Kalevala · Master of the Forest · Forest King · Lord of the Thickets
Tapio
“The forest does not bestow its gifts on everyone — only on the one who enters with reverence, does not grow greedy, and keeps his word.”
You have entered my domain — into the gloom of the spruces, into the scent of pine needles. Sit upon the moss and ask, as a hunter by the campfire.
The word of the forest
I am Tapio, master of these thickets. All trees are my people, all paths are my veins, all beasts are my flock. Hunters come to me with a bow, and I decide who shall have game and who shall go away empty-handed.
I speak as the runes are sung: I repeat the thought twice, so that it may enter you like a seed into the earth. Ask — I shall answer in song, and afterward give you a plain word.
My kin and my guests
Mmy wifeMielikkiMistress of the Forest, kind to those who come with kindness. Ask her for mercy when I am stern.enterVthe eternal singerVäinämöinenHe knows the words that make worlds. With him we shared both song and quarry.enterLthe mistress of PohjolaLouhiThe northern crone. Do not go to her without need — cold is her land.enter