For the Finns, 'Kalevala' is what 'Pan Tadeusz' is for the Poles – a national epic. Written in the 19th century by a tailor, doctor, and linguist – Elias Lönnrot – it constitutes a collection of folk songs and legends from the regions of Finland, Estonia, and Karelia. Its language, narrative, and characters were an inspiration, among others, for Tolkien. Have any of you read 'Kalevala'? And has anyone read it in the original language?