The «Kalevala» Fragment 

by Petri Tikka

 

Petri Tikka comes from Finland or "Quenya-land". As a native Finnish speaker he is very well prepared to speak Quenya which is phonologically based on Finnish. Petri has translated a fragment of Kalevala into Quenya. Interesting experiment, because Kalevala was an impulse for J.R.R. Tolkien to create his legendarium and to create first Elvish language - Qenya (later Quenya). It is a very good opportunity to compare Quenya and Finnish phonology.

Oiale enwina istar, oio tulka Väinämöinen

Everlastingly old wise man, ever steadfast Väinämöinen

Vaka vanha Väinämöinen, tietäjä iän ikuinen

 

Marne lúmeryassen tiessen úvie nórer Väinöläo,

Lived in his times in those abundant lands of Väinölä,

Elelevi akojansa noilla väinölän ahoilla,

 

Tiessen nórer Kalevalo, lirines linderyar lienna

In those lands of Kalevala, chanted his songs to people.

Kalevalan kankahilla. Laulelevi virsiänsä,  

Laulelevi, taitelevi.

*  *  *

Lindanes laurie auressen, lirines móri lómissen

He sang in golden days, he chanted in dark nights

Lauloi päivät pääksytysten, yhtysten yöt saneli

 

Ilye yáre quentaleron, ilye te núre yesseron

Of all ancient histories, of all those deep beginnings

Muinaisia muisteloita, noita syntyjä syviä,

 

Yaron híni umir linda, yar ilye neri lá hanyar

Of which children don’t sing, which all men don’t understand

Joit’ ei laula kaikki lapset, ymmärrä yhet urohot

 

Púrea randa sinasse, quélala ména sinasse.

In this discoloured age, in this failing region.

Tällä inhalla iällä, katovalla kannikalla.

 

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