Description
Sándor Petőfi is one of the most iconic figures of Hungarian literature and culture. He has been a key point of reference for every generation from the mid-1800s down to current times. Born Sándor Petrovics in the town of Kiskőrös in 1823, he tried his hand at many professions in his life, working as a traveling actor, soldier and newspaper editor. In addition to these jobs, he was also the first to try to live from his literary work in Hungary. His persona, life, work and political dedication to freedom have been a continuous source of inspiration to generations of writers, artists and musicians. His literary works are still studied today in the school system and he forms a central part of Hungarian cultural identity. One of his most important pieces is the patriotic poem Nemzeti dal (National Song), which was written on 13 March 1848, two days before the start of the Hungarian Revolution. Legend has it that the first line of the poem was changed, thanks to Ferenc Szikra, who, when he saw the original text (Forward Hungarians, the homeland calls!), said to Petőfi, “My friend, the Hungarians must first rise up, before they can move forward.” Petőfi took this advice and rewrote the first line.[1] He originally intended to use the poem at the national assembly planned by the young revolutionaries for 19 March. However, with news of the revolution in Vienna, events speeded up and he thus first read this work at the Pilvax cafe in Pest on 15 March. Together with the 12 Points of the revolutionaries, the National Song was the first text printed without censorship at the Landerer printers.