkainen, the hardy Lemminkainen, the artful Lemminkainen, young Lemminkainen, the lively Lemminkainen, the mighty Lemminkainen, brave Kaukomieli, wild Kaukomieli, Lempo, Son of Lempo, cruel Lempo

Brash warrior and adventurer who dies and is resurrected by his mother; a central hero.

Louhi

major

Also known as ancient Louhi, the wicked Louhi, the Nine Diseases Louhi, Louhi Pohjolan emanta Sanan wirkko

Mistress of Pohyola, antagonist who steals the sun and moon and opposes the heroes.

Kullervo

major

Also known as Kullerwoinen, young Kullervo, young Kullerwoinen, the wicked Kullerwoinen, guilty Kullerwoinen, fell Kullervo

Tragic hero enslaved as a child who seeks revenge on his family's enemies.

Youkahainen

supporting

Also known as the boastful Youkahainen, the youthful Youkahainen, young Youkahainen

Young Laplander who challenges Wainamoinen to a singing contest and loses.

Aino

supporting

Also known as the tearful Aino, beauteous Aino, lovely Aino, poor Aino, Weeping Aino, the lovely Aino, sister Aino

Youkahainen's sister who drowns herself rather than marry old Wainamoinen.

Ukko

supporting

Also known as the Finnish Ukko, mighty Ukko, generous Ukko, omniscient Ukko, O gracious Ukko, benignant Ukko, great Ukko, Lightning Ukko

Supreme god of the heavens who controls thunder, rain, and the elements.

Otso

supporting

Also known as Mighty Otso, dear Otso, great Otso, Sacred Otso, Honey-bee

The sacred bear of the forest, hunted and honored in a ritual feast.

Mariatta

supporting

Also known as the Virgin Mariatta, the troubled Mariatta

Virgin mother who gives birth to a miraculous child, leading to Wainamoinen's departure.

Ahti

minor

Also known as mighty Ahti, the Ahti-eagle, the wicked Ahti, dripping Ahti

Sea god and alternate name for Lemminkainen in some contexts.

Kyllikki

supporting

Also known as fair Kyllikki, false Kyllikki

Lemminkainen's wife who breaks her vow, prompting his departure.

Tuoni

minor

God of the underworld, ruler of the dead in Tuonela.

Tapio

minor

Also known as Mighty Tapio, great Tapio

Forest god who presides over game and hunting.

Pellerwoinen

minor

Also known as Sampsa, Sampsa Pellerwoinen

Fertility spirit who sows trees and vegetation across the land.

Annikki

minor

Also known as fair Annikki, Good Annikki

Ilmarinen's sister who aids the heroes with news and advice.

Untamoinen

supporting

Also known as grave Untamoinen, Messengers of Untamoinen

Evil brother of Kalervo who enslaves Kullervo's family.

Kalervo

minor

Also known as old Kalervo

Father of Kullervo, killed in a feud with his brother Untamoinen.

Lowyatar

minor

Also known as Blind Lowyatar, the blind Lowyatar

Blind daughter of the air who gives birth to the nine diseases.

Iku-Turso

minor

Monstrous sea creature who threatens the heroes on their voyage.

Wipunen

supporting

Also known as Old Wipunen, the wise Wipunen, wise Wipunen, Antero Wipunen

Giant sage who holds the lost words Wainamoinen needs for boat-building.

Tiera

minor

Also known as faithful Tiera

Companion of Lemminkainen on his adventures.

Suoyatar

minor

Creatrix of the serpent from her spittle.

Kalevatar

minor

Daughter of Kaleva, mother of the heroes in some traditions.

Lakko

minor

Goddess of beer and brewing, invoked during wedding feasts.

Osmotar

minor

Bride-adviser who instructs the new bride on her duties.

Palwoinen

minor

A minor deity or spirit mentioned in incantations.

Wirokannas

minor

Also known as the ancient Wirokannas, the gray-haired Wirokannas, old Wirokannas

Priest who baptizes Mariatta's child.

Ilmatar

supporting

Also known as Straightway Ilmatar

Daughter of the air, mother of Wainamoinen and creatrix of the world.

Wellamo

minor

Also known as King Wellamo, Dear Wellamo

Ruler of the undersea kingdom of Ahtola.

Panu

minor

Also known as the willing Panu, Evil Panu, the wicked Panu

Spirit of fire, sometimes personified as a destructive force.

Ahto

minor

Also known as O Ahto

God of the sea and ruler of the waters.

Ruotus

minor

Also known as old Ruotus

Man who shelters Mariatta during her pregnancy.

Mielikki

minor

Also known as Fair Mielikki

Goddess of the forest and wife of Tapio.

Ilpotar

minor

Daughter of the air, sometimes identified with Ilmatar.

Piltti

minor

Servant girl who assists Mariatta.

Terhenetar

minor

Mist spirit who creates fog and mist.

Kalma

minor

Goddess of death and decay in the underworld.

Kimmo

minor

A minor forest spirit or animal.

Tellervo

minor

Also known as Fair Tellervo

Daughter of Tapio, a forest maiden.

Kalew

minor

Ancestral hero from whom the Kalevala region takes its name.

Tuonetar

minor

Daughter of Tuoni, queen of the underworld.

Suvetar

minor

Goddess of summer and warmth.

Lemmas

minor

A minor female spirit or deity.

Osmo

minor

Ancestral figure, father of Osmotar.

Pikku Mies

minor

Tiny man who emerges from the sea to help fell a great oak.

Hiisi

minor

Evil spirit or demon often associated with Lempo.

Lylikki

minor

Maker of skis for the heroes.

Sahri

minor

A minor character or place name in the epic.

Nasshut

minor

Also known as the wretched Nasshut

A miserable creature or spirit mentioned in curses.

Juutas

minor

A demonic figure, sometimes equated with Hiisi.

Piru

minor

Also known as the Piru-Reindeer

A devil or evil spirit in Finnish folklore.

Mana

minor

God of the underworld, synonymous with Tuoni.