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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do Vainamoinen and Ilmarinen encounter on their way to Pohja?

2. Who helps Louhi get her revenge for the theft of the Sampo?

3. How does Untamo try to break Kullevo's spirit?

4. What does the Maid of Pohja learn about how her married life will be different?

5. What does Louhi see Ilmarinen making that causes her to set her prisoners free?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe three transformations in the Kalevala. How do characters change shape or take different forms? Which characters have this ability? Which do not? How would you characterize this power of transformation? Is it merely a narrative ploy, or were there characters in Finnish culture who were once supposed to have had this power?

Essay Topic 2

How does the Kalevala describe women? What range of roles do women play? What range of roles do men play? Is there ever any overlap or play with roles? Is Louhi ever masculine? Is Vainamoinen ever feminine?

Essay Topic 3

Are Lemmenkainen, Vainamoinen, and Ilmarinen heroes or gods? Are they immortal and fixed like constellations in their personalities? Or are they people who are larger than life because of their deeds and personalities? Cite examples from the text that support one argument or the other.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 337 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample