Sándor Petőfi

Hungarian revolutionary poet who ignited the 1848 Revolution through radical literature

Considered Hungary's national poet, Sándor Petőfi (1823-1849) revolutionized Hungarian literature by replacing conventional aristocratic themes with visceral depictions of peasant life. His poem National Song became the battle cry during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, directly challenging Habsburg rule.

Breaking from traditional alexandrine verse, Petőfi employed colloquial language and folk motifs. His poem János the Valiant redefined Hungarian epic poetry by blending folk tales with social commentary. During the revolution, he famously recited Talpra Magyar at the Pilvax Café - an event now commemorated as the starting point of armed uprising.

Petőfi's disappearance during the Battle of Segesvár remains shrouded in mystery. His revolutionary ideals later inspired anti-Soviet protesters in 1956. Today, over 1,200 streets and institutions bear his name across Hungary.