Nobel Prize in Literature 2025 Awarded to László Krasznahorkai

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on 9 October 2025 that the Nobel Prize in Literature for the year has been awarded to Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai. The award recognises his compelling and visionary body of work that explores themes of apocalyptic terror while affirming the enduring power of art.

of the Nobel Prize 2025

The Nobel Prize in Literature is part of the annual Nobel Prize announcements. Recently, the Literature Prize followed those in Physiology or Medicine, Physics, and Chemistry announced earlier in the week. The Peace Prize and the Prize in Economic Sciences are scheduled for announcement later in October. Each Nobel Prize carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately ₹1.03 crore. The awards ceremony takes place on 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.

László Krasznahorkai’s Literary Journey

Born in 1954 near the Romanian border, Krasznahorkai emerged as a literary sensation in Hungary with his debut novel Sátántangó (1985), which gained international acclaim with its English translation in 2012. His works are known for their dense prose and apocalyptic themes. Krasznahorkai’s novels often blend despair with beauty, exploring human existence under extreme conditions.

Key Works and Themes

Among his notable works is Herscht 07769 (2025), hailed as contemporary German novel. It portrays social unrest in a small town in Thüringen, Germany, intertwining violence and beauty against the backdrop of Johann Sebastian Bach’s legacy. Another important work is Északról hegy, Délről tó, Nyugatról utak, Keletről folyó (2022), translated as A Mountain to the North, a Lake to the South, Paths to the West, a River to the East. Additionally, Seiobo járt odalent (2008; Seiobo There Below, 2013) is a collection of 17 stories arranged according to the Fibonacci sequence. It reflects on beauty and artistic creation amid impermanence and blindness.

Significance of the Award

The Nobel Committee praised Krasznahorkai for his ability to combine apocalyptic terror with a reaffirmation of art’s power. His works challenge readers to confront chaos while recognising the transcendent nature of creativity. The award continues the Nobel tradition of honouring literature that contributes deeply to human understanding and culture.

Background of the Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize was established by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, who in his will directed that his fortune be used to reward those who confer the greatest benefit to humankind annually. Since 1901, the Nobel Prizes have recognised outstanding achievements in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences.