CA Country Anthems

Greece National Anthem History

Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian · Ύμνος εις την Ελευθερίαν

The Greek national anthem, "Hymn to Freedom," is based on a 158-verse poem by Dionysios Solomos, with music composed by Nikolaos Mantzaros. It was officially adopted in 1864 after King Othon's overthrow, having been popular since the 1821 Revolution.

Greece Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian

Greece

Language
Greek
Anthem
Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian
Duration
0:45
Status
Today, the 'Hymn to Freedom' serves as the national anthem for both Greece and Cyprus.

History timeline

  1. Early 1820s

    Poet Dionysios Solomos writes 'Hymn to Freedom,' inspired by the Greek Revolution.

  2. 1828

    Nikolaos Mantzaros composes musical settings for Solomos' hymn, including a shorter version.

  3. 1845-1849

    King Othon decorates Solomos and Mantzaros, but does not adopt their hymn as the national anthem.

  4. 1862

    King Othon's dynasty is overthrown, leading to a search for a distinct Greek national work.

  5. 1864

    The popular 'Hymn to Freedom' (first two stanzas) is officially adopted as Greece's national anthem.

  6. Present

    The Greek anthem is also used by Cyprus, due to its substantial Greek community.

The original 'Hymn to Freedom' is a sprawling 158-verse poem, though only its first two stanzas are used for the national anthem.