The myths and legends of Prague

The myths and legends of Prague
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The magical Prague is shrouded in countless myths and legends from its thousand years of history.

Legends linked to the ancient seat of Czech princes, Vysehrad have been told for many centuries. There are several legends of Prague which are the most famous.

  • The brave horse and bet between a saint and the devil. It was here that the execution of Horymír, who burned several settlements to get his revenge on the king and who was responsible for the taking of many human lives, was supposed to have taken place. However, the cunning Horymír’s last wish was to ride his faithful horse Šemík. The horse didn’t hesitate and with one huge leap, jumped over the high ramparts of Vysehrad and thus saved his master.
  • The myths and legends of PragueThe legend about Faust. Faust made a pact with the devil. In exchange for all the knowledge and pleasure of the world for a period of 24 years, Faust sold his soul to the devil. When the time was up, the devil took Faust straight through the roof. To this very day, legend has it that the hole in the roof in Faust’s house in the New Town was visible for years after. Nowadays you can see alchemical symbols on the walls and frescoes depicting for example the mythical phoenix and the solar system.
  • Sacrificial altar. The sacrificial altar used to stand in the romantic Petrin Park. Pagan priests burned beautiful young virgins here in sacrifice to the pagan gods. During the reign of Prince Boleslav, the altar was destroyed and the Church of St. Lawrence, which still stands today, built today. A legend tells that to this very day the pagan gods appear here in the form of mysterious fires. These fires allegedly have magical power and are even able to cure rheumatism.
  • Treasure. The legend says that the key to the treasure is hidden in the picture of the Death of St. Xaveria in the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in the Lesser Quarter.

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