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

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Saint Stanislaus of Szczepanów is recognized as one of the principal patrons of Poland. Moreover, he was the first Pole to be canonized (1253). His legend is connected to​​ the political situation of 11th-century Poland. As the bishop of Cracow, Stanislaus joined the opposition to King Bolesław II the Bold and officially supported his brother, Władysław Herman, in his efforts to gain power. He even excommunicated Bolesław and was accused of treason in 1079. According to legend, Stanislaus was killed by King Bolesław during Mass. His body was hacked apart by the King’s knights, but it miraculously reintegrated, which was recognized as the promise of the unification of Poland. This is not the only legend associated with Stanislaus. According to another story, Stanislaus resurrected Piotr to appeal to the king on his behalf during a land dispute.