Synopses & Reviews
A homesick hero, a pair of friendly rivals, a triumphant bridegroom, and a golden maiden populate the pages of this treasury, a collection of awe-inspiring stories from Finnish mythology. Assembled by educator James Baldwin, a specialist in adapting ancient narratives into captivating prose, these 38 entrancing tales are drawn from the oral traditions of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala.
The Kalevala spans many ages, from the beginning of the earth to the remote past, long before its legends were sung and chanted in humble homes and grand palaces alike. Its tales of heroes and gods center on the fate of a sampo, a highly prized and jealously guarded magical artifact. J. R. R. Tolkien was much influenced by this fantasy cycle of the Far North, and readers of all ages continue to fall under its spell. This edition of the beloved classic features four magnificent illustrations by N. C. Wyeth.
Synopsis
A collection of awe-inspiring stories from Finnish mythology, this treasury was assembled by educator James Baldwin, who specialized in adapting ancient narratives into captivating prose. Drawn from the oral traditions of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, these 38 entrancing tales are appropriate for all ages. 4 illustrations by N. C. Wyeth.
About the Author
James Baldwin was born in Indiana and made a career as an educator and administrator there starting at the age of 24. After a long career in education, he went on to become a widely published schoolbook editor and author in the subjects of legends, mythology, biography, and literature, among others.
N.C. Wyeth was an American artist and illustrator. Born in Needham, Massachusetts, he studied under Howard Pyle. His first published work appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post in 1903. In 1911 he painted a series of illustrations for an edition of the book, Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson. He also illustrated editions of The Yearling, The White Company, Robinson Crusoe, The Last of the Mohicans, Kidnapped (1937), and Robin Hood.
Table of Contents
Mistress and Minstrel
The Maid of Beauty
The Graybeard and His Son
The Wicked Hornet
The Tree of Magic
The Smithy
The Tempest
The Recipe
The Caldron
The Forging of the Sampo
The Homesick Hero
The Unfinished Boat
The Land of Tuonela
The Hag of the Rock
The Hero's Return
The Wisdom Keeper
The Launching
The Maid of the Morning
The Unexpected Journey
The Friendly Rivals
The Barking Dogs
The Old Man's Wooing
The Field of Serpents
The Great Pike
The Bridegroom's Triumph
The Wedding Feast
The Home Coming
The Slave Boy
A Dreadful Vengeance
The Golden Maiden
The Famine
The Weeping Ship
The Kantele
The Triumph of Music
The Flight
The Pursuit
The Fate of the Sampo
Notes