The Ancestry and Authenticity of Kalevala: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Ancestry and Authenticity of Kalevala: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Kalevala, a cornerstone of Finnish literature and culture, has a rich and complex history. Published in various editions over the years, the earliest version appeared in 1833, while the definitive version that solidified its position as the 'real' Kalevala was released in 1849 by Elias Lnnrot. This article will explore the origins, authenticity, and evolution of the Kalevala, delving into the layers of history embedded within its contents.
Origins of the Kalevala
The Kalevala is a compilation of traditional Finnish poetry and mythology. Lnnrot collected and edited these poems, ultimately producing a comprehensive work that is widely regarded as Finland's national epic. However, the origins of the poems that form the Kalevala date back much further than its publication dates.
Since the late 1700s to the early 1900s, Elias Lnnrot collected old runes, which represent several layers of history, including the prehistoric, medieval, and even Christian-era themes. This collection was part of a larger 34-part work titled Suomen kansan vanhat runot (The Ancient Poems of the Finnish People), also known as SKVR, which contains around 100,000 different poems related to Kalevala-type poetry.
Themes and Layers of History
The Kalevala incorporates a multitude of themes, some of which are thousands of years old. These ancient elements are intertwined with more recent themes, such as those from the Finnish Christian era. For example, the world tree motif, a recurring element in the Kalevala, is found in various mythologies, including Indo-European, Siberian, and Native American traditions. Some scholars suggest that the idea of a world tree is deeply rooted in the human mind, possibly due to our evolutionary history of living in trees for around 60 million years. Thus, the concept of a vast tree as the entirety of the world remains a potent symbol in our collective unconscious.
Mythological Echoes
During his research, Lnnrot discovered similarities between Finnish and Udmurt myths. The Udmurt deity Inmar (or Ilmarinen in Finnish) is a prime example. While the exact date when Finnish and Udmurt languages and cultures separated is still a matter of debate, it is estimated that this separation occurred at least 2000 years ago and possibly earlier. This suggests that the myths and legends shared by these cultures have a long and enduring history.
Elias Lnnrot and the Editing Process
Lnnrot, often referred to as "the last rune singer," believed that by the time he wrote the final version of the Kalevala in the 1840s, he had a deep understanding of the traditional runes. However, his editing process was quite extensive, and he incorporated new elements and detailing that were not present in the original poems. According to Lnnrot, the newest contents in the Kalevala are from the late 1840s, making them distinctly 19th century in nature.
Lnnrot created what he believed to be a more authentic representation of the Finnish epic, but in doing so, he altered the original myths and introduced new elements. This is evident in the creation myth depicted in the Kalevala, which differs significantly from the older traditions. The Kalevala is therefore a work of fiction and a blend of historical and contemporary elements, rather than a purely authentic collection of ancient runes.
Conclusion
The Kalevala, while rooted in old traditions, is a product of the 19th century and owes more to the vision and creativity of its editor, Elias Lnnrot, than to any single historical source. To fully understand the Kalevala, one must consider both the older elements that represent thousands of years of history and the newer themes that reflect the times in which Lnnrot was living.