Geowonderland is a land of places introduced through folktales and legends. Folktales, where history is remembered, traditions are passed on, wisdom is conveyed and even humor introduced. Tales, where imagination of kids takes them to the world, where good wins over evil, wickedness gets punished and a good-hearted character receives a well-deserved reward. Legends, where a place, person or a fact brings a bit of history.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Richard the Lion Heart Legend
Many
foreign rulers have visited Dubrovnik, Croatia, over the years. One such
visitor was Richard I of England, or as he was known Richard the Lion Heart.
According
to legend he visited Dubrovnik in 1192 on his return from the Third Crusade War
in Palestine. His ship became caught in a terrible storm in the Adriatic Sea
and he desperately sought shelter. Afraid for his life he pledged that if he
survived the storm he would build a church where he first touched land. After a
bitter struggle his ship finally found shelter in a bay on the island of Lokrum
and not forgetting he vowed to build a church on that very spot. The citizens
of Dubrovnik soon heard about the Kings arrival and sent representatives to
meet and invite him into the city. Whilst in the City he continued to honour his
pledge and set about constructing a church on Lokrum. 100,000 gold coins were
to be spent on this lavish project. However, the Dubrovnik City Council
convinced him that a church in the city would be a much better idea, whilst
they would organize building a church on the island. King Richard gladly
accepted this proposal and legend says that he even asked the Pope for
permission.
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