Tuonela

Gallen-Kallela - Tuonelan joella

Tuonela

Tuonela is a mythical underworld in Finnish folklore and mythology. It is often described as a realm of the dead, similar to the concept of Hades in Greek mythology. In Finnish mythology, Tuonela is ruled by the god Tuoni and his wife Tuonetar. The realm is believed to be located underground or beneath a dark river.

Description According to Finnish folklore, Tuonela is a dark and gloomy place where the souls of the dead reside. It is said to be a land of shadows and mist, where the sun never shines and the air is cold and still. The entrance to Tuonela is often depicted as a dark river that separates the world of the living from the realm of the dead.

Inhabitants Tuonela is inhabited by various creatures and spirits, including the Tuonen tytär (daughter of Tuoni), who is often portrayed as a grim and fearsome figure. Other inhabitants of Tuonela include the Kalma, the spirits of the dead, and various monsters and demons.

Journey to Tuonela In Finnish mythology, it is believed that the souls of the dead must journey to Tuonela after death. The journey is fraught with dangers, and the souls must pass through various obstacles and challenges before reaching the realm of the dead. Once in Tuonela, the souls are said to reside there for eternity.

Cultural Significance Tuonela plays a significant role in Finnish folklore and mythology, and it has been a popular theme in Finnish art, literature, and music. The concept of Tuonela has inspired numerous works of art and has been referenced in various cultural contexts.

References to Tuonela can be found in the Kalevala, the national epic of Finland, as well as in the works of Finnish composers such as Jean Sibelius, who composed a tone poem titled "Tuonela" as part of his Lemminkäinen Suite.

In conclusion, Tuonela is a fascinating and mysterious realm in Finnish mythology, representing the afterlife and the journey of the soul after death.