Story #2
How did the story start about Duke Krok and his three daughters? Duke Czech lived to the grand old age of eighty-six. People respected the law and regulations throughout his almost thirty-year rule in the new homeland. People did not even need to lock their doors at night as crime was minimal. After Czech’s death, strikes and quarrels began, with people arguing about property and land. As the disagreements escalated, the council of elders met at the Czech grave to find a solution. The council decided to find a new leader as soon as possible. Everyone was looking for piece again and wanted calm. They first consulted with Czech’s brother Lech, who recommended the leader of the powerful Krok Family as a suitable administrator and judge.
River Mze and village Zbecno
Duke Krok becoming the leader of Czech land
Krok’s castle stood over the River Mze near the village of Zbecno. People in the area respected the castle’s master in high esteem and appreciated his advice. Krok was unanimously chosen to be the new leader. The ceremonial hanging of power into his hands and the people’s promise that they would be devoted to him took place at Czech’s grave. After his elections, Krok moved to Budec. At his new residence, he brought together the best sage and wizards. Fortune tellers and those using the hidden power of nature enjoyed universal appreciation and respect during Krok’s period of government. Krok opened a new school in Budec where students focused their time mainly on worshipping gods, prophecies, and spells.
Was Krok a fortune teller?
Krok himself could tell fortunes. The rumor was that Duke Krok could speak with the gods and ask for advice when making important decisions. One mystical summer night, when there were bonfires on the tops of the surrounding hills and the singing of young people reverberated around, Krok retired to one of the castle chambers and ordered that no one disturb him for three days. He wanted to make sacrifices to the gods in peace and to concentrate on what they wanted to tell him about the future. He made notes about all essential information on a piece of birch bark and placed it in a secret place in case his daughters needed it. After three days, he summoned the elders of the clan and told them one of the important insights from the gods:
“my faithful people, the gods have foretold the destruction of our home. Soon, we must leave Budec and seek a new refuge from our enemies.”
The assembly agreed with Krok’s decision to send a group of scouts to find a suitable place to build a new castle:
“Tomorrow before dawn, head to the Vltava River to start looking. The gods will guide you and show you the right place.”
The messengers followed the command of their leader, and after a long journey, they stopped on a rock rising from the right bank of the Vltava River. They gazed down at the mighty river flowing between the deep forests. Looking at lush meadows and dense forests on the opposite bank. All the messengers liked this area. They hurried back to Budec and announced the happy message to Krok and the patriarchs. All of them went back to look at the new place, and Krok confirmed:
“This is the chosen place the gods revealed to me.”
They immediately chose high banks to build their new fortress and started building the new castle. People from the widespread tribes built majestic building with spacious halls for people to gather in and private chambers for Krok. They paved courtyards where people met to listen to their leader’s advice. Deep moats and ramparts surrounded the building. People brought drinking water from the Jezerka well, which they found in a nearby grove. The castle was named Vysehrad after its position on high rock. Duke Kok wisely ruled over the territory of the Czech tribes.
Krok led with a peaceful government, and the country did very well – building new villages, plowing more fields, and enjoying plentiful harvests. Vysehard gradually became a sacred place for the Czech nation and gained fame in neighboring countries. Duke Krok grew older, and his strength faded until he left quietly to be with his ancestors one day. The people honored him as a great leader. His remains are buried in a place of honor close to Czech’s grave. His three daughters, Kazi, Teta, and Libuse, most mourned him. The sisters spent their early childhood in Bubec and learned how to tell fortunes. They knew how to perform magic.
Kazi, Teta, and Libuse
Kazi
The oldest daughter, Kazi, often stayed at the castle built near the Osek Mountain near River Mze. This castle was named after her – Kazi Castle. (Kazin) Kazi liked herbs and spices and was able to use them to treat various illnesses. She could also cast out illness; even witches would change their ways thanks to her specs. She could bring life back to someone, even in hopeless cases.
Teta
Krok’s second daughter, Teta, built a strong fortress on a rock over River Mze. People often saw her climbing up Mountain Pohled at sunset. She liked to perform sacrificial ceremonies there and prayed to gods. Teta shared her knowledge in the proper way and with the appropriate humility.
Libuse
People liked all sisters, but they favored the youngest. Libuse was not only beautiful and wise, but she also knew how to behave—she was confident, amusing, kind, and able to listen to others. She inherited from her father the ability to foresee a future.
After Krok’s death, a large gathering occurred in the sacred grove near Jezerka. Everyone agreed unanimously that the government would remain in Krok’s family, in the hands of his youngest daughter, Libuse. A ceremonial procession accompanied the new princess to Vysehrad. Her sisters stood by her side while walking towards Vysehrad Castel. Libuse moved from her castle, Libusin, near Zbecno, to Vysehrad.
Wikipedia – more details about Duke Krok.
More Czech History Tales
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 followed the previous post but moved to Old Town Square and other 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!
© FROMCZECHTOUSA. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. Please link back to the original post.
