Kokko – the fire bird of Kalevala
In the Finnish national epos Kalevala myths of ancient Finland can be read. To know the stories is important and Kalevala is read in every school in Finland. In Kalevala is the explanation of the birth of the world and the humans as believed before Christianity in Finland. The reader will be captured by thrilling stories about war, magic and Tuonela, the land of death with its black swan. There is love stories, mystery machines and wise men too.
Kalevala tells us about war between lands called Kalevala and Pohjola (the North) and their fight over the ownership of Sampo. This machine is a portable and magic mill that made salt, flour and gold from thin air. When people of Kalevala stole the Sampo from the North, their leader transformed herself into Kokko. She carried her warriors on her back, to the ship where the thieves were. After a fearsome fight Sampo broke and was lost forever.
Kokko, the fire bird of Kalevala, with its claws of iron is very much alive in Finnish traditions. The huge thunderbird threw fire and is still remembered every midsummer’s eve, when a Kokko (Bonfire) is lit. This is a remain of old traditions, when Kokko symbolized fire and thunder. Some people still call eagles Kokko. Birds of prey were believed to protect people against evil.
To catch Kokko, you need a tool hidden at GZ. Use the magnetic end of the tool. Be careful when you take out and replace the tool. Beware of the many mugglers passing by!!!
Edited 2015.02.08: NOTICE!!! Tool is found at GZ. Kokkos home tree has been partially cut down. Kokko lives now in the next tree, about 12 m Northeast.