Kalevala, Rune XXXVIII summary
Rune XXXVIII of 52 · Book II · 7 min to read the rune
In Rune XXXVIII, Ilmarinen seeks another daughter of Louhi, abducts her after she refuses him, and transforms her into a seagull when she continues to scorn him. He also tells Wainamoinen that the Sampo supplies Pohyola with flour and sustains its prosperity, bringing that source of wealth into their conversation.
What happens
- Ilmarinen sets aside his golden maiden and travels to Pohyola to seek his dead wife's younger sister.
- Louhi refuses him, a baby warns against him, and the daughter rejects his proposal.
- Ilmarinen abducts the maiden, answers her escape threats, and grows angry as she prefers wild animals to him.
- After sleeping, Ilmarinen considers killing her, but his sword refuses to harm her.
- Ilmarinen sings the maiden into a seagull and travels toward his smithy.
- Meeting Wainamoinen, Ilmarinen describes the Sampo's benefits and reports the maiden's transformation.
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In this rune
What to notice
The weapon refuses Ilmarinen's intended violence and identifies the captive as helpless. Ilmarinen then uses magical song rather than the sword.
Quick check
What form does Ilmarinen give the captive maiden?
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