The Kalevala and the European Heritage Label (EHL)
The Kalevala was awarded the European Heritage Label (EHL) by the European Commission in spring 2024. Since 2013, the label has been granted to sites located within the European Union that play a key role in European history, culture, and integration.
The Kalevala (1849, SKS) is a literary work compiled by Elias Lönnrot on the basis of Karelian and Finnish folk poetry. It is one of the few elements of intangible cultural heritage to have received the European Heritage Label. The label was awarded to the Kalevala specifically as an epic that lives and evolves through time.
The Kalevala represents cultural heritage that is constantly changing and open to diverse interpretations. Since its publication, the Kalevala has served as a source of inspiration for science, art, and culture, and it has also been used in many debates and controversies related to Finnish identity. The Kalevala attracts interest across cultural boundaries and serves as a source of inspiration for metal music and fantasy literature as well as for craft traditions and tattoo art. The epic has been translated into more than 60 languages.
“The Kalevala is based on Karelian and Finnish oral traditions and is one of the most influential epics of the 19th century. While the Kalevala is a highly respected part of Karelian and Finnish cultural heritage, it also showcases the interchange and multi-layered nature of European cultures and identities.
— European Commission
Four sites offer insights into different aspects of the epic
The European Heritage Label awarded to the Kalevala identifies four sites where visitors can explore different aspects of the Kalevala.
Main site:
The Finnish Literature Society, Helsinki.
Other sites:
Gallen-Kallela Museum, Espoo;
Juminkeko, Kuhmo; and
Parppeinvaara Rune Village, Ilomantsi.
The label also involves an extensive cooperation network consisting of organisations specialising in the Kalevala and Karelian and Finnish cultural heritage. The network is coordinated by the Kalevala Society.
