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My first article in History Corner is about patron of Czech state, I have wrote article before some days, but because possible unwanted associations I have published it now, after elections.

Wenceslaus was Bohemian duke and is considered as patron of Czech state. He was raised by his grandmother Ludmila, who gave him christian belief. Ludmila was symbol of solidarity, love and motherhood. She was leading figure in comparision with her husband Borivoj, who was first bohemian duke who converted but rather depicted as simple modest man. She was killed by her daughter Drahomira. There are more versions why.

In legends Wenceslaus acted differently in comparision with common dukes in Dark Ages. He was pacifist, in night he was making wine for his men (he is also patron of vineculture) and was well-educated. In this time there were two strong factions near Czech lands – Saxons and Bavarians. Some pesimist publicists point out that he was paying tribute to Germans (sending them cattle) and that it shows inferiority of Czech state to Germans and weakness of Wenceslaus´s personality. But according majority of historians that’s error of bias. Paying tribute wasn’t necessary something as vassalage, Rome surely didn’t pay tribute to Skythians because inferiority as well as Byzantine Greeks to Turks. He only didn’t want be attacked. He was killed by men of his brother Boleslaus (Boleslav) in Stara Boleslav. Wenceslaus didnt defend. Of course Boleslaus in legends is described as evil, but he was quite succesfull duke. Historians see it as dynastic dispute. According another it was only mistake. Wencelaus became symbol also for next Czech kings, especialy Premyslid ones. (The paradox is that Wenceslaus hadnt heir, so all other Premyslid kings are from Boleslaus´s lineage😁.

After death of Wencelaus he was canonized and there started legends about his powers. Another Czech Premyslid duke Sobeslav defeated German king Lothar III. in the battle of Chlumec (1126) where was overwelming superiority of German army, according legend thanks Wenceslaus´s spear. According another legend under hill Blaník sleep knights who, on Wenceslaus command, will wake and defend land when will be there darkest danger and they will defeat all enemies.
His servant Podevin according legend revenged his masters death even it costed his life. Hes more symbol of Czech people. In popular English Christmas Carol besides Wenceslaus servant figures there too. Its probably he.

Wenceslaus started be depicted on horse and as warrior. Most known statue is that mounted one in Wenceslaus Square in Prague (on picture). Czech people flock together there in best and worst times.

Wenceslaus and his grandmother Ludmila are ones of few people who are celebrated by both Catholics and Protestants. Hussites who were againist glorification of all saints also liked him. Even during protectorate (39-45) his cult was tried used by Nazists.