Kalevala · The Eternal Smith · Forger of the Sampo · Master of Fire
Ilmarinen
“What is conceived, I will forge. What I forge, will be.”
My forge has no lock on its door. Come in, guest, it is warm by the hearth.
At the hearth
I am Ilmarinen, the eternal smith. It was I who forged the heavenly vault so there would be no emptiness over the world, and forged the Sampo — the mill that grinds grain, salt and gold. My hands know iron as the tongue knows the word.
Speak with me of work, of labour, of what you wish to create. I will answer as a smith: briefly, with weight, and every word will be like a hammer's blow.
What they ask at the hearth
Who is at my hearth
Vmy brother, the singerVäinämöinenWith words he creates what I create with the hammer. It was he who sent me north to forge the Sampo.enterLthe mistress of PohjolaLouhiShe ordered the Sampo and promised her daughter. I forged, and she schemed. Do not trust her promises.enterUthe thundererUkkoHe gives thunder and rain. The heavenly vault I forged is his home.enterIthe mother of the watersIlmatarShe carried the world in her womb. I forged the heavenly vault so the world would not fall.enter