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Mythos Atlas

The Bestiary

Finnish Mythological Creatures

4 creatures from the Finnish Tradition (Kalevala) in the atlas, listed from most to least dangerous by the atlas's own rating.

  • Iku-Turso

    The depths of the sea

    The sea-monster of Finnish tradition whom Louhi raises from the depths to stop the heroes carrying off the Sampo; Väinämöinen lifts him out of the water by the ears and makes him swear never to rise before men again.

    Danger 7/10

  • Swan of Tuonela

    The black river of Tuonela

    The swan that swims on the black river of Tuonela, the river of the dead, which Louhi orders Lemminkäinen to shoot with a single arrow; the task leads to his death.

    Danger 5/10

  • The Great Pike

    Rapids and deep waters

    The gigantic pike on whose shoulders the heroes' ship runs aground on the way to steal the Sampo; Väinämöinen kills it and makes the first kantele from its jawbone.

    Danger 5/10

  • Elk of Hiisi

    The forests of Hiisi, in the North

    The magical elk built by the demon Hiisi's folk from forest materials, which Louhi sets Lemminkäinen to ski down as the first of his tasks, and which he captures only after praying to Tapio and Mielikki.

    Danger 4/10

Built from each creature's catalog entry. Back to the Finnish Tradition (Kalevala), or browse every creature.