Elias Lönnrot was a Finnish physician, philologist, and folklorist, born on April 9, 1802. He is best known for compiling the national epic of Finland, the Kalevala, which is a collection of Finnish oral poetry. Lönnrot traveled extensively throughout Finland and Karelia, collecting folk tales and songs that reflect the culture and traditions of the Finnish people. In addition to his work on the Kalevala, Lönnrot contributed to the study of the Finnish language and literature. He also published several dictionaries and grammar books, helping to standardize the Finnish language. Lönnrot's efforts played a significant role in the development of Finnish national identity.