First Rulers

As has been previously illustrated, important moments in Polish history have always inspired folk legends. Tradition tells us that Mieszko, son of Ziemomysl, was born blind. This was a great hardship for his parents to bear, especially for his father who counted on his son to succeed him as ruler. Unable to see, Mieszko devoted all of his time to listening to the music of the bards who sang of the exploits, adventures, and victories of his ancestors. These songs caused him to fall deeply in love with his people and the land, but his father Ziemomysl was not impressed with the rising nationalism in his son for the stigma of his blindness was always there.

Although his son was afflicted, Ziemomysl had to prepare a presentation banquet according to the tradition of his people. At this dinner the adolescent became a man. His long hair was symbolically cut and the young man had his first taste of mead, a honey-liquor common among the early Poles. The banquet was held in a grandiose manner; there was food, music, dancing, and praise and gifts from Ziemomysi’s subjects to his son. During the celebration, Mieszko sat among his guests listening attentively to the music. At the same time, his father who was somewhat dejected, managed to hide a broken heart with a pleasant demeanor toward all of his guests.

At about mid-point during the festivities, Mieszko stood up and walked from his place at the table to the edge of the dancing area. Suddenly, his once sad, blue eyes moved excitedly across the room and his head guided them to the face of each and every guest. His entire countenance seemed new and exploding with energy. His eyes sparkled and with a soft voice he proclaimed the miracle: "I can see.

The entire room was immediately filled with awe. In response to the child’s announcement a young woman ran to his mother with the news. She, in turn, rushed to her son and, sensing that he could see, held him close to her bosom. Mieszko was then guided to his father who, disbelieving at first, asked his wife not to play games with his innermost feelings. But Mieszko darted to his father with arms outstretched and his movements clearly indicated that his sight had been restored. Amazed and happier than ever before, Ziemomysl received his son, held him up to the crowd, and loudly shouted, "My son can see!" For the remainder of the evening, the guests and the ruling family celebrated.

The following day, Ziemomysl and his wife went to see the old wise men of the city. They were sure that the miracle that had happened spoke of some future event which only the wise men could fully explain. The eldest sage interpreted the marvelous event by saying that Mieszko’s blindness reflected a blindness in the entire nation, but that under the guidance of Mieszko there would come a day when all of Poland would see the light of God.

By the time Mieszko I became the ruler of Poland – 960-992 A.D. – the country already existed in the minds of historians, leaders, and travellers as a powerful and expanding nation. Mieszko I was regarded as an impressive figure who had withstood incursions by foreigners and would, at all costs, keep his borders secure. His concern with the position of the newly-born Poland caused him to weigh carefully every political and diplomatic move; and thus the first Christian ruler engaged in one of the most important events of the history of his country.

Realizing that his German neighbors had previously used the excuse of "Christianizing" to subjugate bordering pagan nationalities, Mieszko I had to decide how to bring the faith to Poland without endangering the developing culture. Would he allow the Germans to enter into Poland to conduct the teaching and conversion of his people or would he find another method by which Latin Rite Christianity would come to his domain without possible Germanization?

Early History | Beginnings of Christianity | Early Leadership | First Rulers | The Latin Rite | A New Dynasty | The Queen of Poland

The End of the Monarchy | The Partition | Cultural Leaders | Poland Now