Today, on September 5, Kostis Palamas completed one of the most important works of modern Greek literature, “The Gypsy’s Twelve-Calogue”. This work, written during a period of intense social and political change, is one of Palamas’ most profound and multi-dimensional creations, outlining the spirit of the times and his anxiety for the future of Hellenism.

“The Gyptos’ Dodecatalogue” is an epic poem that examines the course of a nation through the eyes of Gyptos, a traveler and wanderer who symbolizes the restless spirit of Hellenism. Gyftos is a man who wanders through time and space, seeking the essence of life, truth and identity.

The dodecatalogue consists of twelve parts, which correspond to twelve stages of spiritual and national evolution. Through this path, Palamas expresses his belief in the rebirth of Greece, presenting a people that must go through difficulties and contradictions in order to reach self-knowledge and freedom.

This work is not merely a poetic composition, but a profound philosophical quest for the meaning of national identity and the evolution of the Greek people. Palamas, through Gyftos, conveys a message of hope and exhortation for the reassessment of values and the strengthening of the collective spirit.

“The gypsy’s twelve-calogue” had a profound influence on Greek literature and thought, being a source of inspiration for many later authors. This work continues to be read and studied, offering important interpretations for the course and future of Hellenism.
The completion of The Dodecanalogue of the Gypsy on 5 September 1907 marked an important moment in the history of Greek literature. Through this work, Kostis Palamas managed to capture the soul of the Greek people, offering a vision for a new era of spiritual and national renaissance. Today, more than a century later, Palamas’ voice continues to resonate, calling us to reflect on the timeless values that define us as a nation.

Kostis Palamas

Kostis Palamas was a poet, prose writer, playwright, historian, journalist and literary critic. Palamas is among the most important Greek poets with a significant contribution to the development of modern Greek poetry. He was a central figure of the so-called “New Athenian School”. He published a total of 40 poetry collections, as well as plays, critical and historical essays, comparative studies and book reviews.

Palamas was born on 13 January 1859 in Patras and was originally from Messolonghi. At the age of six he lost his parents. After the death of his parents, the poet and his brothers went to live in Messolonghi. He lived there from 1867 to 1875.

After completing his schooling, he went to Athens to study at the Law School. Soon, however, he abandoned his studies, determined to pursue poetry.

From 1875 he published various poems in newspapers and magazines. In 1886 his first collection of poetry was published under the title ‘Songs of my Country’ in the vernacular.

Palamas wrote the lyrics of the Hymn of the Olympic Games in 1896.

His poetic work is large and has a huge impact. Some of his most famous poems are the following: “Iambs and Anapests” (1897), “The Unalloyed Life” (1904), “The Dodecanalogue of the Gyptian” (1907) and ” The King’s Flute” (1910).

In 1918 he was awarded the National Award of Arts and Letters, while from 1926 he was a key member of the Academy of Athens, of which he became president in 1930.

In 1897 he was appointed secretary at the University of Athens. He remained in this position until 1928.

Palamas ‘passed away’ on 27 February 1943 during the Second World War and the German occupation. His funeral was an important event of the time.

It became a popular pilgrimage and in front of the astonished German occupiers, thousands of people accompanied him to his last residence, in the A cemetery of Athens, singing the national anthem.