Born: 31 December 1822 · Died: 31 July 1849 · Age: 26
National poet of Hungary and revolutionary leader
Did you know?His poem, the National Song, is credited with helping to ignite the Hungarian Revolution against the Austrian Empire.
Quick facts
Date of birth31 December 1822
Date of death31 July 1849
Age at death26
NationalityHungarian
BirthplaceKiskőrös, Hungary
Occupationpoet, translator, actor
Editor's Take:
Sándor Petőfi wrote poems that Hungarians still learn by heart. He used plain folk language for love, landscape and freedom. In March 1848 his National Song helped spark the revolution against Habsburg rule. He joined the army and fell, probably killed, in battle against Russian troops at 26. Because his body was never found, legends of his survival lasted for decades. Hungary celebrates 15 March as a national day. His statue in Budapest remains a gathering point on that day.
Key Milestones
1844: Publishes his first collection
1845: Publishes John the Valiant
1848: Leads the revolution with the National Song
1849: Disappears at Segesvár
Sándor Petőfi (né Petrovics; Slovak: Alexander Petrovič; Serbian: Александар Петровић; 1 January 1823 – most likely 31 July 1849) was a Hungarian poet and liberal revolutionary. He is considered Hungary's national poet, and was one of the key figures of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848.
