This essay is a partly objective, partly subjective account of my observations of Hungarian identity. It aims to paint a picture of something that is sometimes difficult to grasp, while also sparking curiosity and encouraging further exploration.
Hungarian culture and identity are surrounded by tales and folklore. As far as I can perceive, this has long been the case. There is a deeply mythic quality to the Hungarian national character, both in its origins and in its expression. This quality gives the national identity form and a remarkable depth. One can trace one’s roots, way of thinking, language, and modes of expression to a great tree within which many other traditions and influences are contained and flourish.
The first stories are of the times before Christianity became widespread among Hungarians, before the great national conversion to the faith, which took many decades.
One such tale is the Legend of the Miraculous Stag, or Csodaszarvas mondája. It is among the most ancient stories in Hungarian tradition. The legend tells of a beautiful white stag that leads the hunters Hunor and Magor into a lush and fertile land. As they pursue the animal, they become entranced by the chase. Upon reaching this wondrous place, the stag vanishes, and they suddenly realize where they are.
Captivated by the abundance of game, water, and greenery, they decide to remain and bring their people to settle there. The stag’s disappearance is often interpreted as a divine sign, guiding the Hungarian people to their destined homeland in the Carpathian Basin. For centuries, this mythic legend has shaped the Hungarian imagination and contributed to the formation of national identity.
It is also worth noting that the Turul, the legendary bird of the Eurasian steppes, still holds an important place in the Hungarian imagination. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in ancient Hungarian pagan traditions and ways of life, with many viewing the Turul as their foremost symbol.
‘Even during Hungary’s most deeply Christian periods, the Turul often retained significance as a symbol of identity’
Beyond this niche revival, a broader sense of respect for these ancestral roots has persisted among parts of the population. Even during Hungary’s most deeply Christian periods, the Turul often retained significance as a symbol of identity, though its meaning varied according to the era and its cultural context.
Another great tale is Emese álma or Emese’s Dream. This story corresponds greatly with the first one about the Mythic Stag, about the arrival of the Hungarian tribes. In this tale Emese, the mother of Álmos, sees Turul, the great Hungarian mythic bird, descending down in a vision and she understands that she will bear a son who she chooses to call Álmos, who becomes a great leader to the Hungarians. Álmos later leads the Hungarians, and his son Árpád is the one who leads them into the Carpathian Basin. From him originates the House of Árpád, a major line of Hungarian kings and queens. The family also counts many canonized saints.
There are countless stories, both great and small, surrounding the House of Árpád and the Hungarian saints who emerged from it over the centuries. These are among the Christian narratives that Hungarian culture has preserved and cherished.
Among the most beloved are the stories of King Saint Ladislaus I of Hungary (Szent László király) and Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (Szent Erzsébet). According to tradition, during a military campaign Ladislaus’s soldiers became trapped in a barren valley and suffered from thirst. In response to the king’s prayer, a spring miraculously emerged to provide them with water.
Saint Elizabeth is remembered for her charity towards the poor. One well-known legend recounts that she carried bread to the needy despite being forbidden to do so. When she was confronted and asked to reveal what she was carrying, the bread in her basket miraculously transformed into roses.
These miracles are still depicted in churches across Hungary and continue to be treated with great reverence. In religious art, Saint Ladislaus is often portrayed holding a battle axe, while Saint Elizabeth is commonly shown with roses.
There are many other well-known folk tales within the Hungarian legendarium. These are stories that have been passed down through generations by word of mouth and remain widely known in one form or another. Among them are The Star-Eyed Shepherd (Csillagszemű juhász) and The Salt (A Só).
These tales often follow a protagonist of humble origins who sets out on a great journey or adventure in pursuit of a difficult task. They frequently feature princes and princesses, as well as mythic creatures such as dragons and other legendary beings. Embedded within these stories are numerous moral lessons and insights.
One of the best ways to encounter these tales is through books and films. Many Hungarian adaptations remain widely accessible and provide an excellent introduction to Hungarian culture from an early age while also conveying enduring values and lessons.
Another interesting aspect is Hungary’s distinctive animation tradition, which often focuses on adapting national folklore and literary works. Among the most notable productions is Son of the White Mare (Fehérlófia) by Marcell Jankovics, a world-renowned Hungarian animator and director.
‘The film incorporates psychological and symbolic elements, reflecting a broader, almost mythic worldview’
Released in 1981, it conveys the atmosphere and themes of the original myth through a bold and highly distinctive visual style. The film incorporates psychological and symbolic elements, reflecting a broader, almost mythic worldview sometimes associated with steppe traditions, in which clear distinctions between different realms of reality are less pronounced, while still employing contemporary filmmaking techniques of its time.
Jankovics also created several other significant adaptations of major Hungarian literary works, including Johnny Corncob (János vitéz) by Sándor Petőfi, Toldi by János Arany, and The Tragedy of Man (Az ember tragédiája) by Imre Madách. These works are widely regarded as important contributions to the adaptation of Hungarian literature into animation.
Hungarian culture is composed of many rich stories and tales covering a wide range of themes and forms. They contain meaningful lessons and are presented both in written literature and, at times, animated films. There is also often a distinctive Hungarian sensibility in them, a certain cultural essence reflected in worldview or style. They each offer different perspectives that can be seen as expressing aspects of the Hungarian spirit.
Related articles:
At a time when public debate is increasingly polarized and superficial, Hungarian Conservative remains committed to depth, intellectual honesty, and independent conservative thought.
Producing high-quality journalism requires resources. Your contribution helps us expand our coverage, reach new audiences, and keep our content accessible.
Please consider supporting our mission.
