Helsinki - animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala

Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala Ah, the charming animal-themed corners of historic Helsinki! This city has a rich tradition of incorporating playful, story-inspired animal motifs into its architecture and public spaces. Figure 1 Giraffe Why Animals on Corners? The placement of animal motifs on building corners served several purposes, some practical and others more aesthetic or symbolic. While literacy levels did play a role, it wasn't the only factor. Here's a breakdown of the reasons: Wayfinding and Navigation: In an era of lower literacy rates, visual markers were indeed crucial for navigation. Animal sculptures or reliefs on corners acted as easily recognizable landmarks. People could use phrases like "Meet me at the bear corner" or "Turn left at the owl building," making it easier to navigate the city. Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 1 Figure 2 Pheasant Architectural Enhancement: Corners are structurally significant and visually prominent parts of buildings. Decorating corners with animal motifs added visual interest and helped break up the monotony of straight lines. These decorations could make buildings more memorable and distinctive in the urban landscape. Symbolic and Cultural Significance: Animals often carried symbolic meanings in local folklore or mythology. Placing these symbols on corners gave buildings a sense of protection or imbued them with specific qualities associated with the animals. Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 2 Figure 3 Unicorn Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 3 Figure 4 Hare Craftsmanship Showcase: Corners provided an excellent opportunity for architects and sculptors to showcase their skills. Intricate animal designs demonstrated the building owner's wealth and appreciation for art. Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 4 Figure 5 Gazelle Educational Purpose: In some cases, the animal motifs served an educational role, familiarizing city dwellers with local or exotic fauna. Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 5 Figure 6 Dromedary Superstition and Tradition: Some cultures believed that spirits or negative energies could gather at corners. Animal guardians on these corners were thought to ward off evil or bring good fortune. Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 6 Figure 7 Antilope While literacy levels did influence this practice, it's important to note that animal motifs on corners were part of a broader tradition of using visual elements in architecture and urban design to create a more engaging, navigable, and culturally rich environment. Let me share a few delightful examples: Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 7 Havis Amanda Fountain: One of Helsinki's most iconic landmarks is the Havis Amanda fountain, located in the central Market Square. The fountain features a bronze statue of a young woman emerging from the water, surrounded by four playful mermen. These whimsical sea creatures were sculpted by accomplished Finnish artist Ville Vallgren in 1908, adding a touch of mythology and the natural world to this bustling public space. The bronze mermen surrounding the central female figure of the Havis Amanda fountain are mythological sea creatures, not found naturally in the waters around Helsinki. These half-human, half-fish beings draw from ancient Greek and Roman iconography, bringing a touch of classical mythology to this iconic public landmark. Figure 8 Havis Amanda, Tekijä: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France - "Havis Amanda", la statue de la fontaine de Vallgren (Helsinki), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24673429 Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 8 Figure 9 Tekijä: Daderot - Oma teos, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22912168 Serpentine Railing at Uusi Ylioppilastalo: The Uusi Ylioppilastalo (New Student House) building is adorned with a striking serpentine railing along its facade. Designed by architect Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1870, this sinuous railing features intricate metalwork in the shape of coiled snakes. The serpent motif is a nod to ancient Greek and Roman symbolism, evoking themes of wisdom, renewal, and the duality of human nature. The sinuous serpent motifs decorating the facade of the Uusi Ylioppilastalo building are also not native to the Finnish fauna. However, the snake has long been a symbol of wisdom, healing, and transformation in many world cultures, making it a fitting choice for this historic student residence. Owl Reliefs at Hakasalmi Villa: Nestled in Helsinki's Kaivopuisto park, the Hakasalmi Villa is a beautifully preserved 19th-century manor house. Its front facade is embellished with delicate stone reliefs depicting owls perched atop the window frames. These wise, watchful birds are a fitting Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 9 decoration for this historic building, which now houses a museum dedicated to Finnish art and culture. Griffins at the National Museum of Finland: The grand entrance to Helsinki's National Museum is guarded by a pair of griffins - fantastical creatures with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion combined with the head, wings, and front talons of an eagle. These mythical beasts symbolize strength, courage, and the union of earthly and divine powers. These imaginary and non-native animal figures may seem out of place in the Finnish context, their inclusion in Helsinki's architecture reflects the city's openness to global influences and desire to imbue its built environment with a sense of the extraordinary and the legendary. These are just a few examples of the charming animal-themed architectural details that can be found throughout Helsinki's historic neighborhoods. As you explore the city, keep an eye out for these playful, story-inspired elements that add character and whimsy to the urban landscape. There are a few key reasons why animal motifs and themes were incorporated into the architecture and public spaces of historic Helsinki: Symbolism and Storytelling: Many of the animal figures, like the mermen at the Havis Amanda fountain or the serpents on the Uusi Ylioppilastalo, were chosen for their symbolic meanings and associations in mythology and folklore. These elements added a sense of whimsy, mystery, and connection to the natural world. The animal themes helped to enliven the built environment with stories and narratives, making the urban landscape more engaging and memorable for residents and visitors. Ornamentation and Artistic Expression: Incorporating detailed animal carvings, reliefs, and metalwork allowed architects and artists to showcase their craftsmanship and creativity. These decorative elements added visual interest and elevated the aesthetic appeal of the buildings. The animal motifs were seen as a way to bring a touch of beauty, elegance, and playfulness to the urban setting. Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 10 Cultural Identity and Placemaking: The use of Finnish fauna, like the owls at Hakasalmi Villa, helped to establish a sense of local identity and pride in Helsinki's architectural heritage. These animal-themed details contributed to the overall character and "sense of place" within the city, making the urban environment more distinctive and memorable. The animal themes served as a means of imbuing Helsinki's built spaces with symbolism, artistry, and a connection to the natural world and local culture. They transformed the city's architectural features into whimsical, story-inspired elements that engaged the public and shaped the city's unique identity. In addition to depicting animals native to the Finnish landscape, Helsinki's historic architecture also features motifs and figures inspired by imaginary and non-native creatures. This adds an extra layer of whimsy, symbolism, and cultural cross-pollination to the city’s built environment. Some examples include: When it comes to animals that are closely associated with Finland and its native culture, the bear (karhu in Finnish) stands out as the most prominent and revered symbol. The bear holds a special place in Finnish mythology, folklore, and national identity for several key reasons: Prevalence in the Finnish Landscape: The brown bear is an indigenous species found throughout the forested regions of Finland, making it a familiar and ubiquitous presence in the country's natural environments. Bears have long been an integral part of the lives and experiences of Finland's native peoples, such as the Sámi, who have coexisted with these powerful creatures for centuries. Cultural Significance and Mythology: In Finnish mythology, the bear is viewed as a sacred animal, representing strength, courage, and the power of the natural world. Many traditional Finnish folk tales and legends feature bears as central characters, often imbuing them with near-mystical abilities and reverence. The bear is also closely associated with the Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 11 Kalevala, Finland's national epic poem, which further solidifies its status as a cultural icon. National Symbolism: The bear is featured prominently in Finland's coat of arms, national emblems, and various official seals and insignia. It is widely used as a symbol to represent Finnish national pride, identity, and the country's enduring connection to its wilderness and natural heritage. The bear can be considered the quintessential animal that embodies the spirit, history, and core traits of the Finnish people and their land. Its ubiquity, cultural significance, and status as a national symbol make it the animal most closely associated with Finland's native identity and character. Figure 10 Coat of arms of Finland, By Own work, based on image from The Finnish Heritage Agency. Colours are Pantone 186 C for red and 123 C for yellow as defined in the Finnish flag law, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=560472 Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 12 The Kalevala The Kalevala is the national epic poem of Finland, first compiled and published in the 19th century by Elias Lönnrot. This seminal work draws upon a rich oral tradition of Finnish and Karelian folklore, legends, and mythology, weaving together a sweeping narrative that encapsulates the essence of Finnish culture and identity. At the heart of the Kalevala are several interconnected themes that are deeply meaningful to the Finnish people: The Power of Nature and the Natural World: The Kalevala is steeped in reverence for the Finnish landscape, with its forests, lakes, and natural phenomena playing integral roles in the epic's events and symbolism. The poem celebrates the inherent power, magic, and spirituality of the natural environment, which is seen as a living, breathing force that shapes the lives of the human characters. Finnish Nationalism and Cultural Identity: The Kalevala's compilation and publication during Finland's rise to nationhood helped solidify a sense of Finnish cultural pride and identity. The epic's focus on Finland's indigenous mythology, folklore, and linguistic traditions reinforced the country's uniqueness and distinction from its Nordic neighbors. The Duality of Good and Evil: Throughout the Kalevala, there is a constant struggle between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness, wisdom and foolishness. This thematic dichotomy explores the complex moral and spiritual dimensions of the human experience, as the characters navigate these universal conflicts. The Heroic Journey and Quests: Many of the Kalevala's central narratives revolve around the epic quests and journeys undertaken by its protagonists, such as the smith Ilmarinen and the shaman Väinämöinen. These heroic adventures highlight themes of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. Taken together, the Kalevala's themes of nature, nationalism, morality, and heroism have made it a cornerstone of Finnish cultural identity and artistic Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 13 expression for generations. It remains a beloved and influential work that continues to shape the country's literary and artistic traditions. The Tale of Ilmarinen and Väinämöinen Väinämöinen, the eternal sage and powerful shaman, and Ilmarinen, the skillful smith, are two of the most prominent heroes in the Kalevala. Their intertwined story is one of rivalry, friendship, and legendary quests. The Sampo and the Maiden of Pohjola: The tale begins when Väinämöinen travels to Pohjola, the northern realm, where he meets Louhi, the mistress of Pohjola. Louhi promises her daughter's hand in marriage to whoever can forge the Sampo, a magical artifact of prosperity. Unable to create it himself, Väinämöinen returns home and enlists the help of Ilmarinen, known for his extraordinary smithing skills. Figure 11 Vainamoinen – Sage, Sorcerer, Adventurer And Friend Of Ilmarinen In Kalevala Myths And Legends, https://www.ancientpages.com/2018/11/16/vainamoinen-sage-sorcereradventurer-and-friend-of-ilmarinen-in-kalevala-myths-and-legends/ Ilmarinen, however, is reluctant to go to Pohjola. Väinämöinen tricks him by creating a beautiful fir tree with the moon and stars on its branches. When Ilmarinen climbs the tree to retrieve them, Väinämöinen uses his Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 14 magic to create a wind that carries Ilmarinen to Pohjola. In Pohjola, Ilmarinen successfully forges the Sampo, a mill that produces flour, salt, and gold. However, the Maiden of Pohjola refuses to marry him, and he returns home empty-handed. The Courtship of the Maiden Later, both Väinämöinen and Ilmarinen compete for the Maiden of Pohjola's hand in marriage. They undertake various quests and challenges set by Louhi. Although Väinämöinen completes his tasks first, the Maiden chooses the younger Ilmarinen as her husband. The Wedding and Its Aftermath A grand wedding is held for Ilmarinen and the Maiden of Pohjola. Väinämöinen, showing no bitterness, attends and sings at the wedding, praising the couple and the hosts. This demonstrates the complex Figure 12 Pohjola’s Daughter, https://thelistenersclub.com/2021/12/20/sibelius-pohjolas-daughtertone-poem-and-mythic-vision/ relationship between the two heroes - rivals in love yet bound by mutual respect and a shared cultural heritage. Jean Sibelius’ 1906 tone poem, Pohjola’s Daughter, was inspired by a mythic story outlined in Cantos 8 of the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic. Väinämöinen, the white-bearded demigod, is speeding through the Finnish landscape on his sleigh when he spots a beautiful maiden sitting on the edge of an enormous rainbow. Captivated, Väinämöinen asks her to join him on his sleigh and to become his wife. The seductive maiden agrees on the condition that Väinämöinen accomplish a series of seemingly impossible tasks. These include tying an egg into invisible knots and Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 15 carving a boat from fragments of her spindle. With the aid of his immense magic, Väinämöinen succeeds in accomplishing most of the tasks. Yet ultimately, evil spirits intervene and initiate an accident in which he injures himself with his ax. Wounded and deflated, Väinämöinen abandons his efforts and continues on his journey alone. Sibelius’ tone poem begins with the desolate gloom of a Nordic landscape. A soulful, chant-like melody in the solo cello is soon joined by the bassoon, distant rumbles in the timpani, and other murky, brooding voices. Soon, we are swept into the exhilarating forward motion of Väinämöinen’s sleigh. The journey is interrupted by the shimmering transcendence of the mystical vision. (There have been suggestions that a musical depiction of the maiden’s mocking laughter inspired the iconic violin sheiks of Bernard Herrmann’s film music for the Psycho “shower scene”). The final bars of Pohjola’s Daughter fade away into the frigid landscape. Wispy strands of sound rise and evaporate and are followed by three ominous tones in the low strings, which step up from G to A to B-flat and then trail off. The tonal center dissolves. The dramatic events of the story take the form of a strange, fleeting vision. The Quest for the Sampo Years later, Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen, and another hero named Lemminkäinen journey to Pohjola to steal back the Sampo, believing it rightfully belongs to their people. They succeed in taking it, but during their escape, it falls into the sea and breaks. Pieces of it wash ashore, bringing prosperity to their land. Throughout these adventures, Ilmarinen and Väinämöinen's relationship evolves. They begin as potential rivals but grow to become allies, each Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 16 contributing their unique skills - Ilmarinen's craftsmanship and Väinämöinen's wisdom and magic - to their shared quests. Their story in the Kalevala embodies central Finnish values: the importance of skill and craftsmanship (represented by Ilmarinen), the power of wisdom and tradition (embodied by Väinämöinen), and the need for cooperation in facing life's challenges. Helsinki: animal motifs and notes on the Kalevala R. Di Capua Page | 17