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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the Maid of Pohja?

2. What does Vainamoinen do when he agrees to take what Joukahainen offers?

3. What happens when Lemmenkainen catches the elk?

4. What does Aino tell her mother when her mother asks about Aino's walk with Vainamoinen?

5. How does Jourkahainen feel toward Vainamoinen in part 6 of the Kalevala?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ilmarinen end up with another of Louhi's daughters?

2. What happens after Kullervo slaughters Untamo's family?`

3. What story does Anio's mother tell her to make her feel better about marrying Vainamoinen?

4. Where does Lemminkainen hide from Louhi's army, and what is it like there?

5. What happens when Vainamoinen tries to help the oak grow?

6. Describe Vainamoinen's birth.

7. How does Vainamoinen heal his people from Louhi's revenge?

8. What does the storyteller describe in the introductory stanzas?

9. Describe Lemminkainen's elk hunt.

10. What happens when Ilmarinen tried to fashion a new wife for himself?

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

Enchantments and magic are commonplace throughout the Kalevala. Are they used for good or evil? Are good and evil even appropriate terms to describe the use of magic and enchantment. If good and evil are not the most appropriate terms, how would you describe the uses to which magic is put? Is magic simply a matter of convenience? Fear or desire? Power?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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