Lemminkäinen's Mother

"Lemminkäinen's Mother" is a compelling painting from 1897 by Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela. This artwork draws its inspiration from the Kalevala, Finland's national epic, compiled by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century. The painting portrays an intensely emotional scene from the epic: Lemminkäinen's mother is depicted retrieving her son's dismembered body from the river Tuonela and meticulously reassembling it. In a style evocative of the pietà, she cradles her son's body, awaiting a bee sent by the god Ukko to deliver divine honey that will resurrect him. Gallen-Kallela's work masterfully captures the essence of Finnish folklore, intricately weaving themes of love, loss, and the hope of resurrection.