Lemminkainen’s Exile and Return

This flow follows Lemminkainen’s escape from Pohyola, refuge on an island, shipwreck, and reunion with his mother.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Uninvited Guest

The Uninvited Guest An insult answered Lemminkainen arrives at Pohyola’s wedding without an invitation and objects to the meager food and drink. His presence turns a celebration into a contest of pride. Magic becomes violence He and the host conjure rival animals before fighting with swords. Lemminkainen kills the master of Pohyola and makes the danger to himself unavoidable.

Flight from the Wedding Hall

Flight from the Wedding Hall Pursuit begins Louhi summons armed people against Lemminkainen. He leaves the hall but cannot find his horse and changes his shape to escape the enemy. His mother provides refuge At home, Lemminkainen’s mother learns what happened and warns that Northland will seek his life. She directs him to an island where his father once hid.

A Father’s Refuge

A Father’s Refuge A temporary sanctuary Lemminkainen reaches a forested island whose inhabitants offer him space to stay. He sings for them and becomes popular among the island’s women. A careless stay He remains for three summers, neglecting one woman. Her curse and his enemies’ preparations foreshadow the loss of the refuge he has enjoyed.

The Ship Is Burned

The Ship Is Burned Departure blocked The slighted woman burns Lemminkainen’s vessel before he can sail. His safe retreat becomes a new trap, and he must build a ship from scarce fragments. A fragile escape He constructs a small boat through magic and sets out. The rebuilt vessel cannot protect him from the storm that later destroys it.

The Mother Is Found

The Mother Is Found Home changed beyond recognition Lemminkainen reaches his homeland and finds his family’s former dwelling gone. Believing his mother dead, he weeps for her rather than for the lost house. Reunion in hiding He follows faint tracks to a cabin where his mother has been living in concealment. Their reunion restores his family bond, even as the danger from Pohyola remains part of his past.

During Ilmarinen’s wedding feast

Immediately after Lemminkainen kills the Northland host

After Lemminkainen sails across nine seas

On the morning Lemminkainen plans to leave the island

After Lemminkainen survives the wreck at sea