Szép Ilonka (Beautiful Helena) is the daughter of the nobleman Peterdi, the famed knight of governor János Hunyadi, and she is the heroine whose story sung in the epic poem of Vörösmarty named after her. She met a fine young hunter near her father's house in the depths of the Bakony forest who was eventually invited for dinner to their home. The young hunter's longing gaze and gentle farewell kiss at the end of their encounter of just a few hours kindled the fire of love in the girl's heart. When after some time, upon the invitation of the hunter, they travelled to Buda to meet him, as they were standing amidst the celebrating crowd they recognised their guest of the other day in the mighty figure of King Matthias returning victoriously from his military campaign on Vienna. They returned sadly to their home in the wilderness and her sorrow over her unrequited love wasted Szél Ilonka's life away.

The poem of Mihály Vörösmarty (1800-1855) can be read (in Hungarian) in the Hungarian Electronic Library.

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