Martyr’s Rose - Imaginary Arms of St. Adalbert in Polish and Czech Tradition

Abstract

An ideal of nation and freedom, characteristic of the 19th century, constituted the grounds for the patriotic image of St. Adalbert. In the circumstances of the loss of national independence, the first patron saint of the motherland managed to thrive as a potent symbol of independent Poland. An analysis of selected texts of patriotic and religious propaganda revealed its background. It is the language of myth that transforms the historic person of Wojciech (Adalbert) Slawnikowicz into a model hero, who makes a comeback to the glorious and commendable beginnings in the history of the nation possible in order to restore the religious and independent Poland.

Keywords

• Martyr’s Rose
• St. Adalbert
• imaginary arms
• Poland
• Czech