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The Kalevala

By: Elias Lönnrot, Keith Bosley - translator
Narrated by: Keith Bosley
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Summary

The Kalevala provides a compelling insight into the myths and folklore of Finland. Compiled by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century, this impressive volume follows a tradition of oral storytelling that goes back some 2000 years, and it is often compared to such epic poems as Homer's Odyssey. However, The Kalevala has little in common with the culture of its Nordic neighbors: It is primarily poetic, it is mythical rather than historic, and its heroes solve their problems with magic more often than violence.

This version uses the acclaimed translation by Keith Bosley, who is one of the acknowledged experts on The Kalevala. Highly popular and accessible, his is widely regarded to be the authoritative text.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.
Download the accompanying reference guide.
©1989 Keith Bosley (P)2013 Naxos AudioBooks
Classics European Literary History & Criticism Poetry Scandinavia
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Profile Image for RONAN O'CALLAGHAN

Vivid and fascinating.

Only one third through but I'm in no doubt I'll want all 13 hours. It's like a drug.
I almost didn't click but curiosity made me listen to the sample and I was drawn in by the sound and the imagery straight away.
Nordic noir was never so harsh and lyrical.
What a delight to realise later that the reader Keith Bosley is also the translator! Amazing job.
I would tend to get bored by folk tales and myths if the text is plodding - it takes the driving energy of poetry like this to bring such material to life and that is here in abundance.

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16 people found this helpful