Iku-Turso

serpent · Finland · Nordic

Iku-Turso (Meri-Tursas, Turisas) is a Finnish primordial sea giant in Kalevala. Rises to burn haystack; world oak grows from ashes. Louhi summons him to stop Sampo theft; Väinämöinen seizes him by ears, banishes to ocean depths. Runic songs: father of Väinämöinen (Iku-Turilas) or Meri-Tursas who impregnates Loviatar with diseases. Name from Proto-Germanic *þurisaz 'giant'.

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