In times gone by, Slavic tribes settled in the fertile plains below the peaks of the Tatra Mountains. They lived harmoniously together for many years, as their language, customs, and way of life were closely related. However, after a while, these times of abundance ended. Families had multiplied, and as time passed, they realized that the shared space had become too tight for comfort. They began squabbling over fields and pastures and were unsure about their land. The skirmishes turned into fights: people started to fear that warriors from other tribes would invade the borders of their territory, plunder their homes, and ravage their crops. Two brothers from a prominent family, Duke Czech and Duke Lech, wanted their people to be less burdened. They decided to leave their volatile territory and look for a country where they could live in peace. The Dukes called their people together and announced their decision. Eventually, they said farewell to their homes but did not waver as they prepared for the long journey into the unknown. The journey was arduous, and the children wept, but the people did not lose hope for a better and safer place to live.
Founding Mountain Rip and Czech Land
They headed west, crossed the Odra River, and climbed up into the high hills and mountains. It was a very difficult journey—climbing steep hills, working their way through swamps, hacking through bushes, and struggling through thick grasslands. After some time, the exhausted pilgrims crossed the great river Elbe and reached the next stream. After conquering the Vltava River, they had all reached the end of their rope. They were exhausted, could not continue any longer, and it was about to be dark. Voices from all sides called for stopping here to rest.
Finally, Duke Czech stopped his horse, pointed at a mountain that rose before them in the middle of a vast plain, and called out in a loud voice:
“We will go to that mountain and rest at the foot of it.”
The people confidently settled to sleep; meanwhile, their leader wondered what the next step should be. He had many questions: ” Where should we go?” “Where should we seek home?” “Which direction is the best way?” Czech, who sat aloe by dying fire, was looking for answers to his questions. Before dawn, he decided to climb to the top of the mountain.
He didn’t have to climb for long as it was not a high mountain. Czech reached the top just as the first rays of the sun began to shine. He breathed, stretched his neck, and looked at the surrounding land. It was breathtaking. Beneath him was a wide plain bordered by a mountain ridge in the distance. In front of him, lush meadows and sun rays glistening on the rivers and streams. He smiled as he saw the wildlife in the clarions and heard the birds twittering. He could not see any signs of human settlement anywhere. Czech’s eyes glowed. He took a deep breath, and in his mind, it was clear:
“We have found our home. We and generations to come are going to live here. This is the land we have been seeking for so long.”
He hurried down so he could share his joy with others. People rejoiced with him, full of hope and happiness, as they accepted this land as their new home. The people started to explore the surroundings immediately and found that the land was indeed fertile, the waters full of fish, and the forests and meadows inhabited by wildlife and birds. Czech invited his brother Lech, the other dukes, and everyone to climb with him to the top of the mountain and look at the landscape.
Czech turned to the people with these words:
“Our suffering is over: we found the land we sought. We will stay here and settle down. This is the promised land, full of wildlife and birds, abounding honey. The land will provide us with everything we need to live and protect us from our enemies in bad times. But what shall we give to our new land?”
“Dear Duke, we will give it your name—Czech lands,” one of the loyal leaders, a man with a long white beard, suggested, and the others enthusiastically agreed with him.
Duke Czech was moved, knelt, and gratefully kissed the new land. Then he raised his arm, pointing into the distance and declaring:
“Welcome, land promised to us. May we all live here in good health, without harm and peace, and may our lineage grow. “
Years went by, and people multiplied. People rejoiced in the birth of new children and welcomed other families from their native homeland, attracted by the news of the good life in the Czech lands. Space was getting short, so people went further north, south, east, and west and established new settlements. They also built towers to defend their borders and to shelter all people in case of attack by enemy troops.
Czech’s younger brother, Duke Lech, felt his large family was squashed in this place and decided to search for a new home in the East. Czech and the other leaders were very sorry to hear Lech’s decision and asked him not to go too far. If they lived near each other, they could help each other if enemy troops arrived. Lech was moved and told his diet friends:
“My brother, I will never forget that we are family. I will not go too far to avoid losing touch with you. I will give you a sign so you may know where we settle. From now on, on the third day, look from Mount Rip for fire and smoke, which will show you where my family and I make our new home.”
And it happened just as he said. On the third day, Czech and his. There was a huge fire and thick smoke in the east, so Czech knew where to look for his brother. They named the place where companions saw a, and Lech’s family set to work building a large castle there.
And this is how Czech land was born.
more about Grandfather Czech: Wikipedia
Bivoy – the Hunter – Story #3
Easy day trips in the Czech Republic & Prague
Are you planning a trip to the Czech Republic? Are you a bit overwhelmed about what place to visit and see? I know there is so much to see, and not just in Prague! The whole country is full of beautiful Gems. Here are some of my blog posts to help you plan some day trips.
- Romantic day trip to Prague – On this Day Trip, I follow the previous post but move to the Old Town Square and areas around.
- The perfect day trip – Prague – A step-by-step plan, where you can see as much as possible on the side of the river where Prague Castle is. A beautiful day full of nice walks and views.
- Lovely day trip – Kutna Hora – Kutna Hora is a favorite place for tourists to visit. You should put it on your bucket list.
- The Petrin Lookout Tower – Prague – Have you been to Paris? Can you believe Prague has a little sister of Eifel’s Tower?
- Celiac? Traveling to the Czech Republic? Here are helpful tips on letting people know you are Gluten-Free and where to eat and shop.
- Dancing house – Ginger & Fred – If you like unusual places or not boring square or rectangular buildings, you should carve a time to see them while visiting Prague.
and there you have it…. Enjoy the city and the whole country!!!!
Until next time…!
DOBROU CHUT!
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