Page:Kalevala (Kirby 1907) v2.djvu/289

Rh 533. In the Esthonian story of the Northern Frog, the monster is secured by an iron stake driven through the jaws. (Kirby’s Hero of Esthonia, II., 253, 256.)

542. These elaborate and ineffectual prayers and incantations may be compared with the prayers of Achilles for the safety of Patroclus, in Iliad, XVI.

40. Wheat is used in the folk-songs as a term of endearment. (K. K.)

61, 62. The Esthonian Kalevipoeg was constantly instructed by the voice of birds.

285-290. In Esthonia this episode occurs in the story of the Royal Herdboy. (Hero of Esthonia, I., pp. 279-305.)

2. Are blue stockings supposed to be an emblem of strength? Ukko is also represented as wearing them. 29. “All with incredible stupendous force,

None daring to appear antagonist.”(Milton.)

65. As Kalervo appears to have been a chief in his own right, it not very clear why, or to whom, he had to pay taxes.

107, 108. The lake of course was frozen.

153. As in several other instances in the Kalevala, this does not appear to be abduction in the modern sense, but merely marriage by capture.

214. There is another celebrated poem written by a Finn, but in Swedish, Runeberg’s Kong (King) Fjalar, in which a similar chance meeting between a brother and sister forms the principal subject.

343. Sea-beasts are very rarely mentioned in the Kalevala, for nearly all aquatic animals referred to are lake- or river-fish. Here the allusion is probably to the story of Jonah.

80. Literally “the rest of his flesh.” Having regard to the supposed powers of Finnish magicians, this passage is not to be taken merely as an impudent rejoinder, but as asserting powers which Kullervo actually claimed to be able to exert.

307. In an old English romance we read concerning the suicide of a sorcerer, “The ground whereon he died was ever afterwards unfortunate, and to this present time it is called in that country, ‘a vale of walking spirits.’” (Seven Champions of Christendom, Part I., chap. xix. )

327. This reminds us of Sir Peter’s “Sword of Vengeance.” (Prior’s Danish Ballads, I., pp. 269-275.)

341. The Esthonian Kalevipoeg was also slain, like Kullervo, by his own sword. (Hero of Esthonia, I., pp. 140, 141.)