Mythology · 09
Magical Concepts
Väki does not describe a crowd, a nation, or armies. Väki means power — living energy that flows in the forest, water, fire and stone. The ancient Finnish soul consisted of different forces, such as the Self and Nature, and sisu kept one standing when all else failed.
MythologyWhat the old tales tell
Väki is the central force of Finnish mythology. It is everywhere-present energy that flows in the forest, water, fire and iron alike. Väki also means the invisible creatures that inhabit these places — forest folk, water folk and kalmanväki. When a human respects their surroundings, väki gives its protection and fortune. If the pact is broken, väki may cling and turn against the human.
The ancient Finnish soul is not a single spirit, but consists of different forces. Itse is the human's personality, consciousness and will that make us individuals. Löyly is the life force, breath and warmth that keeps the body alive. Luonto is the human's guardian spirit and inner power — it determines how much adversity a person can endure. If luonto is strong, the human is protected from evil.
Sisu is heritage that rises from deep within a person — literally from the guts. It is not mere courage, but unbreakable endurance. Sisu is the last shred of strength that carries when hope has faded and strength has run out. It is silent and unyielding power that burns even when there is only darkness around.
A spell is not magic that descends from above, but knowledge of the deepest essence of things. A seer who knew the origin of a thing — for example iron or fire — gained power to command it. A correctly spoken word can heal a wound or open a locked gate.
In the game worldHow this appears in Sammuneet Revontulet
Räppänä explains: 'Everything has its väki. The Mist is väki that has turned inside out.' Varpu says: 'The Mist has eaten the earth's väki. Soil is merely soil now.'
Kipinä is 'the spark of the soul' — a flame bound to the Binder's soul. Every death of Kipinä ages the Binder, because their souls are intertwined.
Räppänä advises when encountering imps: 'You need sisu and a bright mind.' Sisu is both a mechanical trait and a narrative force in the game.
Wäinö's kantele and spells are 'the power of the word'. Räppänä recites: 'Read the spell, speak the word, evil mist depart...' The witch's house-spirit guards old spells and herbs.
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