Sariola
Sariola is a mythological term in Finnish folklore used to denote the land of the dead or the realm of the deceased. In traditional narratives it is described as a distant, shadowy country, sometimes located beyond a great river or behind a dark gate, from which souls depart and to which they return in songs and legends. The term is often encountered in Finnish oral poetry and later folklore collections, and in some usages is nearly synonymous with Tuonela, the better-known Finnish underworld, though some sources treat Sariola as a distinct region with its own associations and rulers.
Origin and attestation: The precise origin of the word is uncertain, and scholars differ on whether Sariola
Depiction and function: As a mythic setting, Sariola serves to evoke the liminal space between life and
Legacy: In modern Finnish literature and popular culture, Sariola remains a recognizable symbol of death and