Do not wed the empty-handed youth."
"Thy advice is good, but I will not take it. The young man shall be my
husband."
When Wainamoinen was refused in spite of his gifts, Louhi addressed
herself to Ilmarinen, and set him, in turn, three tasks: to plough the
serpent field of Hisi, to muzzle Tuoni's bear, and to catch the pike of
Mana, in the river of Tuoni.
With the help of his sweetheart, Ilmarinen accomplished these tasks, and
the wedding day was set. Old Wainamoinen, heavy hearted, journeyed
homeward, and sent the edict to his people that in the future old men
should not go wooing, or strive with younger men.
Great preparations were made for the wedding feast; the mighty ox of
Karjala was slain, and for the first time, beer was brewed in Pohyola.
Invitations were sent to all the people of Pohyola and the tribes of
Kalevala, to all save Lemminkainen.
When Ilmarinen returned for his bride, he was received with honor, and the
wedding feast was merry. But when the time came to take the bride away,
the Rainbow Maid was unwilling, she who before had been so ready to go
with him. Many times had she been told of the miseries of the wife: her
husband's slave, her whole life one of service, one long endeavor to
please her husband's mother and father. After her lament, Osmatar, the
Bride-adviser, instructed her how to please her husband's family, and
admonished Ilmarinen to guard well his Bride of Beauty.
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