Väinämöinen

demigod · Finland · Nordic

Väinämöinen is the eternal sage and culture hero of Finnish mythology, central figure of Kalevala. Born ancient after Ilmatar's 700-year gestation, shapes world through magical song. Invented kantele from pike's jaw; forged sky's dome in some runic songs. Battles Joukahainen in song, wins, sings him into mire. Quests for Sampo, stolen words from Antero Vipunen, lost word of creation.

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