St. Stanislau and his myth – Krakow, Wavel Cathedral
Fact of the Polish figure „Polish national myths – Gniezno Cathedral”
Part of the „The story of the beginning” topic
Saint Stanislaus of Szczepanów is recognised as one of the main patrons of Poland. Moreover, he was the first Pole to be canonized (1253). His legend is connected with the political situation of 11th -century Poland. As a bishop of Cracow, Stanislaus joined the opposition to King Bolesław II the Bold and officially supported his brother, Władysław Herman, in his efforts to come to power. He even excommunicated Bolesław and was accused of treason in 1079. According to the legend, Stanislaus was killed by King Bolesław during the mass. His body was hacked apart by the King’s knights, but it miraculously reintegrated what was recognised as the promise of the unification of Poland. This is not the only legend associated with the figure of Stanislaus. According to another story, Stanislaus resurrected Piotr to appeal to the king for him during a land dispute.
