Since December, I’ve been diving into Hungarian literature as part of my Read Around the World Challenge, a personal journey to explore works from countries I know little or nothing about. Those who saw my first post about Hungarian literature already know how transformative this experience has been. Today, I want to share one of my most thrilling discoveries so far: János Vitéz (John the Valiant), an epic poem written by Sándor Petőfi.

The Journey of János: Shepherd, Hero, and Embodiment of Virtues

János Vitéz tells the tale of a humble shepherd who, after losing his beloved Iluska, embarks on a grand adventure. His journey takes him to magical realms like the Fairy Kingdom and the Land of Giants, facing supernatural challenges until he earns the title of hero. The poem, divided into 27 lyrical parts, is a breathtaking blend of heroism, fantasy, and emotion.

The narrative hooked me from the start. Petőfi masterfully weaves moments of deep emotion with dazzling action and imaginative scenes. Reading János Vitéz felt like revisiting the magic I experienced when I first read The Lord of the Rings—that profound sense of adventure and wonder with every verse.

What struck me most was János’s transformation. He embodies universal virtues like courage, loyalty, and love while retaining his humanity. His devotion to Iluska drives his journey, and this emotional core resonated deeply with me.

How I Discovered János Vitéz

My journey to this poem was a bit indirect. A member of r/hungary recommended the video A Beginner’s Guide to Hungarian Animated Cinema, which mentioned the 1973 animated adaptation of János Vitéz. This film, celebrated as Hungary’s first animated feature, piqued my curiosity about the original poem. I decided to dive in, and it turned out to be one of the best literary decisions I’ve ever made.

Why János Vitéz is Unforgettable

Beyond the richness of the story, Petőfi’s language deserves special praise. His poetry is fluid, musical, and brimming with life. The rhythm of his verses creates an almost hypnotic experience, immersing readers in the fantastical worlds János traverses.

Petőfi writes with a lyrical simplicity that touches the heart, yet his words have a depth that invites reflection. His style reminded me of Pablo Neruda, my favorite Latin American poet. Both share a passion for freedom, nature, and love, though Petőfi’s work is distinctly shaped by Hungary’s unique historical and cultural context.

Who Was Sándor Petőfi?

Sándor Petőfi is a cornerstone of Hungarian literature and a national icon. A Romantic poet, he wrote about freedom, love, and nature with intensity and accessibility. His involvement in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 also gives his work a powerful historical dimension.

In addition to János Vitéz, I recommend his poems “Minek Nevezzelek?” (What Shall I Call You?) and “Szeptember Végén” (The End of September), which he dedicated to his wife. Inspired by his works, I even tried writing something for my own partner—though, of course, without Petőfi’s brilliance.

Where to Read János Vitéz

János Vitéz is available in English and other languages on the online repository Babelmatrix, along many other poetry and works by Petőfi. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves epic poetry and is eager to explore new literary horizons.

Have you read anything by Sándor Petőfi or explored Hungarian literature? If not, this might be the perfect place to start!