Apollon Maykov
A Russian poet who wove classical antiquity and Slavic folklore into lyrical verses later set to music by great composers.
1821–1897 (age 76)·Russian poet and translator·Birthday: June 4
Biography
Apollon Maykov translated the medieval Slavic epic 'The Tale of Igor's Campaign' into modern Russian. Born in 1821 to an academic painter, he initially trained as an artist before words captured his focus. A grand tour of Europe influenced his early work, revealing a deep passion for ancient myths and landscapes rendered in polished verse. As he matured, his gaze turned to Russian villages, history, and natural rhythms. He became a master of lyrical description, painting scenes of rural life with classical form. His melodic, image-rich style attracted composers; Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov set his words to music.
#1 When Apollon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1821
Apollon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1821Born
1826Started school
1834Became a teenager
1837Could drive
1839Could vote
1842Turned 21
1851Turned 30
1861Turned 40
President: Abraham Lincoln
1871Turned 50
President: Ulysses S. Grant
1881Turned 60
President: Chester A. Arthur
1891Turned 70
President: Benjamin Harrison
1897Died at 76
President: William McKinley
Key Achievements
- Translated the medieval Russian epic 'The Tale of Igor's Campaign' into modern Russian, a work published in 1870.
- Published numerous volumes of lyric poetry that drew upon classical antiquity and Russian rural life.
- Had several of his poems set to music by major Russian composers including Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
Did You Know?
He originally studied to be a painter at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts before turning to poetry.
His brother, Valerian Maykov, was a notable literary critic and philosopher.
He worked as a librarian at the Rumyantsev Museum in St. Petersburg for many years.
He was a conservative in later life and opposed the radical literary movements of his time.
“The scent of the linden tree is the true memory of my homeland.”
