Polish king wins again in medieval battle reenactment

King of Poland Władysław Jagiełło, played again this year by Jacek Szymański (a graphic designer in his civilian life) reprised the seminal Polish-Lithuanian victory over the Teutonic Order.

Although the reenactors were chiefly from Poland, Lithuania and Germany, knights from Finland, Norway, Scotland, Croatia and New Zealand also took part this year.

“It's a beautiful thing,” Polish knight Dawid Zombik told the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

Prior to the battle, the Polish knights sang the medieval anthem 'Bogurodzica' ('Mother of God), as they did 605 years ago.

“Every time I sing 'Bogurodzica' here I have tears in my eyes,” Zombik said.

Photo: PAP/Tomasz Waszczuk

Accounts are not entirely clear on the weather conditions in July 1410, but this weekend, the knights, sporting heavy armour, often had to cope with baking temperatures, which made the sword-hacking doubly difficult. A storm likewise provided added drama.

Besides the main reenactment, spectators were also able to savour concerts, tournaments and historical lectures. (nh)