Joonas Ahola

Joonas Ahola is a Docent at the University of Helsinki's Department of Philosophy, History and Art Studies. His research focuses on Medieval Icelandic literature, Finnish Viking Age studies, and Soviet Karelian cultural history. He has led or participated in multiple projects, including 'ASME: Materiality, Verbal Art, Mythic Knowledge and the Lived Environment' and 'Neuvostokalevalainen runous.'

Research interests include folklore, religion's role in medieval societies, and the intersection of oral tradition with material culture. His work explores topics like Karelian propaganda under the Soviet regime, Old Norse mythology, and the Kalevala metre's cultural significance.

He has been active in academic conferences, presenting at events such as the 'Karjalan Sivistysseuran historiaseminaari' and the 'Viikingit' podcast series. Media coverage includes interviews on Kalevala poetry's Stalin-era context and Scandinavian mythology connections.

Recent projects emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to cultural heritage, environmental humanities, and comparative mythological studies. Collaborations span Nordic and Baltic academic networks, reflecting his global research impact.