Jonathan Brandis
Prince Wenceslas
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Good King Wenceslas" (Roud number 24754) is a Christmas carol that tells a story of a Bohemian king (modern-day Czech Republic) who goes on a journey, braving harsh winter weather, to give alms to a poor peasant on the Feast of Stephen (December 26, the Second Day of Christmas).
Learn the lyrics and history of the traditional Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas, written by John Mason Neale in 1853. The carol is based on a 13th century tune and tells the story of a king who shares his food and fire with a poor man.
Even though most people know his name from the famous Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas remains a rather unknown historical figure. But, while this Bohemian king, who reigned in the 10th century, became a symbol of benevolence and Christian virtue, his true story is far more complex and intriguing.
Dec 20, 2022 · Learn about the real history and legend of St Wenceslas, the Duke of Bohemia who was assassinated by his brother and became a saint. Discover the origin and meaning of the popular Christmas carol 'Good King Wenceslas' and its lyrics.
- 3 min
Dec 8, 2022 · Who was Good King Wenceslas, and was he actually good? To those who only know Wenceslas from the popular Christmas carol, he is a kind-hearted king helping the poor. To the people of the Czech Republic, he is their patron saint and a national hero. Jonny Wilkes reveals the true, and tragic, history of Wenceslas I.
Read the full text of the poem that inspired the popular Christmas carol Good King Wenceslas. It tells the story of a king who shows mercy to a poor man in the snow and invites him to share his feast.
