Reared by Kanarvainen,[1] buffeted by stormy weather,
A bough of which dript honey—keeps spirting virgin honey forth.
From time to time God drenched the shoot—a cloud touched it on the head,
A wind swayed the trunk, the restless air kept shaking it,
The birch reared by Kolkka[2] (?) [v. gold] on ground where berry stalks abound,
Was created by three Luonnatars,[3] softened by Pelkolainen[4];
The alder was not created for wood, not for wood, not for earth,
It was made for gripings in the belly, as a remedy for hurts,
As ointment for sores, as embrocation for wounds.
(i).
All trees were created by God, except that evil alder buckthorn,[5] [v. the worst tree is meadow rue[6]],
Which was created by a pagan—is a hair of a devil's beard.
v. The willow was created by a pagan.
The aspen was shaped by Hiisi—the rowan made by the devil (Piru),
The bird-cherry rocked by Lempo, the juniper is Käsönen's son,
The alder was made by Lemmes[7] [v. Lenges]—reared by Kanelia [v. Kaljolainen].
Variants.
The latter half of the first line and the second line of (a.) are in the old Kalevala among the variants of Runo 24, but with a different introduction. For there, after the Sampo has been lifted out of Väinämöinen's boat and carried to the point of a misty headland, it slept or lay a summer on
- ↑ A diminutive of kanerva, ling (Calluna vulg.).
- ↑ This word has several meanings, none of them applicable: a stake, an oar; a corner, nook; a bell; dreadful, gloomy, bleak.
- ↑ 'Nature's daughters.'
- ↑ From pelko, fright. Lehtori Raitio suggests it might be an error for Peltolainen, Pellervoinen.
- ↑ Rhamnus frangula.
- ↑ Thalictrum flavum, or meadow sweet, spirœa ulmaria.
- ↑ This line is quoted by Garander under the word Lemmes.
