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Poezii Populare Ale Românilor (Romanian Folk Poetry) is a cornerstone of Romanian literature, curated by Vasile Alecsandri (1821–1890) and first published in the mid-19th century. It is a monumental collection of oral literature that captures the spirit, language, and cultural depth of the Romanian people.

These are long, narrative poems often focusing on historical figures, outlaws (haiduci), and mythical events. They are the "ballads" of the Romanian tradition, chronicling heroic deeds.

Alecsandri's work was vital in forming a unified national cultural identity in the 19th century, highlighting the "poetic soul" of the Romanian peasant.

A deep connection to the pastoral landscape, with nature acting as a confidant to human suffering or joy.

An untranslatable, complex emotion central to the doina , representing longing for a loved one, home, or lost time.

Alecsandri categorized the collected folklore into three main genres based on their thematic focus and melodic structure:

The collection acts as a repository of archaic, poetic Romanian vocabulary and authentic regional dialects.