Runoilmiön

Runoilmiön is a Finnish term that translates to "poetic phenomenon" or "poetic event." It refers to the subjective experience of encountering and being moved by poetry. This phenomenon encompasses the emotional, intellectual, and aesthetic responses a reader or listener has to a poem. It is not simply about understanding the words on a page, but about the deeper impact the poem has on the individual's inner world.

The runoilmiön can be triggered by various elements within a poem, such as its imagery, rhythm, metaphor, or the themes it explores. It often involves a sense of recognition, insight, or a heightened awareness of beauty or truth. This experience can be fleeting or profound, leading to contemplation, inspiration, or even a shift in perspective. The term emphasizes the active role of the recipient in creating the meaning and impact of poetry, suggesting that poetry's power lies not only in the poet's craft but also in its ability to resonate with and transform the reader. The runoilmiön is a central concept in Finnish literary criticism and aesthetic theory.