Bánffy és Kós
Bánffy and Kós

Summary/Abstract: Studying the relationship between Miklós Bánffy and Károly Kós, an important chapter in the history of Transylvanian Hungarian literature from the first half of the 20th century is outlined in vivid colors. In the early 1910s, they were brought together by the literary and artistic orientations that marked the beginning of the century (they became acquainted due to Kós’s chronicle in lyrics about legendary king Attila and Bánffy’s drama about the same character). The young aristocrat of Cluj county and the politician writer from a modest family, the editor of Kalotaszeg-journal had similar views on the sociopolitical situation at that time as well as on the problems and prospects of Transylvania. Their careers, especially after the events of the First World War and the return of Bánffy from Hungary in 1926, connected to establish institutions that would ensure the survival of the Hungarian minority community: in the literary politics of the Helikon-writers, in the editing of Erdélyi Helikon magazine, on the issues of Erdélyi Szépmives Céh. After the end of World War II we find them both in the renewed literary life. Kós has even acted as a politician, but Bánffy became the target of the class struggle. The common history of these two careers did not end with the death of Bánffy in 1950. Kós, as the absolute witness of the events of the past, will be the principal representative of the values expressed by the Erdélyi Helikon group, will defend the helikonists’ legacy (implicitly, Bánffy’s work) against all interpretations stemming from prejudices, reluctance or lack of information.

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