Kanteletar

Lönnrot got the foundation for the collection on his journeys in 1838 after he met rune singer Mateli Kuivalatar on the banks of the Koitere.

The first book includes 238 lyrical poems which Lönnrot named Yhteisiä Lauluja or "Common Songs".

These songs are divided into four sections: common themes, for a wedding crowd, shepherds, and children.

In his foreword, Lönnrot makes note of Lieksa, Ilomantsi, Kitee, Tohmajärvi, Sortavala, Jaakkima and Kurkijoki as places where he traveled.

For example, the lyrics in the Värttinä song Niin mie mieltynen (The Beloved, Music: P. Lehti – Words: S. Reiman, trad.)

The name of the poem is Onpa tietty tietyssäni (I Am Thinking of a Particular One) and has been translated: His image is fastened in my mind My sweet one in my memory, My little bird flies along with me My dear one under my wing.