Nikos Kazantzakis.

Νίκος Καζαντζάκης

Born 18 Feb 1883 Iraklio, Greece

Died 26 Oct 1957 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Citizenship Greece

8 min read

Reading time

1,600

Words

Oct 1, 2026

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TL;DR

Nikos Kazantzakis created the character Zorba in his 1946 novel Alexis Zorbas. He also wrote The Odyssey 1938 and The Last Temptation of Christ, which Martin Scorsese adapted into a controversial film in 1988. By one vote in 1957, he lost the Nobel Prize in Literature to Albert Camus—a loss Camus himself called undeserved.

Identity & family.

KIN · 2

Names, aliases, and relatives of Nikos Kazantzakis — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Νίκος Καζαντζάκης

Aliases Nicolaus Kazantzakis

Spouses: Eleni Samiou Galatea Alexiou

At a glance.

STATS

Nikos Kazantzakis by the numbers — life, work, and family.

74 Years lived

1 Award

2 Marriages

Who was Nikos Kazantzakis?

BIOGRAPHY

Nikos Kazantzakis — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

In 1883, Nikos Kazantzakis came into the world in Iraklio, Crete, a region then under Ottoman rule and later part of Greece. He attended the Ursulines School of Naxos for his early education. Later, he studied law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and philosophy at the University of Paris. Thinkers like Nietzsche influenced him there.

Career

Kazantzakis published his philosophical work Ascetics Salvatores Dei in 1927, which laid out his metaphysical beliefs. His epic poem The Odyssey 1938 reimagined Homer’s hero in a modern context and established his literary reputation. In 1946, he published Alexis Zorbas, later adapted into the 1964 film Zorba the Greek. That novel became his best-known work. He followed with Christ Recrucified also known as The Greek Passion in 1948, The Poor Man of God 1952-53, and the autobiographical Report to Greco, published posthumously in 1961.

Personal life

Kazantzakis married Galatea Alexiou in 1911; they divorced in 1926. In 1944, he married Eleni Samiou, who remained with him until his death. He traveled extensively throughout his life, learning multiple languages and engaging with diverse cultures.

Legacy

Major film adaptations of Kazantzakis’s works include Zorba the Greek 1964 and The Last Temptation of Christ 1988, the latter based on his novel. He received the Greek State Literary Awards. In 1957, he lost the Nobel Prize in Literature to Albert Camus by a single vote; Camus stated that Kazantzakis deserved the honor a hundred times more. Readers remember him most for creating the life-affirming character Zorba and for his philosophical contributions.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 1

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Nikos Kazantzakis — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Greek State Literary Awards

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 2

A wall of memorable lines from Nikos Kazantzakis — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Life Is Trouble.
I Hope for Nothing. I Fear Nothing. I Am Free.

Did you know?

FACTS · 1

Little-known facts about Nikos Kazantzakis — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

By a single vote in 1957, Kazantzakis lost the Nobel Prize in Literature to Albert Camus, who later said Kazantzakis deserved the honor a hundred times more.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 44

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Nikos Kazantzakis.

When was Nikos Kazantzakis born?

Nikos Kazantzakis was born on February 18, 1883. He entered the world in Heraklion, Crete, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire.
Where was Nikos Kazantzakis born?

He was born in Heraklion Iraklio, Crete, Greece. His birthplace heavily influenced his later writings.
When did Nikos Kazantzakis die?

He died on October 26, 1957. His death occurred in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
How old was Nikos Kazantzakis when he died?

Kazantzakis was 74 years old at the time of his death. He was born in 1883 and died in 1957.
Where did Nikos Kazantzakis die?

He died in Freiburg im Breisgau, located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. He was traveling there for medical treatment.
How did Nikos Kazantzakis die?

Kazantzakis died of leukemia. He had been undergoing medical care in Germany when the disease claimed his life.
What is Nikos Kazantzakis's real name?

His full birth name in Greek is Νίκος Καζαντζάκης, which translates to Nikos Kazantzakis. He also used the Latinized name Nicolaus Kazantzakis on occasion.
What does Nikos Kazantzakis do for a living?

He was a writer and a soundtrack artist. His primary occupation was as an author, but his works also contributed to film soundtracks.
What nationality is Nikos Kazantzakis?

He was Greek by citizenship. His native language was Greek, and his works are deeply rooted in Greek culture.
What language did Nikos Kazantzakis speak?

His native language was Greek. He also learned many foreign languages during his extensive travels and studies.
Who was Nikos Kazantzakis married to?

He was married twice: first to Galatea Alexiou from 1911 until their divorce in 1926, and then to Eleni Samiou from 1944 until his death in 1957.
Where did Nikos Kazantzakis go to school?

He attended the Ursulines School of Naxos, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens where he studied law, and the University of Paris where he studied philosophy and literature.
What awards did Nikos Kazantzakis win?

He received the Greek State Literary Awards. He was also a finalist for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957.
What was Nikos Kazantzakis known for?

He is best known for his novels Zorba the Greek originally published as Alexis Zorbas in 1946 and The Last Temptation of Christ. His works often explore existential and spiritual themes.
Did Nikos Kazantzakis win the Nobel Prize?

No, he did not win the Nobel Prize. He lost the 1957 Nobel Prize in Literature to Albert Camus by a single vote, a fact that Camus himself lamented.
What is Zorba the Greek about?

Zorba the Greek 1946 tells the story of a young intellectual who meets the exuberant peasant Alexis Zorba. It explores themes of freedom, joy, and the conflict between intellect and instinct.
Did Nikos Kazantzakis write The Last Temptation of Christ?

Yes, he wrote the novel The Last Temptation of Christ originally published in Greek as O Teleutaios Peirasmos, which was later adapted into a controversial film by Martin Scorsese in 1988.
What is The Odyssey 1938 by Kazantzakis?

It is a modern epic poem that continues the story of Homer’s Odysseus. Kazantzakis spent many years writing this work, which reflects his philosophical ideas.
How many novels did Nikos Kazantzakis write?

He wrote several novels, including Alexis Zorbas 1946, Christ Recrucified 1948, The Poor Man of God 1952-53, and the posthumously published Report to Greco 1961.
What is Christ Recrucified?

Also known as The Greek Passion, it is a 1948 novel about a Greek village that reenacts the Passion of Christ, and the conflicts that arise from this reenactment.
Why did Kazantzakis leave Greece?

He traveled extensively throughout his life, often to seek inspiration and to study. He died in Germany, where he had gone for medical treatment for leukemia.
Was Nikos Kazantzakis a philosopher?

Yes, he studied philosophy at the University of Paris and wrote philosophical works such as Ascetics 1927, which outlines his metaphysical beliefs.
What is the significance of Kazantzakis's novel Report to Greco?

Published posthumously in 1961, it is an autobiographical novel that blends fact and fiction, dedicated to the painter El Greco and to Kazantzakis’s own spiritual journey.
How did Kazantzakis influence other writers?

His vivid storytelling and philosophical depth have inspired many, and his works have been translated into numerous languages, reaching a global audience.
What was Kazantzakis's relationship with Albert Camus?

Camus won the Nobel Prize over Kazantzakis in 1957. Camus later stated that Kazantzakis deserved the honor a hundred times more, showing his admiration for the Greek writer.
Why did the Greek Orthodox Church condemn Kazantzakis?

The Church criticized his novel The Last Temptation of Christ for its humanized portrayal of Jesus, which led to a brief excommunication attempt. However, Kazantzakis remained a believer in his own way.
Where is Kazantzakis buried?

He is buried on the island of Crete, in his hometown of Heraklion. His tomb is a popular site for literary pilgrims.
What is Kazantzakis's most famous quote?

One of his most famous lines is from Zorba the Greek: Life is trouble; only death is not. To be alive is to undo your belt and look for trouble.
Did Kazantzakis write for the theater?

Yes, he wrote several plays, including Protomastoras The Foreman, Melissa The Bee, Julian, and Prometheus.
What is the main theme in Kazantzakis's works?

His works often explore the struggle between the spirit and the flesh, the quest for meaning, and the celebration of life despite its tragedies.
How many languages did Kazantzakis speak?

He was known to speak multiple languages, having studied several to read world literature in their original forms. Greek was his native tongue.
What is the film adaptation of Zorba the Greek about?

The 1964 film, directed by Michael Cacoyannis and starring Anthony Quinn, follows the story of the novel, becoming a classic and earning multiple Academy Award nominations.
Did Kazantzakis ever return to Crete?

He remained deeply connected to Crete, his birthplace, and returned often. His final resting place is in Heraklion.
What is Kazantzakis's contribution to Greek literature?

He is considered one of the most important Greek writers of the 20th century, bringing Greek literature to a global audience with his epic narratives and philosophical depth.
What is the English translation of Alexis Zorbas?

The novel was translated into English as Zorba the Greek, the title under which it is best known worldwide.
How did Kazantzakis die?

He died of leukemia on October 26, 1957, in Freiburg, Germany, after a brief illness.
What was Kazantzakis's education?

He studied at the Ursulines School of Naxos, then earned a law degree from the University of Athens, and later studied philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris.
Did Kazantzakis have children?

There is no record of him having children from either of his marriages.
What is the Russian connection to Kazantzakis?

He traveled to the Soviet Union and wrote about his experiences. He was initially attracted to communist ideals but later became disillusioned.
What is the legacy of Nikos Kazantzakis?

He left a vast literary legacy, including novels, poetry, plays, and philosophical essays. His works continue to be read, adapted, and analyzed worldwide.
Why was The Last Temptation of Christ controversial?

The novel’s humanized depiction of Jesus, including imagining his marriage to Mary Magdalene, sparked outrage from religious conservatives, leading to bans and protests.
How many Nobel Prize nominations did Kazantzakis receive?

He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times, most notably in 1957 when he lost by a single vote to Albert Camus.
What is Ascetics by Kazantzakis?

Ascetics 1927 is a philosophical essay where he articulates his creed, emphasizing the struggle for self-improvement and the affirmation of life.
Did Kazantzakis write autobiographical works?

Yes, Report to Greco is a highly autobiographical novel that blends his life story with his spiritual and philosophical quest.

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Published on October 1, 2026

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