Wojna chocimska

work by Potocki

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July 23, 2026

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Wojna chocimska, or The Conduct of the Chocim War, is an epic poem by Wacław Potocki, a Polish poet. Potocki finished the work in 1670, though it was not published until 1850. The poem recounts the 1621 defense of Chocim by Polish and Cossack forces against a much larger Turkish army. While historically accurate, the poem idealizes the Polish heroes and showcases Potocki's skill in poetic condensation.1

The historical event itself, the Siege of Chocim in 1621, saw Polish and Cossack forces led by Hetman Jan Karol Chodkiewicz successfully defend the city against a massive Ottoman army. Chodkiewicz died during the siege, but his forces ultimately forced the Turks to withdraw.2

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Wacław Potocki
…not published until 1850, as Wojna chocimska. The epic describes the defense in 1621 of the city of Chocim by 65,000 Poles and Cossacks against a Turkish army estimated at 400,000. Historically accurate, though it idealizes the Polish heroes, Wojna chocimska reveals Potocki’s gift for poetic condensation.
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…not published until 1850, as Wojna chocimska. The epic describes the defense in 1621 of the city of Chocim by 65,000 Poles and Cossacks against a Turkish army estimated at 400,000. Historically accurate, though it idealizes the Polish heroes, Wojna chocimska reveals Potocki’s gift for poetic condensation.
Read More