Klamy originally intended this piece to be the third movement of his `Kalevala` suite. However during its creation the work grew too large and complex. The composer decided the piece had its own `logic` and scope. He excluded it from the suite so that it could exist as a stand-alone symphonic poem.
The music tells the story of Lemminkäinen`s adventures.
After murdering the owner of the house at a wedding in Pohjola he on his mother`s advice flees to the island of Saari and spends years there becoming renowned for his charm and ability to seduce almost every woman. Eventually the island`s men return or seek revenge. Lemminkäinen is forced to flee by boat leaving the weeping women behind.