When I travel to different places, I love to hear the legends and stories that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Perhaps they are not true, but the mystery behind them is just as interesting to me as the history of the country. Prague is full of legends and perhaps it is due in fact that the country was first settled by Celts. Celtic history is interesting in and of itself, as they were really nomadic. After the Celts were either chased out, or absorbed into the next movement of people in the area, Czech, Lech and Rus came into the picture. These 3 brothers set out on a journey, and Czech settled in this area. The generations reproduced and through time 3 dynamic women came into the picture. Kazi, Teta and Libuse were beautiful (of course) and had very special powers. Kazi was a healer using plants and herbs, Teta was a high priestess, and Libuse had the power to see into the future.

The legend goes on to say that Libuse, who inherited rule over the Czech tribes from her father Krok, needed to get married. Due to her status, she was the highest court of appeals when there were problems amongst tribe members. It seems that some of the fellows of the tribe were not happy with her "judgements" and started some of their own legends, which were really negative and disgusting. Libuse decided to fix this problem and with her powers, she sent out some of her subjects to find a man working or ploughing in a field. Her subjects did just this, found the man, and brought him back to Vysehrad Castle and Libuse married him. That ended the nagging within the tribes that they were ruled over by a woman.

One day, not long after she got married, Libuse had another vision and she foretold that on all of the seven hills of Prague a wonderful city would grow and become very famous and known. My tour guide said she sent out another group of subjects and they found some people building the frame of a door. The frame of the door was where the name of Praha (Prague) came from. The city flourished from henceforth. Who really knows what is based upon truth or fiction. The fact remains that in all of the history of this wonderful country, there were strong, interesting and dynamic women at the core of every story.

There are other legends about women who were in power (or running things behind the scenes) in this area. Even stories of men who sent their siblings out to battle, and took power when they were killed. That seems a bit devious and suspicious if you ask me! Crazy sons who beleived in having fun and learning alchemy. Forged alliances and marriages to gain property and lands. All kinds of interesting things to learn and read about. Prague has lots of ghostly and supernatural legends and stories as well. I will leave that to another posting.

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt