The Polish legend of Prince Emeryk

and Saint Deer

(by Izabela Bandziarowska)

A long time ago when Bolesław

Chrobry was the King of Poland this

legend begins. The Hungarian Prince

Emeryk was invited to Kielce by

Polish King. According to the custom

before the journey the Prince

Emeryk got the blessing from his

father. He also got from his father

the relics of Saint Cross. They had to

protect the rince against the danger.

The journey was long. Emeryk

finally got to Bolesław

Chrobry’s manor.

Polish King organized hunting for Hungarian

Prince. During the hunting Emeryk wanted

to go to the top of the mountains. He went

there alone. He was looking for animals but

nothing came.

Suddenly he saw a deer. It was huge and

beautiful. Emeryk liked it and decided

immediately to hunt for it. The deer was caught in

bushes and Emeryk came closer to it. He couldn’t

stop looking at it. When he decided to kill it the

deer turned over its head. Emeryk saw a lightning

cross in deer’s head. It was so strong that Emeryk

had to close his eyes. And then suddenly the deer

disappeared . Emeryk realized that he was alone

in the forest. It was getting darker and darker.

Emeryk was so tired that he

decided to sit under a tree.

Suddenly he saw an angel. The

angel showed Emeryk the way. “ I

will show you the way to the

people who will help you and give

you food and drink but you have

to give them the most precious

thing you have” said the angel.

Emeryk agreed.

They came to the wooden

monastery. The angel

disappeared. The monks took

care of Emeryk. They gave

him food and drink.

Emeryk gave them a gift. It was the

golden cross from his father. Boleslaw

Chrobry built a church with a

monastery and called this place Saint

Cross. Even today people come there

to see Saint Cross.