Kalevala

The Kalevala seems to integrate many of the elements of the epic tradition within its work. Although "the power of a man lay not only in the strength of his arms" there is still an element of competition and warriors take a genuine pride in a job well done (15). In the "Singing Contest," Joukahainen is determined to "battle" the great warrior Vainamoinen. Like in the Lusiads and the old man yelling from the dock his warning not to proceed, Joukahainen's parents plead with him not challenge the old wizard. Although this is not the typical epic battle we are used to where men attempt to hack each other to death, it contains many of the elements of the aristeia. At their meeting, Joukahainen brags about his amazing knowledge and his many accomplishments just like many of the warriors in past epics like Iliad, Aeneid, and Lusiads. Vainamoinen taunts Joukahainen stating that his "is the learning of women" (19). Vainamoinen reminds me faintly of Achilles in The Iliad: before Patroclus' death, Achilles is offered a huge amount of booty to join the ranks and fight the Trojans, yet he resisted. Vainamoinen is offered an array of fabulous prizes, but only the promise of an amazingly beautiful young girl is able to persuade Vainamoinen to release the magic holding Joukahainen.