Zrinska

The Zrinski (Croatian: Zrinski, Hungarian: Zrínyi) were a Croatian noble family, influential in Croatian and Hungarian history. Members of the family were among the most prominent landowners, military leaders, and politicians in the Kingdom of Croatia and the Kingdom of Hungary for centuries. They played a significant role in defending the Croatian and Hungarian lands against the Ottoman Empire.

The family's origins trace back to the Croatian noble clan of Šubić. In 1347, King Louis I of Hungary granted the castle of Zrin in Croatia to the Šubić family member, Gregory, Count of Bribir. Gregory then took the name Zrinski after the castle, thus founding the Zrinski family.

Key members of the Zrinski family include:

• Nikola Šubić Zrinski (Miklós Zrínyi) (1508-1566): A celebrated Croatian-Hungarian nobleman and general, famed for his heroic defense of the fortress of Szigetvár against the Ottoman army in 1566. His sacrifice became a symbol of Croatian and Hungarian resistance against Ottoman expansion.

• Juraj IV Zrinski (György Zrínyi) (1549-1603): Son of Nikola Šubić Zrinski, Juraj was also a prominent military leader and statesman.

• Nikola VII Zrinski (Miklós Zrínyi) (1620-1664): Great-grandson of Nikola Šubić Zrinski, he was a distinguished military leader, writer, and poet. He served as Ban of Croatia and is considered one of the most important figures in Croatian and Hungarian history. He wrote the epic poem "The Peril of Sziget" ("Obsidio Szigetiana"), commemorating his ancestor's heroic defense.

• Petar Zrinski (Péter Zrínyi) (1621-1671): Brother of Nikola VII, Petar was also Ban of Croatia. He was executed in 1671 along with Fran Krsto Frankopan for his involvement in the Magnate conspiracy (also known as the Zrinski-Frankopan conspiracy).

The Zrinski family's vast estates and influence were significantly diminished after the failed Magnate conspiracy. The execution of Petar Zrinski and Fran Krsto Frankopan marked the end of the main branch of the Zrinski family. However, the Zrinski legacy continued to be celebrated in Croatian and Hungarian culture as a symbol of bravery, patriotism, and resistance against foreign domination. Their coat of arms, featuring a six-pointed star (Stella Maris) above a crown resting on a lion, remains a recognizable symbol associated with Croatian and Hungarian nobility.