Swans fly past as the sun rises over the Vistula River in Topolno, northern Poland
Photograph: Tytus Żmijewski/EPA
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Long ago in the city of Krakow, there was a terrifying creature known as the Wawel Dragon. This dragon would live in a cave on Wawel Hill and terrorize the local villagers. Its fiery breath would destroy crops, its enormous wings would create strong winds, and its mighty roar would send fear into the hearts of all who heard it.
The people of Krakow were desperate for a solution to rid themselves of the dragon's menace. They offered a reward to anyone who could defeat the creature and bring peace to their city. Many brave knights tried and failed, losing their lives in the process.
One day, a clever young cobbler named Krakus came up with a plan to defeat the dragon. He filled a lamb's skin with sulfur and set it outside the dragon's cave. The dragon, enticed by the smell of the lamb, devoured it whole. The sulfur inside caused the dragon to become incredibly thirsty.
As the dragon rushed down to the Vistula River to drink, Krakus was waiting for it. He had prepared a sheepskin filled with tar and sulfur and thrown it into the dragon's path. The dragon, unable to quench its thirst, drank from the river and its belly swelled, causing it to become even more sluggish.
Seizing the opportunity, Krakus approached the dragon and thrust a spear into its belly, killing it instantly. The people of Krakow rejoiced, grateful to Krakus for his bravery and cunning. Krakus became a hero and was later named the first ruler of Krakow.
To this day, the story of the Wawel Dragon is celebrated in Krakow. A statue of the dragon stands near the entrance to its cave on Wawel Hill, and the dragon's breath is reenacted with fire periodically, delighting visitors and reminding them of the legend that has been passed down through generations.
The tale of the Wawel Dragon is a beloved part of Polish folklore, highlighting the triumph of courage and wit over adversity. It is a reminder that even the most fearsome of creatures can be overcome with determination and resourcefulness.
While the story of the Wawel Dragon is a popular folklore tale in Poland, it is important to note that folklore often draws inspiration from real-life events or elements of local history. However, it's challenging to pinpoint a specific real-life inspiration for the Wawel Dragon story.
In some interpretations, the Wawel Dragon has been associated with historical events such as volcanic activity or natural disasters that could have led to stories of a destructive creature. Others suggest that the dragon may have symbolized the pagan beliefs and customs that clashed with the spread of Christianity in Poland.
It is also worth mentioning that dragons are a common motif in folklore and mythology worldwide, often representing powerful and mythical creatures that personify various aspects of nature, including chaos, destruction, and rebirth.
While the exact origins and inspirations for the Wawel Dragon story may remain uncertain, it continues to be a cherished part of Polish culture and a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping collective imagination and identity.
If there is anything you'd like to learn please let me know
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By ConfidentialUn
Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the city dates back to the 7th century.📸: @beatach1911
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Kazimierz on the Vistula (river Poland), 1961 - by Benedykt Jerzy Dorys (1901 - 1990), Polish
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10.04.2023
I went to my favourite place. It is so quiet because nearest road is far away. Only skies, birds, river, goats, horses, grass.... I had stomachache all the time but in general it made me feel better. I was better when I got home.
I think I just need to cry it all out. Sometimes I feel quite all right but then this wave of emotion and tears surface suddenly and chokes me. Maybe if I let it all out it will gradually cease... i just want to feel at peace and with my heart healed.
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Wisła in October 🌊
Gdybyś ujrzeć chciał nadwiślański świt
Już dziś wyruszaj ze mną tam
Zobaczysz jak przywita pięknie nas
Warszawski dzień
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Medieval Toy Unearthed in Poland
A 800-year-old horse figurine was found during an excavation conducted as part of the construction of a new fire station in Toruń, a medieval town on the Vistula River in north-central Poland. The small clay horse was glazed and has a hole in its underside. Researchers think a stick may have fit into the hole so that playing children could pretend to make the horse gallop or use it as a puppet.
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