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10/05/2023. Mythology of Metsola (Mеččolan Mifologija) Exhibition at the National Library
The National Library of Karelia opened an exhibition Mythology of Metsola (Mеččolan Mifologija) by painter Alyona Tsvetkova.
According to the legends, the Karelian forest is inhabited by a huge number of spirits and creatures named “haltijat”. Two masters share the expanses of the forest: gloomy giant Hiisi and benevolent Tapio. Together with his vast family and other helper spirits, Tapio lives in Metsola, the forest kingdom. As the king should, Tapio has his own numerous retinue – the spirits of the forest and the forest people.
Along with Tapio, Mielikki rules the Metsola. A beautiful goddess of forests Mielikki is the wife of Tapio. She holds the keys to the forest storerooms. Tuulikki, Annikki and Tellervo are the daughters of Tapio. Tuulikki is a kind guardian spirit of wild birds and animals. Beautiful Annikki is the mistress of swamps. A beautiful shepherdess Tellervo is the junior ruler of the forest, who cares for the livestock.
Pellervo is a Tapio’s son, a guardian spirit of forest glades, and Nyyrikki, called in the Kalevala epic poem a son of Tapio, is a guardian spirit of squirrels in folk runes and songs.
In Metsola, you can also meet other “haltija” spirits: Luonnotar, Pihlajatar, Honkatar, Tuometar...
Why are there so many forest spirits? Such diversity speaks not only of the great fantasy of the Karelian people, but also of the fact that the forest plays a special role in life.
The Runola project is aimed at promoting Karelian folklore, mythology, history, and ethnography. For three years in a row, a team of enthusiasts has been creating ethnocalendars based on Karelian runes. At the exhibition, you can get acquainted with the graphic images of the forest kingdom’s residents, which were created by an artist Alena Tsvetkova. The works by the talented artist convey a warm and magical atmosphere, typical for the Karelian forest.
The exhibition will be open in the central hall of the library until June 2.