Abstract
In the present paper, I am analysing Virgin Mary in birth incantations. The source material consists of 94 birth incantations collected in North Karelia, Ladoga Ka- relia, South Karelia, Archangel Karelia, Savo and North Ostrobothnia. These incantations have been published in the volumes of Ancient Poems of the Fin- nish People (Suomen Kansan Vanhat Runot). There are a mixed group of both non-Christian and Christian supernatural helpers and saints in the birth incantations, for example Virgin Mary, Ukko God on high, Jesus, Kave, Saunatar, and different kinds of mythical animal helpers. Supernatural helpers are mainly called upon to facilitate the delivery and ease the child bearer’s pain. Themes and motifs dealing with these helpers are central and distinctive in the birth incantations. In this paper, I am interested in Virgin Mary who is most commonly called for help. I am examining first and foremost those incantation texts and motifs in which Virgin Mary is present. What kind of divine birth assistant is Mary? Why is she so important? How is Mary called for help? How is Mary able to help both mother and child? I am examining Mary’s essential nature, her appearance, and her skills to ease a woman’s pain.
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