What role did translations play in the development of medieval Hungarian literature?

Translations played a foundational role in the development of medieval Hungarian literature by introducing new literary forms, religious texts, and secular narratives to the vernacular. During the 13th and 14th centuries, numerous translations from Latin were produced, including legends of saints such as St. Margaret and St. Francis of Assisi.1

The 15th century marked a significant expansion, with the first translations of Bible texts—including the Psalms and Gospels—which helped establish a specialized vocabulary that remains in use today. Secular literature also relied heavily on translations, with works like the Alexander romance and histories of the Trojan War reaching Hungary via South Slavic versions.1

By the 16th century, translations became increasingly sophisticated, adapting classical works such as Sophocles’ Electra and Hrosvitha’s dramas, while the 1590 translation of the Bible by Gáspár Károlyi served as a vital milestone in standardizing the Hungarian language. These efforts collectively allowed Hungarian writers to adopt and adapt foreign literary traditions, fostering the growth of a distinct national literature.12