but there is are several stories within the Kalevala that are particularly Gloranthan in their inspiration. Frex the description of spells (particularly in Book 8 and 9) are great examples of "folk sorcery" (requiring the Origins of things be told in order and depth to work). Even more so is the Bear in Book 46, which is a wonderfully Odaylan story.
In it, a bear is raised by the hag Louhi to inflict destruction upon Kalevala. So old Vainamoinen has the smith Ilmarinen forge him a spear, as:
"There's a Beast to be taken
a precious-pelt to be felled -
stopped from crushing my geldings
going for my mares
from felling my herd
laying the cows low."
Old Vainamoinen travels into Forestland and challenges the bear and casts his magic upon him:
"Beast, apple of the forest
chunky honey-paw
when you hear me coming, a
real man stepping
tie your claws up in your fur
your teeth in your gums
so that they never touch me
when you make a lunge."
Vainamoinen then kills the bear. And that's when it gets all Gloranthan. Vainamoinen praises the bear and asks him not to be angry with him and then invites him back as a guest. As he skins the bear, removes its claws, teeth, and skull, Vainamoinen sings spells and takes its power into him:
I take the Beast's nose
to help my own nose;
but I don't take to leave him
bereft, or me with but one.
I take the Beast's ear
to help my own ear;
but I don't take to leave him
bereft, or me with but one.
I take the Beast's eye
to help my own eye;
but I don't take to leave him
bereft, or me with but one.
I take the Beast's brow
to help my own brow;
but I don't take to leave him
bereft, or me with but one.
I take the Beast's snout
to help my own snout;
but I don't take to leave him
bereft, or me with but one.
I take the Beast's tongue
to help my own tongue;
but I don't take to leave him
bereft, or me with but one."
Anyways, wonderful stuff for the Gloranthaphile. If you have never read the Kalevala, grab a copy and enjoy.
Jeff
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