Kostis Palamas

GreecepoetMaleb. 18596.0Global Dominance: 0.00%

Kostis Palamas was a prominent Greek poet and a leading figure in Greek literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on January 13, 1859, in Patras, he faced early adversity with the loss of both parents, leading to his upbringing in Missolonghi. Initially studying law in Athens, he soon abandoned it to pursue literature, becoming a celebrated poet and a significant voice in the New Athenian School, which emphasized themes from everyday life and rural Greece. He is best known for his works such as 'The Twelve Labors of the Gypsy' and 'The Flute of the King.' In addition to his literary contributions, Palamas was commissioned by King George I to write the Olympic anthem for the 1896 Games, which remains the official anthem today. His death on February 27, 1943, during the German occupation of Greece, was marked by a large public funeral that symbolized national sentiment against the occupation.