tags: god of the forests, Suomenlinna, Helsinki, Finland, image of the day
Tapio.
The god of the forest, sometimes depicted as a fierce creature, part human and part tree, in Finnish mythology
Photographed at Suomenlinna on Kalevalapaäivä (Kalevala Day).
This is one of my favorite places to visit in Helsinki, Finland.
Image: GrrlScientist, 28 February 2009 [larger view].
OK, I'll admit it:
I'm living somewhat vicariously through these pictures. I haven't been to Finland as an adult, and I really would like to go to get to know the family I have there.
On an aside, I was sent a children's version of the Kalevala when I was much younger, where the different clans were depicted as dogs, cats, or wolves. I'm often reminded by the trees at night of the part where Väinämoinen (for some reason my "o+umlaut" isn't working) tricks Seppo Ilmarinen to climb the giant pine tree to try to capture the moon.
i am so happy to hear that you are enjoying these images. even though i am back in my beloved NYC, i am missing finland terribly and wish very much to return. these images also make me happy.