Kraków Poland Video

Local Myths and Legends of Kraków Poland

Kraków, the historic city located in southern Poland, is not only known for its rich history and stunning architecture but also for its fascinating myths and legends. These tales have been passed down through generations and continue to captivate both locals and visitors alike. In this article, we will explore some of the most intriguing local myths and legends of Kraków.

The Legend of the Wawel Dragon

• Summary: The Wawel Dragon is a legendary creature that terrorized the city of Kraków.

According to the legend, the Wawel Dragon lived in a cave at the foot of Wawel Hill, near the Vistula River. It would emerge from its lair at night and set buildings ablaze with its fiery breath, devouring livestock and even people. The terrified townspeople tried to slay the dragon, but all their attempts failed.

One day, a shoemaker’s apprentice named Skuba came up with a clever plan. He stuffed a lamb with sulfur and left it near the dragon’s cave. The dragon devoured the lamb, and the sulfur caused an unbearable thirst. The dragon rushed to the river to drink, and Skuba threw a sheepskin filled with sulfur into its mouth. The dragon’s insides burned, and it perished.

The Legend of King Krakus and the Dragon’s Den

• Summary: King Krakus established the city of Kraków and defeated a fearsome dragon.

According to the legend, King Krakus was a wise and just ruler. When he discovered a dragon living in a cave on Wawel Hill, he decided to build his castle on top of it. The dragon, angered by the disturbance, began terrorizing the city. King Krakus devised a plan to defeat the dragon.

He offered a reward to anyone who could slay the dragon and marry his daughter, Princess Wanda. Many warriors tried and failed until a cobbler named Skuba succeeded by using the same trick mentioned in the previous legend. Skuba married Princess Wanda, and the city of Kraków flourished under King Krakus’ rule.

The Legend of the Trumpeter of Kraków

• Summary: The trumpeter’s call was cut short during a Mongol invasion, and his sacrifice is commemorated every hour.

According to the legend, in the 13th century, the city of Kraków was under attack from Mongol invaders. The trumpeter stationed in the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica saw the approaching enemy and sounded the alarm to warn the people. However, a Mongol arrow struck him in the throat, and he could not finish his call.

Since then, a bugle call has been played every hour from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica. The tune ends abruptly to commemorate the trumpeter’s sacrifice and remind the people of Kraków of their city’s resilience.

The Legend of the Lost Treasure of the Templars

• Summary: The Knights Templar are said to have hidden a treasure in Kraków before their dissolution.

According to the legend, when the Knights Templar were disbanded in the early 14th century, they sought a safe place to hide their vast treasure. It is believed that they chose Kraków as their hiding spot. The exact location of the treasure remains a mystery.

Many have searched for the lost Templar treasure, but it has never been found. Some believe it is buried beneath the city, while others think it may be hidden within the walls of Wawel Castle. The legend continues to fuel the imagination of treasure hunters and history enthusiasts.

The Legend of the Basilisk of Kraków

• Summary: The Basilisk is a mythical creature that turned people to stone with its gaze.

According to the legend, the Basilisk was a fearsome creature with the body of a serpent and the head of a rooster. It possessed a deadly gaze that could turn anyone who looked into its eyes to stone. The Basilisk was said to live in the cellars of the Cloth Hall in the Main Market Square.

To protect the city, a young cobbler named Skuba (a popular figure in Kraków legends) devised a plan. He placed a mirror in front of the Basilisk, causing it to catch sight of its own reflection. The creature was so terrified by its own appearance that it turned itself to stone.

The Legend of the Lost Princess

• Summary: A princess mysteriously disappeared, and her spirit is said to haunt the city.

According to the legend, a beautiful princess named Kinga vanished without a trace. The people of Kraków searched high and low but could not find her. It is believed that the princess was kidnapped by a jealous suitor or taken by a supernatural force.

Her spirit is said to wander the streets of Kraków, searching for her lost love. Some claim to have seen her ghostly figure near Wawel Castle or in the quiet corners of St. Florian’s Gate. The mystery of the lost princess continues to intrigue locals and visitors alike.

The Legend of the Wailing Woman

• Summary: A ghostly woman’s cries can be heard near the Vistula River.

According to the legend, a woman named Anna was deeply in love with a man who sailed the Vistula River. One day, her lover’s ship sank during a storm, and he perished. Devastated, Anna spent the rest of her life near the river, wailing for her lost love.

It is said that on stormy nights, the ghostly cries of the Wailing Woman can still be heard near the riverbank. Some believe that her spirit is trapped, forever mourning the loss of her beloved.

The Legend of the Enchanted Trumpet

• Summary: A magical trumpet was used to summon the help of a mythical army.

According to the legend, during times of great peril, the kings of Kraków would blow a magical trumpet known as the “Hejnał Mariacki.” This trumpet had the power to awaken an enchanted army that would come to the city’s aid.

However, the kings were warned never to play the full melody of the trumpet, as it would awaken the army permanently, and they would conquer the city. One day, a king ignored this warning and played the full melody. The army emerged, but instead of helping, they turned against the king and his people. The king managed to stop the enchantment just in time, but the army vanished, leaving only the incomplete melody of the trumpet.

The Legend of the Sleeping Knights

• Summary: Knights are said to sleep beneath Wawel Hill, ready to defend the city in times of need.

According to the legend, beneath Wawel Hill lies a hidden chamber where a group of knights sleeps. These knights are said to be waiting for the day when Kraków faces its greatest danger. When that time comes, they will awaken and rise to defend the city.

Some believe that the knights are the spirits of ancient warriors, while others think they are enchanted knights who have been placed in a deep slumber. The legend serves as a reminder that the city of Kraków is protected by a mystical force.

The Legend of the Magic Ring

• Summary: A magic ring granted its wearer the ability to understand the language of animals.

According to the legend, a poor cobbler discovered a magical ring while walking along the Vistula River. This ring granted him the power to understand the language of animals. With this newfound ability, the cobbler learned many secrets and helped both humans and animals in need.

However, one day, the cobbler lost the ring while crossing a bridge. Despite his desperate search, he could not find it again. It is said that the ring is still hidden somewhere in Kraków, waiting to be discovered by someone worthy.

Conclusion

These local myths and legends add an extra layer of enchantment to the already magical city of Kraków. Whether you believe in their authenticity or simply enjoy the stories, they offer a glimpse into the rich folklore and history of this remarkable city. As you explore Kraków, keep an eye out for the places and landmarks associated with these tales, and let your imagination wander through the streets steeped in legend.

References

– petitpalace.co.uk
– krakow.pl