ABSTRACT
The historical background of Finnish, Karelian and Russian relations
Relations between Finland (Finns), Karelia (Karelians) and Russia (RusI sians) have throughout the centuries been both highly complex and probI lematic. During the period of 1809-1917, when Finland belonged to Russia as an autonomous grand duchy, an important role in the Finnish national revival was played by Karelian-Finnish folklore, and materials were gathI ered mainly from villages which today are situated in the Republic of KareI lia, a part of Russia. During this period Karelia was regarded - by Finns - as a part of Finland and one that was inhabited by Finno-Ugrian people, mainly Karelians and Finns.
