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The first unabridged recording of an important world classic: a compelling insight into the myths and folklore of Finland, The Kalevala is often compared to such epic poems as Homer's Odyssey. Drawing from oral storytelling traditions, Elias Lonnrot made this collection in the 19th-century, and it helped to cement Finnish identity in the turmoil of the 20th-century. The Kalevala has proven to be an inspiration to many, including Jean Sibelius, who tapped into its rich tapestry for many of his captivating orchestral works.
Keith Bosley is one of the acknowledged experts on the work: his translation is widely regarded as a landmark publication. A poet and acclaimed translator from Finnish, he is a Corresponding Member of the Finnish Literature Society and has also been knighted by the Order of the White Rose in Finland. For 30 years he was an announcer for the BBC World Service.
Canto 1: In the Beginning