---

The Lapp Kouta, cheerless man

Was the greatest of wise men

Snakes sprouted out of his glance

Out of his mouth night-bats flew

He knew everything that men knew

Could do all that gods could do

But could not discover

The treasure put

So he went off to seek out,the deepest power of Mantu

He walked unknown ways

He went on boundless journeys

The Earth-ghost slept in a hut, heard him walking heavily

From earth the Earth-sleeper rose

"Who are you, chieftain,not slipping in my mouth?"

Cheerless man spoke up,

"I am Kouta, walking,I've not come to be eaten,

I've come in search of knowledge"

The shut-eyed one growled

"Have you given your own blood?"

"I have when I was a boy,

Blood fortifies Blood"

Have you slain your other joys?"

"I have as a younger man,

Iron emboldens Iron"

"Have you cursed her who bore you?"

“I have at death's door

I got the word rich in strength

The Cold tempers Cold"

Kouta .cheerless man

Kouta,cheerless man

Kouta, can do all that gods can do

Kouta, but cannot cojure up the past

Kouta. cheerless man

Kouta , cheerless man

From earth Mantu's eldest said

"Go now into Hollow Vale

You'll get earth's eternal power,

become all-knowing Kouta"

"What if I do not come back?"

"You would become all-knowing.

You will not give your life"

So went Kouta through the pain in Tuonela

Kouta .cheerless man

Gained his knowledge of all things

He did not glance back,he looked towards the grave's door

He was not in hurry, he trod step by step

The grim way down to Tuoni,life harsher than death