The legend of the WawelDragon

Some centuries ago a horrible fire-breathing dragon lived in a cave at the foot of the Wawel Hill. It was a monster that ravaged the nearby meadows by eating grazing cattle.

Even the bravest knights and daredevils stood no chance with the mighty dragon.

Before the brave and courageous knight had even a chance to draw they swords the fire from the beast's mouth burned them, so one after another the best fell to the ground.

The ruling king sent out his herolds to announce that whoever slays the dragon would be rewarded by marrying his daughter, and will become the king after his death.

The plenty of daredevils came encouraged by such a generous offer, but they too vapourized. The king was in despair, and his daughter wrung her hands as she knew that no one will slay the dragon and she will remain not married.

The dragon-ravaged country became poorer and poorer.

Then, a shoemaker named Krak decided to fight the beast by using a unique strategy.

He stuffed a fat ram with sulphur and placed it at the cave's entrance. The dragon, being hungry as well as stupid, swallowed the treacherous gift in one mouthful.

Its throat burned with live fire so it ran to the nearby Vistula River, and started gulping down so much water it exploded with a great bang, thus setting the town and the surrounding countryside free from its presence.

The shoemaker married the king's daughter, and when the king died he succeeded to the throne. The town he rescued took its name

from him, and bears it up to this day with great honour - the old

capital of Poland, Cracow.

Slideshow created by:Dominik Bzdęga