Arany János

Arany János

(born March 2, 1817, Nagyszalonta, Hung.—died Oct. 22, 1882, Budapest) Hungarian epic poet. His main work is the trilogy of Toldi (1847), Toldi szerelme (1848–79), and Toldi estéje (1854). Recounting the adventures of a 14th-century youth of great physical strength, it was received with enthusiasm by a public craving a national literature of quality in a language all could grasp. Other notable works include a fragment of an epic poem, Bolond Istók (1850), and The Death of King Buda (1864), the first part of a projected Hun trilogy. The Oszikék, written just before his death, poignantly reflects his sense of unfulfillment and isolation. He is considered Hungary's greatest epic poet.