The fascinating details of the Hungarian national anthem

The Hungarian national anthem, an immortal poem by Ferenc Kölcsey, was written against the desolate background of 1823, a year of great hardship for Hungary. When was Kölcsey’s poem first sung, why is it referred to as our national prayer, and what circumstances led to its creation?

Unveiling the origins

The literary historian Mihály Takaró has assisted Tudás.hu in compiling a few lesser-known facts about the Hymn. Let’s start at the beginning. Under the control of Vienna’s decrees, the nation found itself in a dire state. The Diet had not been convened, exacerbating the challenges faced by Hungary during this period. Hungary was going through a hopeless time, and Kölcsey’s poetry captures this depressing mood.

Why is it called our national prayer?

The poignant words of the hymn, written 201 years ago, reflect a plea for mercy on behalf of the Hungarian people. Kölcsey, acting as a poetic intercessor, confesses the sins of the nation and implores God’s compassion. Its intercessory nature is what designates it as our national prayer. It is a solemn invocation that resonates with the collective spirit of the Hungarian people. It’s interesting to note that, despite not being a cheerful poem by nature, it’s not as self-deprecating and pessimistic as many modern readers seem to think.

Take the last verse, for example – “Pity, O Lord, the Hungarians/Who are tossed by waves of danger” (“szánd meg Isten a magyart, kit vészek hányának, nyújts feléje védő kart, tengerén kínjának”). Here the word “pity” is often misunderstood, since “to pity” is now a negative adjective.

Mihály Takaró points out, adding that in Kölcsey’s time this was not the case at all, people associated the word “pity” with an entirely different, positive meaning.

The poetic inspiration and literary roots

Mihály Takaró sheds light on the hymn’s literary roots. The poem draws inspiration from verses 14-23 of the first canto of Zrínyi’s “Szigeti veszedelem“, emphasising how God observes Hungary turning away despite the bestowed beautiful homeland. Kölcsey skilfully translates this narrative, incorporating elements from medieval lament and Tacitus’s classical imagery, creating a nuanced piece of art.