Good King Wenceslas: LIFE & THE CAROL
St. Wenceslas I., Duke of the Czech lands
Wenceslas was born to the royal Premysl dynasty of Bohemia (current part of the Czech Republic). The dynasty united the warring tribes of Bohemia into one duchy. The first known Premysl ruler was Wenceslas's grandfather, Duke Borivoy I, who made Prague Castle the family seat. He married a Slav princess named Ludmila, and both eventually became Christians. When Borivoy died he was succeeded by his sons, Ratislav and Spythinev. Ratislav was Wenceslas's father.
Wenceslas was born around 907 in the castle of Stochov near Prague. At first Wenceslas was raised by his grandmother, Ludmila. Then, when he was about 13 years old, his father died. Wenceslas succeeded him as duke. But because he was too young to rule, his mother, Drahomira, became regent. Drahomira was opposed to Christianity and used her new power to persecute followers of the religion. She refused to let Wenceslas see Ludmila because she was afraid they would scheme to overthrow her. Not long after Ratislav's death, Ludmila was murdered at Tetin Castle - strangled, it is said, at Drahomira's command. After her death Ludmila was revered as a saint.
But the loss of his grandmother did not stop Wenceslas from seizing power. At the age of 18 he overthrew his mother's regency, just as she had feared, and began to rule for himself. A stern but fair monarch, he stopped the persecution of priests and tamed the rebellious nobility. He was known for his kindness to the poor. Many of the Bohemian nobles resented Wenceslas's attempts to spread Christianity, and were displeased when he swore allegiance to the king of Germany, Henry I.
The duke's most deadly enemy proved to be his own brother, Boleslav, who joined the nobles who were plotting his brother's assassination. He invited Wenceslas in 935 AD to a religious festival and then attacked him on his way to mass. As the two were struggling, Boleslav's supporters jumped in and murdered Wenceslas. Wenceslas became Bohemia's most famous martyr and patron saint.
Legends about St. Wenceslas
Knights of Blanik
There are Knights in the Blanik hill who are waiting for their moment to help the Czech nation and establish peace and order in bad times. In those times, St. Wenceslas will appear at the Charles Bridge in Prague in the company of the Knights. Wenceslas's horse will dig out the magical sword hidden in one of pillars. With this sword, St. Wenceslas will cut off the enemies's heads and there will be peace forever.
The statue of St. Wenceslas on Wenceslas Square in Prague
There is a similar legend in Prague, which says that when the Motherland is in danger or in its darkest times and close to ruin, the statue of King Wenceslaus in Wenceslas Square will come to life and raise the army sleeping in Blanik.
Historical landmarks reminding St. Wenceslas
Wenceslas statue at Charles Bridge in Prague
Wenceslas Square in Prague, named after Saint Wenceslas.
Statue of St. Wenceslas by the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc
St. Vitus Cathedral founded by Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia
Good King Wenceslas - story of the carol
One of the best loved Christmas Carols is Good King Wenceslas. Although originally spring tune from Sweden, first published in the 16th century and sung with Latin text translated as Spring has unwrapped her flowers, John Mason Neale chose Wenceslas as the subject for a children's song to exemplify generosity. It quickly became a Christmas favorite.
Play the carol Good King Wenceslas, see the sheet music and for lyrics, see below.
Who was King Wenceslas?
Wenceslas was the Duke of Bohemia and murdered in 935 AD by his wicked younger brother, Boleslav. As the song indicates, he was a good, honest, and strongly principled man. He became the Patron Saint of the Czech Republic and his Saint's day is September 28th. His picture appeared on Bohemian coins, and the Crown of Wenceslas became the symbol of Czech independence.
Fame of Good King Wenceslas carol
The carol is famous even in the east India.
In 1983, The Beatles performed several brief renditions of the carol, in a variety of arrangements. At one point, John Lennon sang a humorous set of lyrics, mentioning several Hollywood stars. This recording was later included on The Beatles' Christmas Album.
In Christopher Moore's novel "The stupidest Angel", one zombie keeps asking for the lyrics to "Good King Wenceslas".
Good King Wenceslas lyrics
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel
"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."
"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather
"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."
In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing