Betyárs

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Jóska Sobri (painted by Sándor Száva)
A wanted poster from 1856 promising reward for Sándor Rózsa, dead or alive

The betyárs (Hungarian: betyárok) were the highwaymen of the 19th century Kingdom of Hungary. The "betyár" word is the Hungarian version of "Social Bandit".[1]

Several betyárs have become legendary figures who in the public mind fought for social justice. The most famous Hungarian betyárs were Sándor Rózsa from the plain, Jóska Sobri, Jóska Savanyú from Bakony and Márton Vidróczky from Mátra.

Hungarian folktale tradition

Until the 1830s they were mainly simply regarded as criminals but an increasing public appetite for betyar songs, ballads and stories gradually gave a romantic image to these armed and usually mounted robbers. Rózsa is only the uppermost of a numerous of Hungarian outlaw heroes, or betyárs, who appear in Hungarian history and folklore.[2] There is a far-flung Hungarian folktale tradition featuring a large number local Robin Hoods.[2]

Famous betyárs

See also

References

  1. ↑ Shingo Minamizuka, A social bandit in nineteenth century Hungary: Rózsa Sándor, East European Monographs, 2008, p. 1
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Graham Seal, Outlaw Heroes in Myth and History, Anthem Press, 2011, p. 79
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