# Jankiel — Pan Tadeusz character guide

> Jankiel in Pan Tadeusz by Adam Mickiewicz.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0004-book-i-home-keeping

## Snapshot

A Jewish innkeeper whose cymbal playing can make a room weep, and whose quiet patriotism runs deeper than most noblemen's oaths.

## Who they are

Jankiel keeps the inn at Soplicowo, trusted by noble and peasant alike, his reputation as a musician matched only by his reputation as a man of honour. He moves through the novel's gatherings as a discreet patriot, carrying messages and loyalties that the gentry only half suspect. His presence complicates the old prejudices of the szlachta and quietly argues that Poland's cause belongs to more than its noblemen.

## In the story

### [Book IV: Diplomacy and the Chase](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pan_tadeusz_se/chapters/book-iv-diplomacy-and-the-chase)

The Jewish tavern-keeper, respected by all, who shows great respect to Friar Robak and facilitates the gathering.

### [Book VI: The Farmstead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pan_tadeusz_se/chapters/book-vi-the-farmstead)

Mentioned by the Judge as having stored lance-heads for the insurrection.

### [Council](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pan_tadeusz_se/chapters/book-vii-council)

Warns the nobles against violence, citing the presence of Russian soldiers and the Assessor.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pan_tadeusz_se/chapters/endnotes)

Mentioned in the note about the cymbals and the song 'Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła'.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pan_tadeusz_se/characters/jankiel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pan_tadeusz_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pan_tadeusz_se/characters