Of course I know thy stock, I know all thy bringing up,
Of what thou wast formed, "useless wretch", from what thou hast originated, O "cunning one".[1]
Tuoni's iron-toothed crone, crooked fingered, crumple jawed,
Was spinning on a summer's day—at midnight of an autumn night.
Blood spashed from the distaff—from the copper spinning- staff.
From that wast thou formed, O "useless wretch", from that didst originate, O "cunning one".[1]
(h.)
Evil Beings (kehnot) formed a snake, wretches span a viper,
A snake was formed, a malignant viper was fashioned
In a single summer night—an evening hour in autumn.
Of what was the head placed on the evil one?
5The head was made of an evil bean.
Of what were the malignant creature's brains?
Of the foam of a mighty torrent [v. of 'fiery' rapids].
8Whence has the fiend[2] its eyes? From the seeds of Lempo's flax.
9Whence the ears on the 'toad's' head? From leaves of Lempo's birch.
Of what was the snout formed? Of a scrap of Tuoni's pick.
v.Of the evil one's thong.
Of what was the mouth prepared? Of Syöjätär's clasp.
v.Of a stump of Lempo's feather.
12Whence was the tongue obtained? From the tip of Keito's spear.
13Whence were the teeth procured? From needles of Manala's[3] [v. Hiisi's] girl.
14Whence [came] the wretch's gums? From the gums of Kalma's[4] girl.
15Of what was the body made? Of an evil maiden's hair-plait.
