Shevchenko, Taras, << shuhf CHAYN kaw, TA ruhs >> (1814-1861), was a Ukrainian patriot who became Ukraine’s most famous poet. His poems stress the hard life of Ukrainians and their desire for independence from Russia. Shevchenko’s writing is colorful and often includes everyday language. He is considered the founder of modern Ukrainian literature.
Shevchenko was born a serf in the village of Moryntsi, near Kyiv, on March 9, 1814. In 1838, wealthy admirers bought his freedom while he was studying art in St. Petersburg. Shevchenko wrote against serfdom and monarchy. In 1847, the Russian government punished him with forced military service in the Ural Mountains, where he stayed 10 years. His works include Minstrel (1840), Katerina (1840), Haydamaki (1841), and Dream (1844). He died on March 10, 1861.
