Ilmarinen Forges the Sampo

Kalevala

This flow focuses on Ilmarinen’s work as an artist whose repeated failures and eventual success make him both a creator and a target.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Smith Is Named The Smith Is Named from "Kalevala". The Smith Is Named Another hero’s obligation Wainamoinen tells Ilmarinen that Louhi wants the Sampo and says the smith can win her daughter by making it.

The Smith Is Named from "Kalevala". The Smith Is Named Another hero’s obligation Wainamoinen tells Ilmarinen that Louhi wants the Sampo and says the smith can win her daughter by making it.

The Smith Is Named Another hero’s obligation Wainamoinen tells Ilmarinen that Louhi wants the Sampo and says the smith can win her daughter by making it. Ilmarinen remembers that he has been promised as payment for another’s safety. Reluctance becomes action He initially refuses to go to Pohyola. Wainamoinen’s deception sends him there anyway, showing how another hero’s choices shape Ilmarinen’s fate.

The Storm-Wind Journey The Storm-Wind Journey from "Kalevala". The Storm-Wind Journey A forced departure Wainamoinen creates a storm that carries Ilmarinen through the air to Northland.

The Storm-Wind Journey from "Kalevala". The Storm-Wind Journey A forced departure Wainamoinen creates a storm that carries Ilmarinen through the air to Northland.

The Storm-Wind Journey A forced departure Wainamoinen creates a storm that carries Ilmarinen through the air to Northland. The smith arrives at Louhi’s home before he can choose whether to undertake the journey. Skill under pressure Ilmarinen accepts the commission and sets about building a forge. His craft remains his own, even when the circumstances that bring him to the work are not.

The Sampo Is Forged The Sampo Is Forged from "Kalevala". The Sampo Is Forged Repeated labor Ilmarinen works with fire, metal, wind, and hired hands.

The Sampo Is Forged Repeated labor Ilmarinen works with fire, metal, wind, and hired hands. He destroys several creations that prove dangerous before the Sampo finally takes shape. Achievement and separation His craft secures abundance for Louhi, but not the bride he was promised. Ilmarinen returns home successful as a smith yet disappointed in love.

A Bride of Gold A Bride of Gold from "Kalevala". A Bride of Gold Grief turns to fabrication Ilmarinen gathers gold and silver and attempts to make a new companion.

A Bride of Gold from "Kalevala". A Bride of Gold Grief turns to fabrication Ilmarinen gathers gold and silver and attempts to make a new companion.

A Bride of Gold Grief turns to fabrication Ilmarinen gathers gold and silver and attempts to make a new companion. The furnace produces beautiful figures, culminating in a golden maiden. An image cannot answer The figure looks perfect but cannot speak, hear, see, walk, or embrace. The smith’s technical power cannot recreate reciprocal human life.

The Maiden Is Rejected The Maiden Is Rejected from "Kalevala". The Maiden Is Rejected A proposed solution Ilmarinen offers the golden figure to Wainamoinen as a companion.

The Maiden Is Rejected from "Kalevala". The Maiden Is Rejected A proposed solution Ilmarinen offers the golden figure to Wainamoinen as a companion.

The Maiden Is Rejected A proposed solution Ilmarinen offers the golden figure to Wainamoinen as a companion. The elder refuses, warning against taking a bride made of metal. A lesson in value Ilmarinen’s creation is beautiful but cold, and cannot replace a relationship. The failure leaves the blacksmith with grief rather than a new household.

After Wainamoinen returns from Louhi’s country

After Ilmarinen doubts Wainamoinen’s tale of the fir tree

During three days and nights at the Pohyola forge

After Ilmarinen has lost his human wife

After Ilmarinen brings the golden maiden to Wainamoinen