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The Kalevala

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The Kalevala

By: Elias Lönnrot, Keith Bosley - translator
Narrated by: Keith Bosley
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About this listen

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©1989 Keith Bosley (P)2013 Naxos AudioBooks Classics European Literary History & Criticism Poetry World Literature Scandinavia
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Written and performed well. It is repetitive, but remember it is epic poetry, song poetry. Get out of the novel zone and you will enjoy it a lot more.

Worth reading

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It’s kinda interesting, but repetitive and in parts long winded & random. Ofc it’s not a novel.
Also quite different from the other Nordic mythology

The narrator is great, perfect for old folklore, makes the listen more enjoyable.

A bit disappointing

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