Nikolai Mikhailovich Kochergin was a painter, graphic artist and book illustrator. He was an Honored Artist of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. He was born in the village of Vsesvyatskoye in the Moscow region in 1897. In 1918, Kochergin graduated from the Stroganov School of Arts and Industry in Moscow. During the Russian Civil War, Kochergin volunteered for the Red Army and contributed to propaganda efforts in Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia. He is credited with creating the first Soviet political posters. From the 1920s until the 1940s, he worked for various newspapers and magazines, making caricatures and illustrations for publications such as “Red Panorama, ” “Ogonyok, ” “Around the World, ” and “World of Adventures”. Kochergin dedicated over 25 years to illustrating children’s books.

In the 1950s, Alexandra Lyubarskaya published a prose translation of the epic poem “Kalevala”. She edited several episodes for children. This edition was beautifully illustrated by Nikolai Kochergin.

Ilmarinen, a character from the epic poem, is characterized by his benevolence, an inexhaustible sense of optimism, a strong spirit and energy. The illustrations by Nikolai Kochergin capture the true folk spirit of this poem. The heroes of the “Kalevala”, strong and courageous individuals, are often depicted in close-ups and always in action.

Ilmarinen is a calm, serious, and reserved individual. He thrives in his forge, making swords, spears, plows, scythes, and even rings and other pieces of women’s jewelry. His most significant creation is the Sampo, a unique magical object in Karelian folklore. It has magical powers and the ability to bring happiness, prosperity, and abundance.

Other exploits of Ilmarinen are described in the “Kalevala” that help him win the hand of the maiden of Pohyola. Those include plowing a snake field, taming a terrifying bear, and using a fire eagle made of iron to catch a monstrous pike from the Manala River.

When he tries to capture the Sampo, as in other instances, Ilmarinen serves as the closest ally of Wainamoinen. He does not have the traits of a natural leader, but rather he is a fearless and steadfast warrior, not to mention his indispensable role as a highly skilled Kalevala blacksmith.