Lappalaisia Lauluja

A collection of folkloric poetry written in the late 19th century. This work compiles the tradition of Sámi poetry, including narratives, myths, and songs that reflect the culture and beliefs of the Lapland people. The collection aims to preserve and showcase the rich yet often overlooked poetic expressions of the Sámi, delving into themes of mythology, nature, and daily struggles. The opening of the book serves as an introduction to its themes and significance. It begins with a dedication to Elias Lönnrot, a key figure in Finnish folklore studies, and emphasizes the sparse poetic life among the Sámi, limited by their challenging surroundings. Donner discusses the history of Lappish narratives, highlighting prior efforts to document and translate these cultural treasures. He mentions prominent contributors to the field and notes that most of the collected poetry reflects on the deeper connections between the Sámi people and their environment while occasionally addressing their historical interactions with neighboring tribes and cultures.