Nikolai Ivanovich Bryukhanov was a graphic artist and book illustrator. He was born in 1918 in the city of Vyshny Volochyok. In 1958, he graduated from the Graphics Department of the Ilya Repin Institute of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. That year, Bryukhanov moved to Petrozavodsk and began working at a Karelian publishing house. He was appointed to the position of senior design editor. Nikolai Bryukhanov described this period of his career as follows,

The image of Lemminkainen, a dashing young warrior, is closer to the traditional image of a hero — an adventurous man and a favorite of women. His mother evidently spoiled him as a child, and he grew up to be a frivolous and carefree young man. A relevant passage from the “Kalevala”, translated by John Crawford, reads,

His mother decides to marry him off so that he could settle down. However, Lemminkainen has a high regard for himself. His choice falls on Kyllikki, a young woman from the powerful Sahri family. His mother warns him that the girl has rejected all suitors, and that her formidable family would laugh at him. Nevertheless, Lemminkainen travels to a neighboring village and holds a huge celebration there. When every resident comes to the feast, he abducts Kyllikki and marries her.

Lemminkainen lacks the rationality of Wainamoinen and seriousness of Ilmarinen. Instead, he has a tendency to brag. Yet, he is a skilled skier and excellent swordsman. He is fearless and willing to face danger. He also has a lively, fun personality and a great sense of humor, which is a quality that Ilmarinen does not possess. Despite these weaknesses and vices, Lemminkainen still has a certain charm that attracts people. At the same time, they do not approve of his recklessness, carelessness, and boastful behavior.