NOTES TO RUNOS XXVI—L
(These are by the translator, when not otherwise stated. K. K. indicates Prof. Kaarle Krohn, and A. M. Madame Aino Malmberg. For proper names, refer to the Glossary at page 281.)
RUNO XXVI
29. Literally, “his teeth.”
230. In the Völuspá, we read of a Hall of Serpents in Naströnd, one of the Icelandic hells, composed of serpents wattled together, with their heads turned inwards, vomiting floods of venom in which wade murderers, perjurers, and adulterers.
271. Literally, “the toads.”
“Seven monarchs’ wealth in that castle lies stowed;
The foul fiends brood o’er them like raven and toad.”(Scott.)
A diabolical creature, half dragon and half frog, is described in a well-known Esthonian story.
427. Tetrao tetrix, known as the Black-cock and Grey-hen.
555. Virsta, a Russian word naturalized in Finnish.
617. This description recalls the serpents of Indian mythology, such as those described in the first book of the Mahabharata.
619. Such a passage might have suggested to Longfellow the following:
“Bigger than the Big-Sea-Water,
Broader than the Gitche Gumee.”
Hiawatha, xxi.
RUNO XXVII
208. Here commences a magical contest somewhat resembling the transformation scenes in the stories of the Second Calendar, and of Nooreddin and Bedreddin, in the 1001 Nights.
326. “I don’t want to have a mess made upon my floor here, or any noise or shooting.” (Tanta Coetzee, in Rider Haggard’s Jess.)
RUNO XXVIII.
15, 16. His horse and sledge seem to have been transformed, like those of Joukahainen in Runo III.
195. In Finnish and Esthonian tales we often find persons transformed into trees and flowers; sometimes for purposes of concealment.
275
