--- title: The Land of Tuonela — The Sampo: A Wonder Tale of the Old North · full text with trees description: The Land of Tuonela, «The Sampo: A Wonder Tale of the Old North» by James Baldwin: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: Tuonela—the Land of Shades! --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66819/14/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [The Sampo: A Wonder Tale of the Old No…](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66819/) / The Land of Tuonela # The Land of Tuonela The Land of Tuonela of «The Sampo: A Wonder Tale of the Old North» by James Baldwin: the whole text, 144 sentences and 2326 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. Tuonela—the Land of Shades\![1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") Does any one know where that country lies?[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") On what chart is its location shown?[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") Where are its boundary lines, and what is its extent?[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") Many are they who have gone thither—some by land, some by sea—yet none have returned to tell others of what they have learned.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") They who once enter that mysterious land may not hope to depart therefrom, neither must they send word home to their kindred and friends.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") They are thenceforth the subjects of King Tuoni, and must abide forever with him.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") Is the place very far?[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") Is the road thither a long one?[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") Is it difficult to find?[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") Oh, the distance is great, but all roads lead to that land.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") You may arrive there quickly, in a day, in an hour, perhaps even in the twinkling of an eye—and quite before you expect to do so.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") You need not inquire the way nor ask about the road—you cannot fail to find it; and sooner or later you must walk in it, whether you wish or not.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") The Minstrel’s journey was both long and hard, \[E\] for he had undertaken it of his own free will.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") The road was exceeding rough, and perils beset him at every step.[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") Dark were the forests through which he passed; broad and deep were the rivers which he crossed; high and rugged were the mountains which reared themselves before him.[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") For six days—yes, for seven painful days he toiled through thickets of thorns; for seven eventful days he cut his way through a magic wilderness of hazel; for seven other days he groped through dark hedges of juniper and tangled masses of wild briars; and then, for three times seven days he wandered through desert lands and wide wastes of snow where there was no shelter from the storm and no place to rest his weary feet.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") Three score and ten days, three score and ten nights, were the measure of his journey; and at length he found himself on the shore of a mighty river, deep, dark, and sluggish.[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") He looked, and on the farther side he saw a gray castle and a long white shore, and he knew that it was Tuoni’s land—the land of silence and of mystery.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") He walked up and down the river bank, hoping to find some way to cross, but the water was everywhere deep, and the current, although sluggish, was everywhere strong.[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") At length, however, he saw a sort of landing-place, where was a post for mooring a boat, and at the top of the post was a sign-board with words painted upon it:[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") FERRY TO TUONELA[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") CALL TO THE KEEPER ON THE FARTHER SHORE; THE KEEPER WILL QUICKLY FERRY YOU O’ER.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") Wainamoinen stood upon the sand and shouted with all his might:[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") “Ho\![25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") Keeper of the ferry\![26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") Bring thy boat quickly.[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") Here is a traveller who desires to be carried over the water.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") Haste thee hither!”[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") The unwonted sound of a human voice rolled thunderously across the river, stirring the sluggish stream to its very depths; it awakened the echoes in the distant colorless hills of Tuonela, and with deafening roar broke the silence of ages.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") The water-door of the castle opened, and a dwarfish maiden came forth, looking inquiringly across the river.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") Very small she was, but well-shaped and comely.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") Her eyes gleamed like lightning and her face was stern and pitiless.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") She was the daughter of Tuoni, and to her belonged the duty of keeping the ferry whereby the shades of mortals were carried to her father’s kingdom.[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") Sharply, and in shrill, cutting tones, she answered the call of the Minstrel:[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") “Who are you who calls so lustily?[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") Why have you come to this river with body so strong and active?[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") Tell me truly if you would be ferried to Tuonela.”[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") The Minstrel was old and cunning, and because he feared to tell the maiden the truth, he answered her with guileful words: “I am a poor woodsman from the Land of Heroes.[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") Yesterday, as I was felling a tree, your father, Tuoni, smote me.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") He smote me and made me his thrall; he made me his thrall and bade me come hither to his kingdom.[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") This is why I stand on the shore and call to you so lustily.”[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") “You speak falsely!” cried the dwarfish maiden, with anger in her tones.[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") “If my father had made you his thrall, he would be with you now.[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") His hat would be on your head and his gloves would be on your hands.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") His mark would be on your forehead and your voice would not resound like thunder upon the water.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") Tell me who you are, and tell me truly, or never will I ferry you to Tuonela.”[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") But Wainamoinen still trusted in his cunning, and he made up another guileful story to deceive her.[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") “Perhaps it was not Tuoni who sent me,” he said.[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") “Now that I think of it, it was Iron who smote me.[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") Sharp Iron, pitiless Iron in shape of a sword pierced my heart, and I was forced unwillingly to seek the kingdom of Tuoni.[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") So come, I pray you, and ferry me over the river.”[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") The dwarfish maiden could scarce contain herself for anger.[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") She smote the air with her fists and shouted, “Now I know that you are a liar\![54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") If Iron had smitten you I would see blood trickling from your wounds; your face would be scarlet; your hands would be crimson.[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") But there you stand unscarred, unmarked, with the hue of health upon your cheeks.[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") What do you hope to gain by trying to deceive me?”[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") “Far be it from me to deceive you,” said the artful hero, foolishly and without judgment.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") “O daughter of Tuoni, I will tell you the truth\![59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") Now that I think of it, I am quite sure that it was Water that sent me hither.[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") I was a fisherman, and I sailed too far from the shore.[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") The deep sea overcame me, and the raging waves seized me, and when my breath failed me and my strength was gone, Water commanded me to come quickly to Tuonela.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") So, hasten, I pray you, and row me over the river.”[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") The sharp-eyed daughter of the king was furious.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") With savage looks and threatening gestures, she answered the cunning Minstrel: “O foolish fellow, why do you tell such falsehoods?[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") Do you think that I will believe you?[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") If the waves had overcome you, if Water had sent you, your coat would be wringing wet and your wan face would be overspread with moisture.[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") How, then, do you stand so proudly, your hair dry, your cheeks glowing, and your clothing untouched by dampness?[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") Tell me the truth, for you will gain nothing by falsehoods.”[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") The foolish Minstrel listened, and his heart grew stubborn.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he answered her with flattering words, deeming that thus she would be pleased and therefore easily deceived.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") “O lovely keeper of Tuoni’s ferry, speak not so harshly to a lone, weary, traveller\![72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") Never have I seen such beauty as yours; never have I heard a voice so sweet.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") And now I will tell you truly why I have come hither.[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") I am the victim and the thrall of Fire.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") Three days ago I was seized by Fire, the elder brother of Iron.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") Very roughly did he handle me, and little mercy did he show.[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") And this is why my clothing is dry and my hair untouched by dampness.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") So, sweet lady, hasten to be kind and carry me over the ferry.”[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") Tuoni’s daughter trembled now with rage and shame.[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") Her patience was wellnigh gone, she no longer felt pity for the aged traveller.[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") Yet she answered him once again and in tones decided and severe:[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") “O foolish, foolish fellow!” she said.[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") “If Fire had seized you and sent you hither, your hair and beard would be singed, your eyebrows would be scorched, your feet would be blistered.[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") Three falsehoods you have told me—yes, four barefaced lies you have shouted across the water.[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") Now, beware that you tell me not another.[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") Speak with clean lips and say truly why you have come hither with healthy body and with red heart beating lustily.”[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Wainamoinen saw that it was vain to practice deceit with one so skilled in the ways of life and death.[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") So he answered her truthfully and half-ashamed: “I pray you, pardon the slippings of my tongue, for my heart does not lend itself to falsehood.[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") Months ago I began to build a magic vessel in which to sail the northern seas.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") With one song I laid the keel, with another I framed the gunwales, with a third I fastened the ribs in their places.[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") All my tools, my hammer, my auger, my saw, my chisels, were words of magic.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") But, when my work was almost finished, lo! my tools failed me.[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") Three smooth holes still needed boring, three strong bolts still needed driving, three broad planks still needed fastening—and I lacked the three mystic words with which to do these things.[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") So I have come boldly to Tuonela to borrow the tools which I desire so greatly—the three lost words that shall make my boat seaworthy and safe.[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") This, fair maiden, is the truth!”[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") “Stupid fellow!” cried Tuoni’s daughter.[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") “You have neither wit nor wisdom.[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") Have you lived to be an old, old man and yet never learned that the liar is sure to be discovered?[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") And now that you speak the truth, do you think that you deserve any favors from me?”[100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") “I deserve nothing,” answered the Minstrel, humbly, contritely, yet cunningly.[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") “I only pray you to do me a great, although undeserved, favor.[102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") Come and ferry me over the water.”[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") The dwarfish maiden hesitated, standing beside her boat.[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") Then in half-sad tones, as though in pity, she said, “You do not know what you ask, foolish hero.[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") Never has any one who came to my father’s palefaced country returned to home or friends.[106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") This river being once crossed by you, you can never cross again.[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") Turn back while you can, and think not to visit my father in his strong castle.[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") Hasten away, and seek your own home and kindred ere it is too late.”[109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") The Minstrel heeded not her warning; for never yet had he abandoned a task once begun.[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") “I am old,” he said, “and many are the perils I have faced and many the dangers I have escaped.[111](111/ "tree and pragmatics") I am not a woman that I should say, ‘I cannot’; I am not a coward that I should say, ‘I dare not!’[112](112/ "tree and pragmatics") So, come now, tiny daughter of Tuoni.[113](113/ "tree and pragmatics") Come, and quickly row me over your ferry.”[114](114/ "tree and pragmatics") The maiden said not another word.[115](115/ "tree and pragmatics") She leaped into her boat, she seized the oars, and with lightning speed she crossed the river.[116](116/ "tree and pragmatics") The broad, flat-bottomed vessel grated against the shore where the Minstrel was standing; he saw that it was roomy and large, and he stepped quickly aboard, not looking behind him.[117](117/ "tree and pragmatics") Then, instantly, and without sound, ten thousand shades who had been waiting unseen and intangible on the shore, glided also into the boat and stood beside him.[118](118/ "tree and pragmatics") The tiny maiden received each one silently, taking note of every mark or sign or other means of recognition.[119](119/ "tree and pragmatics") When all were safely aboard, she again seized the oars and with swift and sturdy strokes rowed her strong craft across the stream.[120](120/ "tree and pragmatics") “Farewell, brave but foolhardy hero!” she said as the boat touched the farther shore and Wainamoinen leaped out upon the beach.[121](121/ "tree and pragmatics") “None but the prince of wizards could thus have come to Tuonela; and yet there is no magic strong enough to save you from your doom.”[122](122/ "tree and pragmatics") But the Minstrel was undaunted.[123](123/ "tree and pragmatics") He buckled his girdle about him, and with long strides hastened toward the great house which he knew must be King Tuoni’s palace.[124](124/ "tree and pragmatics") At the door the queen met him and softly welcomed him.[125](125/ "tree and pragmatics") “Come in, most honored of guests!” she said.[126](126/ "tree and pragmatics") “Never before has a living hero dared to cross this threshold.”[127](127/ "tree and pragmatics") She led him into the broad hall, she seated him on soft cushions, she threw a mantle of finest cloth over his shoulders.[128](128/ "tree and pragmatics") Then she brought him food and drink, and bade him refresh himself and be joyful.[129](129/ "tree and pragmatics") But when he lifted the covers of the enticing dishes, and when he looked into the foaming pitchers, what did he see?[130](130/ "tree and pragmatics") Vile things in plenty—the poison of serpents, the spawn of toads, shiny lizards, squirming worms—a medley of horrors indescribable and foul.[131](131/ "tree and pragmatics") “I thank you, mighty queen,” the Minstrel said politely, “but my errand in Tuonela permits neither eating nor drinking.[132](132/ "tree and pragmatics") No morsel of food will I taste until I have made known the business that brings me hither.”[133](133/ "tree and pragmatics") Then in a few words wisely spoken he told her plainly, truly, the object of his visit.[134](134/ "tree and pragmatics") The queen listened, and her ashy-pale face grew paler still and an unpitying smile overspread her joyless countenance.[135](135/ "tree and pragmatics") When he had finished she answered him briefly and sternly:[136](136/ "tree and pragmatics") “Truly there are magic words in plenty stored up in Tuoni’s treasure houses; but they are neither sold nor lent nor yet given away.[137](137/ "tree and pragmatics") The king imparts his knowledge to none; the secrets of his kingdom remain unknown forever.[138](138/ "tree and pragmatics") Rash man\![139](139/ "tree and pragmatics") You have come hither uninvited; you shall not soon depart.”[140](140/ "tree and pragmatics") Even while she was speaking she began her spells of enchantment.[141](141/ "tree and pragmatics") She waved her wand of slumber and chanted strange runes never heard on this side of the dark water.[142](142/ "tree and pragmatics") Softly, very softly, she began to sing a weird lullaby—a song of the silent land.[143](143/ "tree and pragmatics") And Wainamoinen neither spoke nor made resistance, but, wrapping his cloak about him, he laid himself down to sleep on the dread couch of King Tuoni.[144](144/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [The Unfinished Boat](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66819/13/) - next →: [The Hag of the Rock](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66819/15/) - ↑ back to [The Sampo: A Wonder Tale of the Old North](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66819/)