Tradition / Region: Estonian Mythology
Alternative names: Northern Eagle
Category: Bird
The Myth
The Põhjakotkas, or Northern Eagle, is a powerful mythical bird mentioned in the Estonian national epic Kalevipoeg. It appears in the first story, telling of the coming of Kalev.
According to the epic, three mighty brothers grew up on a northern farm beside the sacred oak forest of Taara. One traveled to Russia, another to Turjamaa, while the third, Kalev, climbed onto the back of the Põhjakotkas.
Carrying Kalev upon its wings, the Northern Eagle flew across the Finnish Sea, glided over the Baltic Sea, and crossed the Viru Sea. Finally, guided by fate and divine will, the eagle descended onto a high cliff and set Kalev down upon the shores of Viru, where his journey continued.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Põhjakotkas (mütoloogia). In Vikipeedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://et.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%B5hjakotkas_(m%C3%BCtoloogia)