Andrus Kivirähk, a nominated author for the Cultural Capital's literature prize, has created a new prose collection titled 'New Stories of the Estonian People' primarily for his own enjoyment. He reflects on the work's inspiration, noting his enthusiasm for the tales from Estonian folklore as originated by Kreutzwald. Kivirähk reminisces about how these stories influenced him as a child and motivated him to reinterpret them for contemporary audiences.

He expresses that 'New Stories of the Estonian People' draws on traditional narratives, allowing for a fresh take on stories that have shaped Estonian culture. By likening literary interpretation to music, he suggests that while a melody can be performed differently by various artists, the essence of a story can also be reimagined, catering to both new and traditional audiences. This flexibility in storytelling allows space for innovation while remaining rooted in cultural heritage.

Kivirähk firmly states that the goal of this collection is not to teach readers but to invite them into a vibrant narrative world. He emphasizes the joy of storytelling itself, suggesting that entertainment and engagement are paramount. This approach highlights the importance of folklore in modern literature and showcases Kivirähk's role in keeping these narratives alive in contemporary Estonian culture.