Finnish Mythology - Animals

Animals

  • Brown Bear; the bear was considered the most sacred of animals, only referred to by euphemisms (see taboo). The killing of a bear was followed by a great feast in honour of the bear (peijaiset), where a substantial part of the celebrations consisted of convincing the bear's spirit that it had died accidentally and hadn't been murdered. Afterwards, the bear's skull was hung high upon a pine tree so its spirit could re-enter the heavens. Kalevala on the bear.
  • Swan of Tuonela; (Tuonelan joutsen).
  • Elk of Hiisi; (Hiiden hirvi).

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