Anhelli
by Juliusz Słowacki
Polish • Public Domain • Free to stream
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Anhelli (1838) by Juliusz Slowacki is a poetic prose work set among Polish exiles in Siberia. The angel-like hero Anhelli wanders a frozen landscape, encountering fellow exiles in their suffering. Suffused with messianic imagery and Biblical echoes, it prophesies that Polish national suffering will eventually lead to redemption. One of the most unusual and visionary works of Polish Romanticism.
About the book: Anhelli
Anhelli is a prose poem written by Polish Romantic-era poet and dramatist Juliusz Słowacki in 1837. The poem was written in the spring of 1837 in an Armenian monastery known as Betcheszban in Ghazir, a town in the mountains of Lebanon. Słowacki wrote that he created the poem full of feelings and thoughts inspired by the Holy Land and a night spent by the tomb of Jesus. The poem was edited in Florence and published in Paris in 1838 in the Polish Library and Printing Press.
The main plot of the work revolves around the journey through Siberia undertaken by the titular character, a youth named Anhelli, and his guide Shaman, leader of a Siberian tribe. The poem conveys a pessimistic vision of the future of Polish emigration and the fight for the country's independence, portraying antagonized Polish exiles destined for destruction in Siberia. It employs stylized biblical prose and sends a messianistic message, posing questions about the salvation of the nation.
Juliusz Słowacki dedicated his work to Stefan Hołyński.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anhelli free to listen to?
Yes, completely free. No account, no subscription, no ads. Public domain.
Who wrote Anhelli?
Juliusz Słowacki, published 1838. One of the great works of Polish literature.
What language is this narrated in?
This book is in the original Polish, narrated by Zofia (Microsoft Polish neural voice). For the best experience, select a Polish voice in the player.