Prominent Galician Writers: Bernardi Graña & Xosé Luís Méndez Ferrín

Bernardi Graña: The Poet of the Sea

Born in Cangas do Morrazo, Bernardi Graña published his first book, Poems a Man Wanted to Live, in 1959 during his stay in Madrid. He graduated in Romantic Philology and taught both within and outside Galicia. He later returned to Cangas, where he currently resides.

While he also wrote plays and narrative, primarily in children's literature, it was in poetry that he developed his major work. His collection, Prophecy Poems of the Sea and Not Seeing Vigo and Cangas, earned him the nickname "Poet of the Sea," as its central theme revolves around the sea and seafaring life.

Other notable poetic works include Within Our Love for All the Fish, Sar Walked Up, and Anthem Green Light in November. Graña's poetry is distinguished by its exaltation of life and nature, reflecting a perspective full of passion and optimism. The theme of love also appears frequently in his work.

Xosé Luís Méndez Ferrín: A Pillar of Galician Literature

Xosé Luís Méndez Ferrín is widely regarded as the most important living Galician writer. His work is fundamental to understanding the narrative and poetry of the second half of the twentieth century. Born in Vilanova dos Infantes, he pursued his studies in Santiago de Compostela and Madrid. He currently serves as a Professor of Language and Literature in an institute in Vigo, where he resides.

Political Activism and Influence

Ferrín's life has been profoundly shaped by his political activism. He was a co-founder of the Galician People's Union, the first political party established after the Spanish Civil War. Due to his political convictions, he was imprisoned and later participated in the creation of other significant groups, such as Galicia Ceibe and ANPG.

Narrative Works

He published his first book of tales, Percival and Other Stories, at the age of twenty. His early narrative contributions also include Crepúsculo and Ants and the novel Northern Suburb. In the 1970s, he released the short story collection Ellipses and Other Shadows and the novel Antón Inocente.

From 1980 onwards, Ferrín produced some of his most acclaimed works, including:

• Arthur and Arrian
• The novel Arnoia, Arnoia
• Brittany, Esmeraldine
• The Womb of Silence

His prose masterfully combines toughness and lyricism, exploring a diverse range of topics from realistic accounts to mystery and terror.

Poetic Contributions

In parallel with his narrative, Ferrín developed a significant poetic body of work. This poetry is characterized by its thematic commitment and rich formal qualities, profoundly influencing new generations of poets. His most notable poetry titles include:

• Heriberto's Entire Property
• Gunpowder and Flayed
• The End of a Tale