Kalevala, The Land of the Heroes, Volume Two

by Unknown

[327.] This reminds us of Sir Peter's "Sword of Vengeance." (Prior's Danish Ballads, I., pp. 269-275.)

[341.] The Esthonian Kalevipoeg was also slain, like Kullervo, by his own sword. (Hero of Esthonia, I., pp. 140, 141.)

RUNO XXXVII

[56.] Literally, their hatless shoulders.

[61.] Compare the account of the forging of the Sampo in Runo X.

RUNO XXXVIII

[94.] This might allude to the Viking practice of carving the Blood-Eagle on the backs of enemies; but Prof. Krohn remarks that this was unknown in Finland.

[255.] Here it seems that the mere fact of Ilmarinen having carried off the girl, even against her will, was enough to constitute her his lawful wife.

[273.] Ilmarinen's sword was less bloodthirsty than that of Kullervo; but it will be noticed that there is as little real chivalry in the Kalevala generally as in old Scandinavian literature.