Dragon of Wawel

The Wawel Dragon, or Smok Wawelski, is a legendary creature from Polish folklore associated with the Wawel Hill in Kraków. According to legend, the dragon terrorized the city until a clever miller’s son tricked it with a smoldering sheep, causing the beast to drink a river and swell itself to death. The story symbolizes the city’s resilience and has become an iconic symbol of Kraków’s cultural heritage, inspiring statues and local festivities. The legend blends myth and history, reflecting Kraków’s rich storytelling tradition and its connection to the historic Wawel Castle and Hill.