1. Why does Vainamoinen trick his friend, Ilmarinen, into going to Pohjola?

Why does he honor a promise to an evil sorceress over his honesty to his closest friend?

2. Magic is held in the power of song.

Through song, creatures come into being, people change appearances, and even the dead are brought back to life.

The tellers of legends were often called singers. What is the connection between the magical songs of the heroes and the songs of storytellers?

3. How does the Finnish legend of creation compare with the biblical story of creation found in Genesis?

4. In Land of Heroes, youth is often identified with brashness and ignorance. Old age, on the other hand, brings wisdom and patience. Discuss the ways in which the errors of youth lead to the downfall of the younger characters.

5. Often, when an old story is adapted to a new...