The Maidens' War I Lore Books

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About how the Maidens’ War began.

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The Maidens’ War
and how it all began

Upon the death of Princess Libusse, the maidens who had enjoyed her accompaniment found that they were no longer held in the great esteem they had once enjoyed. They recalled how their princess had ruled over the male part of their tribe and when the menfolk said unto them, “Hark! You have ruled over us, we have bowed before you, and now you seem as sheep that have gone astray”, their anger rose greatly. And the anger of the women and maidens having caught fire, the females of the tribe took up spears and swords and waged war against the men under the command of Vlasta, Libusse’s attendant of highest standing. On her command they built the castle at Děvín and then dispersed throughout the land to call into service all women to wage war against their husbands and brothers.

Yet hardly a soul took them seriously, and it was with great mirth that the men did observe these girls taking up arms and learning to saddle horses. However, Premysl, the wise ruler that he was, did not find merriment in these actions and warned his men to broker a peace. His warnings were not heeded, however, and they set out to Děvín in great merriment. But alas! The women did not flee! With Vlasta in the lead, they charged out of the gate, chainmail on their bodies, helmets on their heads, and spears aimed to kill. “If we allow ourselves to be vanquished,” called out Vlasta, “it will be then that the men shall laugh at us. We shall become their servants and slaves! For it is better to die than to give up! Strike at the men, at each and every one, be he brother or father.” And the furies then did set upon them, until three hundred men lay dead in their own blood and the rest had fled.

When news of this victory had spread throughout the land, other women did not falter and came straight forth to Děvín. And hence the men were greatly aggrieved at home, for they were alone. And they were aggrieved on the battlefield as well, for the women gave them no quarter, sparing neither brother nor father…