Kullervo

Name: Kullervo
Author: Aleksis Kivi

By Aleksis Kivi

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Mythology, Legends & Folklore Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

The drama follows a marked, dispossessed young man whose childhood humiliation and clan feud fuel obsessive rage and vengeful deeds. Against a backdrop of domestic scenes, mythic figures and portents, his mood swings erupt into arson, violence and escalating conflict with kin and neighbours while other characters weigh mercy, fear and retribution. Structured in five acts, the play interweaves dreams, omens and folk motifs as it traces mounting tragedy, irreversible losses and the protagonist's ultimate downfall. Recurring themes examine inherited guilt, the corrosive force of revenge, exile from community and the tension between fate and personal responsibility.

About the Author

Aleksis Kivi

Aleksis Kivi was a Finnish author and playwright, widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in Finnish literature. Born in 1834, he is best known for his novel "Seitsemän veljestä" (Seven Brothers), which is considered the first significant novel written in Finnish. Kivi's works often explore themes of nature, identity, and the struggles of the Finnish people, reflecting the cultural and social landscape of his time. His contributions to literature include plays such as "Nummisuutarit" (The Cobbler's Sons) and various poetry collections. Despite facing challenges during his lifetime, Kivi's legacy endures, and he is celebrated for his role in establishing a national literary tradition.