Ivana Brlić Mažuranić: Croatia’s Fairy Tale Queen

OV Digital Desk

Image Courtesy: Google Doodle

Ivana Brlić Mažuranić (18 April 1874 – 21 September 1938) was a Croatian writer. Within her native land, as well as internationally, she has been praised as the best Croatian writer for children.

Life and Career

She was born on 18 April 1874, in Ogulin, Croatia. Ivana Brlić Mažuranić grew up in a creative and literary environment, as her father was a writer and a prominent figure in the Croatian cultural scene. She received a comprehensive education that included literature, history, and languages, and she began writing at a young age. Her first book, “Tales of Long Ago” (Priče iz davnine), a collection of fairy tales and stories inspired by Croatian folklore was published in 1916 and remains her most famous work.

Mažuranić’s writing was known for its originality, rich imagination, and poetic language. She drew inspiration from Croatian folktales and mythology, creating memorable characters and vivid settings in her stories. Her works were often considered groundbreaking for their time, as they challenged traditional gender roles and social norms, and addressed important social and moral issues. She passed away on 21 September 1938, in Zagreb, Croatia.

Award and Legacy

Mažuranić’s legacy in Croatian and South Slavic literature is significant. Her works, particularly “Tales of Long Ago,” have become classics of Croatian children’s literature and are cherished by generations of readers. Her stories have been translated into many languages, and her writing has been praised for its universal themes and appeal. Her unique approach to storytelling, combining elements of folklore, mythology, and social commentary, has left a lasting impact on Croatian literature and continues to inspire contemporary writers.

Mažuranić’s contributions to Croatian culture and literature have been widely recognized, and she is often remembered as one of the most important literary figures in Croatia’s history. Her works continue to be studied in schools, and her legacy as a pioneering female writer in Croatia has been celebrated for breaking gender barriers and making significant contributions to literature and culture.

In conclusion, Ivana Brlić Mažuranić was a prominent Croatian writer whose imaginative and original works, particularly “Tales of Long Ago,” have left a lasting legacy in Croatian and South Slavic literature. Her unique storytelling, social commentary, and contributions to Croatian culture and literature are remembered and celebrated, making her an important figure in Croatian literary history. On 18 April 2014, Google celebrated Ivana Brlić Mažuranić’s 140th Birthday with a doodle.


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