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The publication of the Finnish National Epic 'The Kalevala' in 1835 was of immense significance in the development of a Finnish National identity. These collections of folk tales were transcribed and edited by Elias Lonnrot.
The earliest orchestral work based on the Kalevala was Filip Von Schantz's 'Kullervo Overture' of 1860. Schantz conducted the premiere in Helsinki, but it seems that the music was closely based on German models. Later on Kajanus wrote a Symphonic Poem 'Aino' in which Wagner looms large. But it was of course left to Jean Sibelius's genius in creating a music that identified totally with the Kalevala, but at the same time gave it universal significance.--kullervopete.

Oh, I wish I had my copy of the Kalevala with me; it has an appendix in the back about Sibelius and concludes with a list of the pieces he wrote in which the Kalevala is used as a subject.