# The Kalevala — Character guide

> Key figures in The Kalevala by Elias Lönnrot.

- [Wainamoinen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/wainamoinen.md): Eternal sage and chief hero of Kalevala, central to the Sampo quest and creation of the kantele.
- [Ilmarinen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/ilmarinen.md): Eternal smith who forged the Sampo; a key hero and rival suitor in the epic.
- [Lemminkainen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/lemminkainen.md): Brash warrior and adventurer who dies and is resurrected by his mother; a central hero.
- [Louhi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/louhi.md): Mistress of Pohyola, antagonist who steals the sun and moon and opposes the heroes.
- [Kullervo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/kullervo.md): Tragic hero enslaved as a child who seeks revenge on his family's enemies.
- [Youkahainen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/youkahainen.md): Young Laplander who challenges Wainamoinen to a singing contest and loses.
- [Aino](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/aino.md): Youkahainen's sister who drowns herself rather than marry old Wainamoinen.
- [Ukko](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/ukko.md): Supreme god of the heavens who controls thunder, rain, and the elements.
- [Otso](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/otso.md): The sacred bear of the forest, hunted and honored in a ritual feast.
- [Mariatta](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/mariatta.md): Virgin mother who gives birth to a miraculous child, leading to Wainamoinen's departure.
- [Ahti](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/ahti.md): Sea god and alternate name for Lemminkainen in some contexts.
- [Kyllikki](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/kyllikki.md): Lemminkainen's wife who breaks her vow, prompting his departure.
- [Tuoni](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/tuoni.md): God of the underworld, ruler of the dead in Tuonela.
- [Tapio](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/tapio.md): Forest god who presides over game and hunting.
- [Pellerwoinen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/pellerwoinen.md): Fertility spirit who sows trees and vegetation across the land.
- [Annikki](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/annikki.md): Ilmarinen's sister who aids the heroes with news and advice.
- [Untamoinen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/untamoinen.md): Evil brother of Kalervo who enslaves Kullervo's family.
- [Kalervo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/kalervo.md): Father of Kullervo, killed in a feud with his brother Untamoinen.
- [Lowyatar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/lowyatar.md): Blind daughter of the air who gives birth to the nine diseases.
- [Iku-Turso](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/iku-turso.md): Monstrous sea creature who threatens the heroes on their voyage.
- [Wipunen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/wipunen.md): Giant sage who holds the lost words Wainamoinen needs for boat-building.
- [Tiera](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/tiera.md): Companion of Lemminkainen on his adventures.
- [Suoyatar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/suoyatar.md): Creatrix of the serpent from her spittle.
- [Kalevatar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/kalevatar.md): Daughter of Kaleva, mother of the heroes in some traditions.
- [Lakko](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/lakko.md): Goddess of beer and brewing, invoked during wedding feasts.
- [Osmotar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/osmotar.md): Bride-adviser who instructs the new bride on her duties.
- [Palwoinen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/palwoinen.md): A minor deity or spirit mentioned in incantations.
- [Ilmatar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/ilmatar.md): Daughter of the air, mother of Wainamoinen and creatrix of the world.
- [Wellamo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/wellamo.md): Ruler of the undersea kingdom of Ahtola.
- [Panu](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/panu.md): Spirit of fire, sometimes personified as a destructive force.
- [Ruotus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/ruotus.md): Man who shelters Mariatta during her pregnancy.
- [Mielikki](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/mielikki.md): Goddess of the forest and wife of Tapio.
- [Ilpotar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/ilpotar.md): Daughter of the air, sometimes identified with Ilmatar.
- [Kalma](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/kalma.md): Goddess of death and decay in the underworld.
- [Kalew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/kalew.md): Ancestral hero from whom the Kalevala region takes its name.
- [Tuonetar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/tuonetar.md): Daughter of Tuoni, queen of the underworld.
- [Pikku Mies](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/pikku_mies.md): Tiny man who emerges from the sea to help fell a great oak.
- [Hiisi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/hiisi.md): Evil spirit or demon often associated with Lempo.
- [Sahri](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/sahri.md): A minor character or place name in the epic.
- [Nasshut](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/nasshut.md): A miserable creature or spirit mentioned in curses.
- [Juutas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/juutas.md): A demonic figure, sometimes equated with Hiisi.
- [Piru](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/piru.md): A devil or evil spirit in Finnish folklore.
- [Mana](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters/mana.md): God of the underworld, synonymous with Tuoni.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kalevala_se/characters