Adam Mickiewicz was an outstanding Polish poet, publicist, and a central figure of Romantic literature whose works significantly influenced the cultural landscape of Eastern Europe. His time in Ukrainian lands — particularly in Odesa — played an essential role in his creative development, as he became acquainted with the local intelligentsia and composed some of his early works inspired by the southern maritime city.

Early Years
Adam Mickiewicz was born on December 24, 1798, on the Zaosie estate near Nowogródek (now Belarus). His family lived at the crossroads of cultural and religious traditions, shaping the poet’s early worldview. Mickiewicz received an excellent philological education at Vilnius University, where his poetic talent and commitment to the struggle for national freedom first emerged. As a student, he joined secret patriotic societies, preparing the foundation for his future political and literary achievements.

Creative Path and Years in Odesa
Mickiewicz’s first poetry collection was published in 1822, followed by another in 1823. These works defined the core elements of his style: Romanticism, national spirit, and historical consciousness.

Mickiewicz arrived in Odesa on February 17, 1825, after visiting Kyiv, where he had attended the Contract Fair and met politically engaged individuals. At that time, Odesa was a bustling multilingual port connected to Mediterranean trade networks and a center of cultural and political life for young intellectuals.

He carried with him a letter of introduction from Kondraty Ryleyev addressed to a like-minded poet — a sort of political recommendation granting him entry into the circle of southern freethinkers. The letter described him as: “...Mickiewicz, moreover a poet — beloved by his nation.” In Odesa, Mickiewicz quickly became the intellectual idol of the progressive elite. Contemporaries recalled his intellect, refined manners, politeness, and ability to converse both in aristocratic salons and at friendly gatherings. Here, Mickiewicz wrote most of his Odessa Sonnets.

In the summer of 1825, Tsarist overseer General I. Witt organized a journey to Crimea for the poet. It was Mickiewicz’s first encounter with mountains and dramatic landscapes, which inspired his famous Crimean Sonnets: Chatyr-Dag, Alushta by Night, Bakhchisarai, among others. The nature, sunlight, sea, and ancient cities ignited his poetic imagination and contributed to the birth of Romantic masterpieces. During this period, he also conceived the idea for the poem Konrad Wallenrod, dedicated to fighters for Polish independence.

Odesa played an important role in shaping Mickiewicz’s political consciousness. The poet maintained contact with the Decembrists, including K. Ryleyev and A. Bestuzhev, and actively communicated with local patriots. His stay was closely tied to educational work — he taught and immersed himself in the cultural life of the region.

Later Years and Legacy
After leaving Odesa, Mickiewicz continued his literary and political activities. In 1829, he was forced into exile. His works left an enduring mark on Polish, Ukrainian, and European literature. Adam Mickiewicz died of cholera on July 26, 1855, in Constantinople. His time in Ukraine — and particularly in Odesa — became an integral part of his cultural memory. Streets in Kyiv bear his name, and a monument in his honor stands in Lviv.

Taras Shevchenko admired Mickiewicz’s poetry, while Ivan Franko valued his legacy. Mickiewicz’s works were translated into Ukrainian by Maksym Rylsky, Mykola Bazhan, Maria Pryhara, Pavlo Tychyna, Borys Ten, and Mykola Lukash.

In 1890, Mickiewicz’s remains were transferred from Paris to Kraków and placed in a sarcophagus in Wawel Cathedral.

Interesting Facts
• On his way to Odesa, Mickiewicz visited Kyiv, exploring the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and historical sites of the region.
• His poetry inspired composers Mykhailo Hlinka and Mykola Lysenko to write musical settings of his works.
• Through his acquaintance with Petro Hulak-Artemovsky, Mickiewicz influenced Taras Shevchenko, who studied his poetry and later dedicated the poem The Caucasus to the Polish poet as a gesture of friendship and solidarity.