The canine of Kalevala

1. The canine of Kalevala A thrillingadventure and an heroictale

2. The Canine of Kalevala Long,long ago,when the world was still young,there dwelt in the far-off land of Kalevala a tribe of wild and woolly dogs.Their neighbor in the gloomy North was a pack of mean and wicked wolves.Between them lived a small but tough clan of cats. The dogs and the wolves vied for sovereignty of the forests,and this often led to some pretty fierce squabbles. But for the most part,peace reigned. In those days there was a good deal of magic in the world; and each tribe had its great wizards and shamans who were familiar with spells and incantations.

3. The Canine of Kalevala Steadfast old Väinämöinen, a seer as old as the hills, was the greatest of the dog tribes`s wizards, a chanter of spells, a dog among dogs. It was said of him that he was present even at the creation of the world. He, like all dogs, passed his days inthe meadows and on the broad heathlands of Kalevala; and far and wide spread the tales of his songs and wisdom.

4. The Canine of Kalevala Youthful Joukahainen had also heard of Väinämöinen. He was envious of the bearded old gent, for he could chant a spell or two himself, and some folks even considered him fairly good at it. I`ve half of a mind to go to Kalevala to see which of us is top dog,”he growled. ”Don`t, his mother warned him. ”Väinämöinen will conjure you into a snowman.” But instead of obeying her, off Joukahnainen went.

5. The Canine of Kalevala On drove Joukahainen for a day, and a second;and on the third day arrived pell-mell in the village of Kalevala. In the middle of the road he collided, quite by chance, with old Väinämöinen`s cart. ”Who is this reckless driver I perceive?”, Väinämöinen inquired.

6. The Canine of Kalevala ”It is I, Youthful Joukahainen, ” he replied. ” As you`re younger, I assume you will move aside so that I, and old dog, may continue my way?” the ancient wizard said.

7. The Canine of Kalevala At this, Joukahainen recognized Väinämöinen and beganto laugh. ”Beating that sorry old duffer will be easy”, he mused. ”Let us see who knows the most.” ”I`ll not compete with you”, Väinämöinen answered. ”The child has children`s knowledge, not that of bearded heroes.”

8. The Canine of Kalevala This riled Joukahainen. ”Listen here, you old coot, I`ll vonjure you into a little piggy,” said he, commencing to chant. But Joukahainen`s spells didn`t work on this doughty ancient.

9. The Canine of Kalevala Instead, Väinämöinen became wroth. He too began to sing, and great was Väinämöinen`s might. Lakes surged and the eart tremled as the aged seer unleashed his spells. He sang Joukahainen deep into a marsh.

10. The Canine of Kalevala Sing me out at once, ”Joukahainen whined. ” I`ll let you have my boat, my fields, even my horse…” But Väinämöinen already had it all. ”Break this spell that overwhelms me”, whimpered Joukahainen, ”and you shall have my sister Aino as your houskeeper, your washer of floors, your baker of bread and weaver of cloth.”

11. The Canine of Kalevala At this, Vinämöinen ceased his chanting. ”Iam old, and housekeeper isn`t a bad idea”, he reflected. ”I`d rather spend my time singing and having adventures than doing housework”. And he sang the miseranble Joukahainen out of the mire. ” My very own maid,” Väinämöinen mused.” Not bad.” He had no idea that Joukahainen meant for Aino to become his wife…

12. Collaborative legend, • Written in Nivala, Finland. • Decorated in all countries, two pages each, as a proof of our wonderful collaboration and friendship. • Written by Finland. • Decorated by: • Page 1,2 – Finland • Page 3,4- England • Page 5,6- Bulgaria • Page 7,8- Spain • Page 9,10-Poland