Grażyna
by Adam Mickiewicz
Polish • Public Domain • Free to stream
Free — no signup — no ads — public domain
Grazyna (1823) by Adam Mickiewicz is a Romantic narrative poem about a Lithuanian princess who disguises herself as her husband to lead their army against the Teutonic Knights. Written when Mickiewicz was just 25, it combines epic heroism with lyrical beauty. Grazyna sacrifices herself for honour and country, becoming one of the great female archetypes in Polish literature.
About the book: Grazyna
Grażyna is an 1823 narrative poem by Adam Mickiewicz, written in the summer of 1822 during a year-long sabbatical in Vilnius, while away from his teaching duties in Kaunas.
The poem describes the exploits of a mythical Lithuanian chieftainess Grażyna against the forces of the medieval Order of the Teutonic Knights. It was said by Polish writer Christien Ostrowski to have inspired Emilia Plater, a military heroine of the November 1830 Uprising.
The woman character is believed to have been based on Mickiewicz's own sweetheart from Kaunas, Karolina Kowalska. The name was originally conceived by Mickiewicz himself, having used the root of the Lithuanian adjective graži, meaning "beautiful".
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grazyna free to listen to?
Yes, completely free. No account, no subscription, no ads. Public domain.
Who wrote Grazyna?
Adam Mickiewicz, published 1823. 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.