On Libusse and Premysl Lore Books

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How princess Libusse found a husband and thus began the Premyslid Dynasty.

Text

On Libusse and Premysl

Krok, ruler of the Bohemian tribes, had been blessed with three daughters. Kazi, Teta, and Libusse. Kazi possessed vast knowledge of all matter of flora and herbs and was wise in the arts of healing, Teta above all others worshipped the gods and goddesses and made unto them all manner of sacrifices, and the last daughter enjoyed great favour and respect, for wisdom and reason did serve her well, and having been endowed with the power of soothsaying, oft did look into the future and make prophesies. When old Krok died, it was she who sat upon the throne and ruled wisely, for she could resolve conflict with her esteemed reasoning and bring peace to all aggrieved parties.

It was a time of abundance and equality between all; however, her rule went against the will of many men, for as is told “long of hair and short of reason, and shame be upon men who are ruled by a woman.” Libusse, suffering great pangs of sorrow, convened a great congress to which she did invite her sisters and the elder rulers from throughout the land. And she did say unto them, “You do not appreciate freedom and for you it is a great shame for a woman to rule over you. Thus, I shall give unto you a Voivode—a man—upon condition that you listen to my words and heed my advice.”

The joyous rulers from throughout the land did swear to heed her words, and she did order them to place saddle upon her steed and allow him to go whither he may roam. At this place shall they lay eyes upon their new Voivode, a ploughman, who shall be driving a team of oxen. And it did happen as she had foreseen, and the horse did truly lead them to the ploughman, who bore the name of Premysl. They said unto him, “Princess Libusse and all of the people of the great Czech hereby do entreat you to come with us and accept the rule that fate has bestowed upon you and your descendants.”

And in reply to the messengers Premysl did say, “It is regrettable that you have come this very morning. For if I could finish ploughing this one field, bread would be had in great abundance for all time. But alas, you have disturbed me in my task and this land shall oft know great hunger.” And then he said unto them, “I shall repeat the words that Libusse has said unto you. As you did not desire to heed a girl’s advice, now it shall be my lineage that rules over you with an iron rod.” Thereafter, he travelled with them to Libusse, whose fair hand he took in marriage, and for many years ruled wisely and well. After him his sons ruled in his stead, and thus was established the great and esteemed Premyslid Dynasty.