Cyrano de Bergerac
A flamboyant 17th-century writer and swordsman whose real-life bravado inspired the timeless romantic hero bearing his name.
1619–1655 (age 36)·French novelist and dramatist·Birthday: March 6
Biography
The historical Cyrano de Bergerac was every bit as vivid as the literary character he inspired, though the two are distinct. A Gascon nobleman and soldier, Savinien de Cyrano was known in Paris as much for his formidable skill with a sword and his provocatively large nose as for his radical mind. He fought countless duels, often over insults to his appearance, building a legendary reputation for bravery. Yet his greater legacy lies in his writing. A freethinker and satirist, he penned fantastical novels like 'The Other World,' which imagined journeys to the moon and sun, blending sharp social criticism with proto-science fiction. His work challenged religious and philosophical orthodoxy, leading to censorship. His life was cut short at 36, possibly from injuries sustained in an attack, but his myth was resurrected and romanticized over two centuries later by Edmond Rostand's play, which cemented Cyrano as the archetype of the eloquent, lovelorn warrior.
#1 When Cyrano Was Born
The biggest hits of 1619
Cyrano's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1619Born
1624Started school
1632Became a teenager
1635Could drive
1637Could vote
1640Turned 21
1649Turned 30
1655Died at 36
Key Achievements
- Wrote 'The Other World: The Comical History of the States and Empires of the Moon,' a pioneering work of science fiction and social satire.
- Was a noted playwright, with works like 'The Pedant Tricked' performed during his lifetime.
- Served as a soldier in the elite Gardes Nobles company, experiencing combat during the Siege of Arras.
Did You Know?
The real Cyrano did not have a romantic involvement with his cousin Roxane, a central plot of Rostand's play.
He was a dedicated follower of the philosopher Pierre Gassendi and a proponent of atomism and skepticism.
He famously dueled a man who insulted him for staring at a landmark, fighting him at the very site he was accused of ogling.
“A great nose is the banner of a great man, a generous heart, a towering spirit, an expansive soul.”
