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Libuse, Mural in Czech Wilber Museum
Princess Libuse was said to be the wisest woman in Czech history and the legendary founder of Prague. She ruled Bohemia in the eighth century. Daughter of the mythical ruler Krok, youngest of three sisters, she was chosen by her father as his successor.
There were no regular courts, but people came to Libuse to settle their arguments. And although she proved herself a wise chieftain, the men were unhappy that their ruler was a woman.
She said, “You are right! I am a woman and I rule like a woman, not with a rod of iron, but with compassion which you take for weakness. You want a stricter ruler and your demand shall be fulfilled. You did not appreciate the freedom I gave you, you want a man who will take your children away to serve him, who will take the best of your cattle and horses for taxes according to his whims.”
She went into a prophetic trance and told them to go to the village of Stadice to find a plowman named Premysl, and bring him back to become ruler and her husband. This was the beginning of the Premyslid dynasty, the princes and kings who ruled in Czech lands until the murder of Wenceslaus III in 1306.
Many works of art have been based on the story including Bedrich Smetana's famous opera “Libuse.” Recently, a Czech film was made, titled “The Pagan Queen.” It was released on October 15, 2009 in the Czech Republic. It will be released in 2010 in several European countries, but there is no release date set for the United States.
In Nebraska, THE ORDER OF THE LADIES OF LIBUSE continues to this day. It is an organization to “recognize women who like Libuse envision the heritage of the Czech people and have rendered aid and assistance to that heritage.”
11"H x 14"W
Price:$200.00
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