Tuonetar

Description: The queen of death. Lived in a jungle of darkness somewhere on earth,
divided from the land of the living by a black-water river.

Tuonetar is queen of the Finnish realm of death, Tuonela, which she rules with her husband, Tuoni who may also be her father. Tuonetar may be Louhi’s sister. Tuonela is divided from the land of the living by a long black river called Tuonelan Joki. This watery threshold between life and death may be reached by walking through forests and thickets for three times seven days. The border is patrolled by Surma, a fierce guard dog with a snake for a tail. Tuoni and Tuonetar’s daughters, including Kalma, Lady of Death and Loviatar, Lady of Pain, linger near the river. They provide escort service for the dead and may be persuaded to admit living shamans who only wish to visit.

The trick is not really entering Tuonela but leaving: Tuonetar has the reputation of being a kindly, generous hostess. She greets those who enter her realm with a tankard of what may first appear to be a welcoming drink but really contains frogs, worms and insects that feast on the dead. Those who drink her brew will never leave Tuonela.

ORIGIN:

Finland

Bird:

Swan

Time:

Night

SEE ALSO:

• Kalma
• Mania
• Swan Goddesses
• Veliona

This article has been revised to reflect the following correction:

Correction: Apr. 18, 2020

This article misstated the name of the River Manala. The river is called “Tuonelan joki” or “Tuonen joki” which translates as “River of Tuonela/Tuoni”.
“Manala” on the other hand is the underworld in Greek mythology (Hades) translated into Finnish, while sometimes it may refer to any underworld.  Thank you Drin 🙂

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.