Parts 18 and 19 Summary

This section tells the story of the rivalry between Ilmarinen and Vainamoinen for the affections of Louhi's daughter.

Part 18 - At this point, it's revealed that Vainamoinen constructed his boat to take him to Pohja to court Louhi's daughter, the Maid of Pohja. As he sails, the goddess of the twilight, Ilmarinen's sister Annikki, asks where he's going and why. After lying several times and after Annikki calls him on his lies, Vainamoinen tells her the truth. Annikki leaves him and quickly journeys to tell Ilmarinen, whom she knows also wants to marry the Maid of Pohja. Assisted by Annikki, he bathes and dresses, and then departs riding a magical sledge. He catches up to Vainamoinen, and they agree to not take the Maid by force, giving her the chance to choose for herself which of them she wants to marry...