The Day the Earth Froze

Main Plot

"The Day the Earth Froze" is a fantasy film based on Finnish folklore, specifically the epic poem "Kalevala." The story revolves around the magical Sampo, a mystical artifact that produces salt, grain, and gold. The central plot follows the quest of a hero, Lemminkäinen, who seeks to recover the Sampo to bring prosperity to his homeland. The villain of the film, the witch Louhi, steals the Sampo and uses its powers for her own selfish needs, causing suffering and hardship for Lemminkäinen's people. In an attempt to retrieve the Sampo, Lemminkäinen and his companions embark on a series of challenging adventures. The witch Louhi, in retaliation, uses her powers to bring catastrophic consequences to the world, including freezing the entire Earth. The film culminates in a dramatic battle of wits and wills, as the heroes strive to restore balance and warmth to the world by defeating Louhi and reclaiming the Sampo. The narrative is rich with themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil.

Characters

• Urho Somersalmi plays Lemminkäinen, a hero who embarks on a quest to retrieve the magical Sampo, essential for his people's prosperity and survival.
• Anna Orochko portrays Louhi, a witch who controls the North Wind, playing a pivotal antagonist role by capturing the magical Sampo and causing catastrophic freezing.
• Ivan Voronov is a heroic figure who embarks on a quest to retrieve the magical Sampo, aiming to rescue his beloved and restore balance to nature.

Ending Explained

'The Day the Earth Froze' is a 1959 Soviet-Finnish film directed by Aleksandr Ptushko, based on the Finnish epic poem 'Kalevala'. As the film reaches its climax, the protagonist, Lemminkäinen, embarks on a quest to retrieve the magical Sampo, a mythical object that bestows great fortune and is pivotal for the prosperity of his homeland. The Sampo is held by the evil witch Louhi in the land of Pohjola. In the final act, Lemminkäinen, along with his allies, manages to steal the Sampo and escape, leading to a furious pursuit by Louhi. In retaliation, Louhi steals the sun, causing a devastating freeze that threatens to destroy all life. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Lemminkäinen decides to negotiate with Louhi, understanding that the survival of their worlds depends on compromise and cooperation. The resolution comes when Lemminkäinen agrees to return the Sampo to Louhi in exchange for the sun. This act of reconciliation brings back warmth and light, thereby saving the earth from eternal frost. The film concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, the importance of communal well-being, and the power of unity in overcoming adversity.