Sielulinnut | Soul Birds (SKS Kirjat 2025)

Is the raven a harbinger of death or a winged comforter? What does the call of the cuckoo reveal, and how has the symbolism of the swan been interpreted across cultures?

This book follows in the footsteps of Sacred Trees, diving into Finnish folklore and the stories of other cultures – but this time, the spotlight is on our feathered companions.

In the tradition of the Finnic peoples, birds are soul carriers, protectors, and messengers. They travel between this world and the otherworld – some birds foretell death, others bring signs of joy. Migratory birds are said to fly along the Milky Way to the mythical Lintukoto for the winter, a place of warmth we in the north can only long for.

As a child, I had a pet crow that often perched on my shoulder – and that early connection to birds has stayed with me ever since. In this book, I explore the meaning of birds in folklore, mythology, and the everyday lives of modern people. I draw from the rich traditions of our kindred peoples and also visit stories from around the world. As I reflect on the deep bond between humans and birds, I also ask questions about the loss of biodiversity: how should we interpret the sparrow’s endangerment through the lens of ancient myth?

The beautiful illustrations are by my talented and beloved sister, Riikka Haro.