"Ζorba the Greek" is a novel written by Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis in 1946. The story follows the life of a young intellectual who befriends Alexis Zorba, a passionate and free-spirited man. Together, they embark on a journey to run a lignite mine on the island of Crete, exploring themes of friendship, freedom, and the meaning of life. The novel was later adapted into a successful film in 1964, directed by Michael Cacoyannis and starring Anthony Quinn as Zorba. The film is famous for its iconic music, particularly the Zorba's Dance, which has become synonymous with Greek culture and celebration.