Nathan Benkemoun - Journey to Tuonela
Tuonela, a significant concept in Finnish mythology, represents the realm of the deceased. It is conceptualized as the northernmost domain, demarcated from the realm of the living by the enigmatic and foreboding dark river of Tuonela. Mythological accounts narrate the passage of the departed to Tuonela, a journey fraught with symbolic challenges. The departed are described as crossing the river either via a delicate thread bridge or by embarking upon a boat steered by the personification of Death. Adding to the mystique, the river is purportedly safeguarded by a mystical swan, believed to chant potent incantations of mortality.
The passage to Tuonela is described as a multifaceted odyssey, involving traversal through treacherous thorn thickets and perilous woods, culminating in a confrontation with Surma, a formidable creature in the service of Kalma, the goddess of decay. Once within Tuonela's confines, it is believed that the living are barred from returning to the realm of the living.
Interpreting this mythological narrative, my essay delves into the essence of a journey to Tuonela. To capture the essence, I conducted an extensive exploration over several weeks on remote Finnish islands. Embracing solitude within modest dwellings and dedicating days to solitary walks, my experience sought to evoke the essence of Tuonela. Through my written work, I depict Tuonela as desolate landscapes and the mundane remnants of a bygone human existence, now devoid of vitality. Central to this portrayal are significant mythological entities such as the swan, the ominous river, and the symbolic boat, aiming to offer a visual representation of this fabled journey.