Hungarian betyárs and their modern counterparts

What are the first things that immediately come to your mind about highwaymen? And what about Hungarian highwaymen? Would the corresponding Hungarian word, betyár, pop into your mind, or the name of some famous or rather infamous characters in the country’s history? Besides examining their history and the general atmosphere encompassing them, you can get to know more about the most prominent outlaws in Hungary from this article. Be ready for a journey back and forth in time!

Some historical background

The history of the Hungarian betyárs dates back to the 2nd half of the 18th century. They were more like outcasts and refugees, dismissed border fortress soldiers or wanderers due to political reasons. Of course, some of them got into this world because of disappointment in love affairs or previously committed petty sins.

As Mozaweb.hu points out, taverns at that time often hid the outlaws in the country, and in some cases, even separate rooms were kept ready for these criminals. A further interesting thing to mention is that some taverns were intentionally built at county borders because the cops could only keep order within their own county.

Until the 1830s, the public opinion was more or less consistent in their judgement. They were regarded more negative than positive characters, but from the 1830s onwards, their elevation as national heroes has begun. They were respected for standing up for good causes, like the interest of the nation.

As nimrod-mohacs.hu reports, the widespread image of the “valient betyár” was mostly thanks to the fact that it was seen as a meritorious act to circumvent those in political power between the Hungarian War of Independence and the Compromise.

Let’s meet some of these Hungarian outlaws of the 18-19th century!

Bandi Angyal (1760-1806)

András Ónody, alias Bandi Angyal, is the longest-remembered outlaw possessing national reputation. He was the 1st remembered “valiant betyár.” What is noteworthy about him is that – unlike his counterparts – he was a nobleman, and that is the major reason why people were intrigued by the story of the “noble outlaw.” Nimrod-mohacs.hu reports that he spoke 4 languages and was a highly educated person, and it is still not known why he was immersed in the world of criminals. He was notable for horse stealing and also for the handling of stolen goods in the Hortobágy.

Sándor Rózsa (1813-1878)

The most famous Hungarian betyár was undoubtedly Sándor Rózsa. He became a national legend already in his time and his name was known beyond the borders, too. He was the son of a famous horse-stealer and as it usually happens, the apple never falls far from the tree. He committed his 1st misdeed at the age of 23
when he stole two cows with his friends. Later, when he was imprisoned, he escaped after 10 months.

Throughout his life, it was a challenge to capture him.

With the permission of Lajos Kossuth, he organised a military group in 1848 to fight against the Serbians. However, within a few months, the group was dissolved due to indiscipline problems as they massacred many and plundered several homes. After the revolution, a manhunt was staged for him without significant success for years.

He was known for his clever hidings, sudden emergences, adventurous escapes and gunfights, and it is also rumored that people got cold feet even when he frowned.

His attempt to rob a train was doomed to failure when he and his peers picked up the railway.  🙂 He was severely wounded in the following fight and in the prison, his health deteriorated leading to his death.