Polish Legends, Folklore, Myths and Stories

Poland like every other nation has its own traditions, and an integral part of these traditions are countless myths and legends. These stories constitute an important aspect of national heritage. These legends initially oral, then written stories have been handed down from generation to generation. Many of these legends have been around for a thousand years or more.

These legends, myths and stories recount the meaning behind Poland's national symbol and flag, about several of its early rulers and first king, and the dragon of Krakow. Many of the legends take place in actual places that one could visit today.

Boleslaw and his Knights - the myth surrounding the Polish King Arthur

Dragon of Cracow - the legend of the Krakow dragon

Janosik - the legend of the Polish Robin Hood

Lady of Dzialdowo Castle - the Polish lady and her Prussian violin playing lover.

Obra Monster - a swan-eating water monster.

Polish Eagle - the story about why Poland has an eagle as its symbol and why the first Polish capital was Gniezno

Rusalka - a Polish female tree and water spirit

Trumpeter of Krakow - the legend of the trumpeter of Cracow

Wanda - the story of a Polish woman who chose to drown herself rather than marry a German!