Little Known Myths- Finnish

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gallen-Kallela_The_defence_of_the_Sampo.jpg

As a fantasy author, I am constantly on the look out for weird and strange myths. Most of which I feel can inspire me and I can borrow from to twist into my own legends and tales. I have been doing recent research into some less known myths and have decided to share a small taste of them with you.

Finns: Lovers of cold, hot coffee, and fairly good at creating music. (Any Nightwish Fans?) Little spoken of, however, are a few of their gods of old.

Ukko: The chief god and likewise the god over weather. Known to live in the center of the sky with the power of hailstorms that he could rain down on his enemies. Similar in custom it seems to Thor, of Norse myth. (except Ukko's hammer was said to be made of copper) Aside from his other qualities, he was commonly called 'Father'.

Mielikki: The Lady of the Forest, a huntress it seems of similar fashion to a few other gods from other mythologies... Hunters would pray to her for good hunts and fortune. She was unpredictable in her blessings of game to her devoted.  Typical of any huntress type god it seems.....

Ilmarinen: The Creator. (and talk about a lengthy resume!) From creator of the world, the universe,and the primeval god of the Finns, to crafter of the Sampo, an artifact supposed to bring good luck to its owner. He was also called the eternal forger of the sky.

The picture above titled, "Defense of the Sampo" is from the Finnish National Epic "Kalevala" compiled by  Elias Lonnrot in the 19th century.in the 19th century.in the 19th century.   in the 19th century in the 19th Century  The painting shows the white haired hero Väinämöinen, attempting to defend the Sampo which he stole from the dark witch Louhi. 

This is a small taste of the information that can be found about Finnish Myths. Perhaps when I am not stricken with other writing deadlines I will write more of these myths!

JT

Click as appropriate if you are looking for either Inuit Myths or Hawaiian Myths




If you are interested in additional information, head here: http://www.finnishmyth.org/FINNISHMYTH.ORG/Welcome.html

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