Psalmodia polska

epic by Kochowski

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July 13, 2026

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Psalmodia polska is an epic poem written by Wespazjan Kochowski in 1695. It consists of 36 psalms and is primarily known for its theme of Poland's messianic role in saving the world. While considered to have minor artistic merit, the work significantly inspired the Romantic nationalism prevalent in 19th-century Polish literature. Kochowski, a Polish poet and historian, developed a strong sense of patriotism, which is evident in this epic. The poem was written in celebration of King John III Sobieski's victory over the Turks at Vienna in 1683, an event Kochowski witnessed.12

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Wespazjan Kochowski
…best expressed in his epic Psalmodia polska (1695; “Polish Psalmody”). The major theme of the 36 psalms of the Psalmodia is Poland’s messianic role in the salvation of the world. Although of minor artistic merit, the psalms inspired the Romantic nationalism dominant in 19th-century Polish literature.
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…best expressed in his epic Psalmodia polska (1695; “Polish Psalmody”). The major theme of the 36 psalms of the Psalmodia is Poland’s messianic role in the salvation of the world. Although of minor artistic merit, the psalms inspired the Romantic nationalism dominant in 19th-century Polish literature.
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Polish literature
Poetry
Another epic, Psalmodia polska (1695; “Polish Psalmody”) by Wespazjan Kochowski, was written in celebration of John Sobieski’s victory over the Turks at Vienna in 1683, at which Kochowski had been present. That cycle of psalms written in prose, with its messianic interpretation of Poland’s destiny, became a…
Read More
Another epic, Psalmodia polska (1695; “Polish Psalmody”) by Wespazjan Kochowski, was written in celebration of John Sobieski’s victory over the Turks at Vienna in 1683, at which Kochowski had been present. That cycle of psalms written in prose, with its messianic interpretation of Poland’s destiny, became a…
Read More