Published 15 Oct 2024

Discover the New Kalevala Around the World Website

The Kalevala, Finland’s national epic, has made its way across the world through numerous translations since it was first published in 1835.

The Kalevala, Finland’s national epic, has made its way across the world through numerous translations since it was first published in 1835. Now, a new online resource, The Kalevala Around the World, collects this extensive history of Kalevala translations into one accessible website. Available in both Finnish and English, the site features over 100 articles about the translations and translators, providing insights into why this Finnish classic continues to attract new readers and translators globally.

Translated into more than 60 languages, with over 270 versions available, The Kalevala exists in various formats, from poetry and prose to abridged editions for children and adults alike. The website organizes its content by both translation language and translator, allowing users to search by a specific language or learn more about individual translators’ backgrounds and motivations.

Much of the content on The Kalevala Around the World is based on Kalevala maailmalla. Kalevalan käännösten kulttuurihistoria (Kalevala Around the World: The Cultural History of Kalevala Translations), a 2011 book edited by Petja Kauppi. The Kalevala Society’s Yearbooks, which have documented Kalevala translations since 1919, also serve as key sources.

Curated by Petja Kauppi along with Elina Lampela and Ulla Piela from the Kalevala Society Foundation, the website was first published in 2015, with an English version released in 2024. The English articles have been translated by Maria Bergenwall, expanding the site’s reach to international readers.

Explore the website at to learn more about The Kalevala’s influence across languages, cultures, and communities.