Mihai Eminescu

Mihai Eminescu a.k.a. Mihail Eminovici (January 15 1850 - June 15 1889), late Romantic poet, probably the best-known Romanian poet. Famous poems include Luceaf?rul (Morning Star), Od? în metru antic (Ode in an antique meter), and the 5 Scrisori (Epistles).

Works

Nicolae Iorga, the Romanian historian, considers Eminescu the godfather of the modern Romanian language. He is unanimously celebrated as the greatest and most representative Romanian poet.

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The poet

His poems span a large range of themes, from nature and love to history and social commentary. His carefree early years were evoked in his later poetry with deep nostalgia.

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Eminescu was influenced by the work of Arthur Schopenhauer, and some have suggested that his most famous poem, "Luceafarul" was based upon an older German work or the Katha Upanishad.

Related Topics:
Arthur Schopenhauer - Upanishad

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Eminescu's poems has been translated in over 60 languages.

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His most important poems are:

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• Doina (the name is a traditional type of Romanian song),
• Lacul (The Lake)
• Luceaf?rul (Lucifer or The Morning star)
• Floare albastr? (Blue Flower)
• Dorin?a (Desire)
• Sara pe deal (Evening on the Hill)
• O, r?mii (Oh, Linger On)
• Epigonii (Epigones)
• Scrisori (Letters)
• Si dac? (And if...),
• Od? (în metru antic) (Ode (in Ancient Meter))
• Mai am un singur dor (I Have Yet One Desire)

The storyteller

Prose:

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• F?t-Frumos din lacrimi (Prince Charming, The Tear-Begotten)
• Geniu pustiu (Empty Genius)
• S?rmanul Dionis (Poor Dionis)
• Cezara (a proper name)

Collected edition:

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• Poems and Prose of Mihai Eminescu (editor: Kurt W. Treptow, publisher: The Center for Romanian Studies, Ia?i, Oxford, and Portland, 2000, ISBN 9739432107) contains a selection of English-language renditions Eminescu's poems and prose.

The journalist

Other writings

Controversies