author
László Arany
1844–1898
A sharp-eyed poet and folklorist from a great literary family, he helped carry Hungarian literature into a more modern, ironic age. He is best remembered for a witty, melancholy voice and for preserving traditional folk tales alongside his own writing.
1 Audiobook
Eredeti népmesék
by László Arany
About the author
Born in Nagyszalonta on March 24, 1844, László Arany was the son of the celebrated Hungarian poet János Arany. He became known as a poet, translator, essayist, and collector of folk tales, building a literary life that was distinctively his own even while growing up in the shadow of a famous father.
His best-known work is A délibábok hőse (The Hero of Mirages), widely regarded as his most important achievement. He also took a serious interest in Hungarian folk tradition, helping collect and preserve stories that remained part of the country’s cultural memory.
Arany studied law, worked in finance, and later served in public life, while continuing his literary work. He died in Budapest on August 1, 1898, and is remembered as a thoughtful, talented figure in 19th-century Hungarian literature.