Know the Lyrics of the Greek National Anthem

Written by Greek Boston in Learn How to Speak Basic Greek Comments Off on Know the Lyrics of the Greek National Anthem

The Greek National Anthem, also referred to as the Hymn to Liberty or the Hymn to Freedom, is a song that brings about feelings of pride amongst the Greek people. The lyrics were originally written in 1823 by Dionysios Solom0s and set to music in 1865 by Nikolaos Mantzaros. It was adopted in the same year as the National Anthem of Greece.

Even if you don’t live in Greece, it is a good idea to learn the lyrics in Greek to this song because it can help you understand the people of Greece, a fact that will help you during your language studies.

Lyrics of the Greek National Anthem

This anthem was written during a turbulent time in Greece’s history but one that would eventually result in Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. Interestingly enough, it has also been adopted at the national anthem of the Republic of Cyprus and it was also the official anthem of Crete back when it was its own state from 1908 to 1913.

Here are the lyrics of the Hymn to Liberty in the Greek Language:

Σε γνωρίζω από την κόψη.     Se gnoreezo apo tin
Του σπαθιού την τρομερή,     kopseetou spathiou tin
Σε γνωρίζω από την όψη,       tromeree,se gnorízo apo tin opsi,
Που με βιά μετράει τη γη.     pou me via metrai ti gee.

Απ’ τα κόκκαλα βγαλμένη.    Ap’ ta kokkala vgalmeni
Των Ελλήνων τα ιερά,            ton Ellinon ta iera,
Και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη, Kai san prota andreiomeni,
Χαίρε, ω χαίρε, ελευθεριά!    here, o here, eleftheria!

Translation of the Hymn to Liberty (Greek Anthem) in English:

There are a few translations circulating of the Greek National Anthem, or Hymn to Liberty. There’s the literal translation and there are also several poetic translations that exist. The famous poet, Rudyard Kipling, even has his own version!

Literal Translation of Hymn to Liberty:

recognize you by the fearsome sharpness,
of your sword,
I recognize you by your face
that hastefully defines the land

From the sacred bones,
of the Hellenes arisen,
and valiant again as you once were,
Hail, o hail, Liberty!

Rudyard Kipling’s Translation of the Greek Anthem:

We knew thee of old,
O, divinely restored,
By the lights of thine eyes,
And the light of thy Sword.

From the graves of our slain,
Shall thy valour prevail,
As we greet thee again,
Hail, Liberty! Hail!

The national anthem is an important part of any country’s culture and Greece is no exception. If you make the decision to learn the Greek language, you should learn the words to the anthem, as well.

Source:

Wikipedia – Hymn to Liberty

The Learn Greek section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand the conversational basics of the Greek language. This article is not a substitute for a professional Greek learning program, but a helpful resource for people wanting to learn simple communication in Greek.

Categorized in: Learn How to Speak Basic Greek

This post was written by Greek Boston