The poem Marína by Slovak poet Andrej Sladkovic has long held the distinction of being the world’s longest love poem, capturing hearts with its epic expression of passion and longing.
Written between 1844 and 1846 after Sládkovič learned that his beloved Marína would be married to another, the poem spans 291 stanzas and approximately 2,900 verses, weaving together unfulfilled love, deep emotion, and reflections on life and country.
For nearly two centuries, Marína has been celebrated not only as a cornerstone of Slovak Romantic poetry but also as a record setting work recognized for its extraordinary length and heartfelt sincerity. Its themes of devotion and loss, steeped in personal experience, continue to inspire readers and lovers of poetry around the world.
While other long love poems have emerged over time, such as Britain’s 2,413-word Divine Verse or other acclaimed works of epic romance, Marína remains an enduring symbol of poetic love’s enduring power and the beauty of lyrical expression.
