Heroes of Kalevala

Kalevala-the region in the south of Finland where heroes battle and their ladies wander among the trees of the forest, where minstrels sing of great exploits and powerful magic. Irma Kaplan has collected stories of the old heroes from traditional songs of Finland that have been handed down, generation to generation, over the long centuries: Wäinämöinen, famed for the magic power of his songs which could move oceans and rivers or lull an army of fighting men; Ilmarinen, his far to gullible friend; Aino, the fair maiden who is betrothed to Wäinämöinen but finds herself a captive in the underwater kingdom of Wellamo, Queen of the Sea; and many other fascinating characters. These ancient legends, with their dark mystery and brooding magic, will entrance readers of all ages. Illustrated by Barbara Brown.