In this episode we return to the Kalevala with Kalevala Runo 9 - The Origin of Iron. Väinämöinen is being healed by the old man he met at the end of the last Runo, and they discuss the mythological origin of iron. This poem deals with the development of technology, both through the development of refining iron into steel and subsequently into tools and weapons, as well as the development of methods of healing!

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of the myths and legends of Northern Europe, including Norse mythology, the Finnish Kalevala, and more. If you'd like to support the show you can support us on Patreon here: Northern Myths Podcast Patreon

The Kalevala is the epic national poem of Finland. Compiled by Elias Lönnrot from folk poetry from throughout Finland, Karelia, Estonia, and what is now northwest Russia, the Kalevala describes the worldview of the Finnish people from ancient times through to the modern day. It includes the adventures of Väinämöinen and Joukahainen, Ilmarinen and Lemminkäinen, from the distant lands of Pohjola, to Kalevala's wide heathlands.

Check out our YouTube channel for videos of all episodes and interesting clips of the show: Northern Myths Podcast YouTube Channel

The Northern Myths Podcast is sponsored by Grimfrost, our favorite source of Norse and Viking merchandise. Based in Sweden, they have a vast selection of historical Viking reproductions as well as contemporary products inspired by Viking Age culture. Just like our show, they aim to build a bridge between the past and the present, bringing relevant parts of the old Norse culture into today's world. Some of our favorite products of theirs include their great shirts which we wear all the time, their beard care products, and their excellent drinking horns. Check out their website, grimfrost.com, to see everything they have available. 

Our intro and outtro music is Takk from the album Sagnamadr by Folket Bortafor Nordavinden. Check the album out on Spotify, and you can purchase from Grimfrost.com or Amazon. 

If you'd like to follow along with us or learn more about the ideas we talk about on the show, we have a list of recommended books on our website. Included are our recommended copies of the Poetic Edda and the Kalevala, as well as books about archetypal narrative, comparative religion, and more: Recommended Books

We also have Northern Myths Podcast merchandise available at our official shop.

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