Perunalle

Perunalle is a traditional Finnish folk tale that is part of the Kalevala, the national epic of Finland. The tale is named after Perunalle, a young maiden who is the daughter of the god of thunder, Ukko. Perunalle is known for her beauty and her love for the mortal man, Lemminkäinen, who is a hero in the Kalevala.

The story begins when Lemminkäinen, who is known for his strength and courage, visits the home of Ukko. Impressed by Lemminkäinen's bravery, Ukko offers him a choice of three gifts. Lemminkäinen chooses Perunalle, Ukko's daughter, as his gift. However, Ukko warns Lemminkäinen that Perunalle is a divine being and that she will not be able to live with him as a mortal.

Lemminkäinen, undeterred, takes Perunalle with him. They live together for a time, but Perunalle's divine nature begins to cause problems. She is unable to eat or drink like a mortal, and she becomes increasingly weak. Lemminkäinen, feeling guilty for taking her from her father, tries to return her to Ukko. However, Perunalle refuses to leave Lemminkäinen, and she eventually dies from her inability to live as a mortal.

The tale of Perunalle is a cautionary story about the dangers of taking divine beings into the mortal world. It also explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of one's actions. The story is a significant part of Finnish folklore and is often performed in traditional Finnish theater, known as "Kansan Näyttämö."