preKalevala

PreKalevala refers to the mythical period preceding the events chronicled in the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala. While the Kalevala itself focuses on the heroic deeds and conflicts of Wäinämöinen, Ilmarinen, and Lemminkäinen, the preKalevala era is imagined as a time of creation, the formation of the world, and the establishment of fundamental principles. This period is often populated by primordial beings and the initial shaping of the cosmos.

The concept of preKalevala is not a clearly defined historical period but rather a conceptual framework derived from the themes and cosmology present within the Kalevala and related Finnish folk traditions. It encompasses the mythical genesis of the land, sea, and sky, and the emergence of the first divine or semi-divine entities. This era sets the stage for the later human-centric narratives of the epic, providing a foundation of ancient magic and cosmic order.

Within the lore, it is often depicted as a time when the natural world was being formed and imbued with its inherent properties. The elements themselves might have been personified or actively shaped by these early forces. Understanding preKalevala helps to contextualize the origins of the characters, magical practices, and the very landscape that serves as the backdrop for the Kalevala's adventures. It represents the ancient, foundational layer of Finnish mythological thought.