Tuonen tytti

Tuonen tytti is a ferrywoman, who ferries dead people over the River of Tuoni to Tuonela. She only ferried people who she believed to be dead, so living people had to be clever enough to cheat her. Kalevala describes her as short.

In Kalevala

In Rune 16 of Kalevala, Väinämöinen tries to get Tuonen tytti to ferry him over the River of Tuoni. He tells her lies about how he got to the river, but she doesn't believe him. After arguing a little Tytti finally ferries Väinämöinen over, but doesn't forget to remind him how foolish his actions are.

Spake the daughter of Tuoni,

Mana's maiden thus replying:

"Thou art sure a stupid fellow,

Foresight wanting, judgment lacking,

Having neither wit nor wisdom,

Coming here without a reason,

Coming to Tuoni's empire;

Better far if thou shouldst journey

To thy distant home and kindred;

Man they that visit Mana,

Few return from Maria's kingdom."

Kyllä Tuonetar toruvi,

Manan neiti riitelevi:

"Oi on, hullu, hulluuttasi,

mies on, mielesi vähyyttä!

Tulet syyttä Tuonelahan,

tauitta Manan majoille!

Parempi sinun olisi palata omille maille:

äijä on tänne tullehia,

ei paljo palannehia."