Commended -- Senior Section
St Mary's College
You could open any history book titled “World History”, a book claiming it contains bits of all history, but no matter which book you open you never hear the name of a world leader with a heart of gold. In the heart of medieval Poland, where the Vistula River meandered through emerald fields and dense forests, King Jadwiga ruled with wisdom and grace. Her kingdom flourished under her reign, but her heart carried the weight of unfulfilled dreams and burdens of peace. Jadwiga was not a king by choice, but no male heir could fill her role. She was crowned as a child, and the weight of the crown never seemed to diminish.
In the centre of the grand ballroom, beneath a canopy of twinkling chandeliers, a figure moved with an ethereal grace. This figure was not just a commoner but a king, her slender form clad in a flowing gown of soft daffodil-coloured silk that shimmered with every turn. The gown hugged her torso and flared out at the waist, swirling around her like a gentle cloud with each step, she clasped a small, intricately designed amulet, a family heirloom and a symbol of her reign.
The amulet, made of polished silver and inlaid with a deep green emerald, was known as the Heart of Unity, a simple, yet exquisitely crafted silver locket. This locket, etched with the symbol of the white Polish eagle, had been passed down through generations, a talisman of hope and strength. Jadwiga's father, Louis I of Hungary had given it to her on his deathbed, with a solemn message: "In unity, we find our destiny."
Her dark, long hair, adorned with tiny, sparkling jewels, cascaded down her back. Her eyes, bright with joy and concentration, reflected the golden glow of the candlelight. As the orchestra played a lilting waltz, she glided across the polished floor, her movements fluid and seamless, as if she were floating on air.
With every rise and fall, her feet barely seemed to touch the ground. She spun and twirled with perfect balance, her arms extending gracefully to follow the rhythm of the music. Her face was a picture of serene focus, a soft smile playing on her lips as she lost herself in the dance. It was so serene almost like a fairytale every girl dreamt of living, but how long would that last?
One day, as the kingdom prepared for the winter, news of unrest reached Jadwiga. A neighbouring duchy, which was once peaceful was suffering from a cruel tyrant's rise. Knowing the cost of war, Jadwiga decided to seek a diplomatic solution.
Jadwiga summoned her closest advisors and allies to discuss the looming threat from the Teutonic Knights and their cruel tyrant, who sought to conquer and subjugate Poland. The air in the council chamber was thick with tension as they gathered around a large wooden table, a map of Poland spread before them.
"Good people of my court," Jadwiga began, her voice clear and resolute, "the Teutonic Knights grow bolder by the day. We must unite our forces and strengthen our alliances. Remember, in unity, we find our destiny."
Among the advisors was Kazimierz, a brilliant strategist whose loyalty to Jadwiga was unwavering. He stepped forward, his keen eyes scanning the room. "Your Majesty, we must rally the noble families and the common folk alike. Only together can we stand against this threat."
Jadwiga nodded and handed the Heart of Unity to Kazimierz. "This amulet symbolizes our bond and shared purpose. Take it with you as you travel across our land. Let it be a reminder of our commitment to each other and our homeland."
Kazimierz accepted the amulet with reverence, feeling the weight of its significance. He set out immediately, travelling from village to village, town to town, rallying support for their cause. Everywhere he went, he repeated the king’s words, showing the Heart of Unity as a tangible emblem of their collective strength.
In the town of Poznań, Kazimierz met with Stanisław, a prince known for his skill and courage. Kazimierz presented the amulet and shared Jadwiga's message. "King Jadwiga asks for your support, Stanisław. In unity, we find our destiny."
Stanisław moved by the plea and the sight of the amulet, vowed to rally the townspeople. He took the Heart of Unity and, with Kazimierz’s guidance, organized a militia, ready to defend their land. Before he left, Kazimierz reminded Stanislaw of the importance of the amulet and their shared destiny. Stanisław promised to share the message and create an army of nations to defeat the powerful threat. Stanisław went across the land spreading the message and creating allies who shared a fear of the Teutonic knights.
As Kazimierz continued his journey, the amulet passed through countless hands, and each person who held it felt a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to their country. From the merchants of Gdańsk to the miners of Silesia, the message spread like wildfire. The Heart of Unity became a beacon of hope and solidarity.
Meanwhile, back in Kraków, Jadwiga was forging alliances with neighbouring countries, her namesake and ally, who pledged troops and resources for the impending conflict.
One evening, as the council reconvened, Kazimierz returned to Wawel Castle, to tell the news of the peoples ever growing support of the king.
Jadwiga knelt before him despite her title. "You have done well; Kazimierz our people’s unity will be our strength. In unity, we find our destiny." The time for battle arrived. The Teutonic Knights, armoured and imposing, marched towards Poland with an air of invincibility. But they were met with an unprecedented force, a united Poland, its people ready to defend their home.
On the eve of the battle, Jadwiga stood before her assembled troops, the Heart of Unity hanging around her neck. She raised her sword high, its blade catching the light of the setting sun. "We fight not just for our land, but for each other. Remember, in unity, we find our destiny!" Stanisław stood to her left and Kazimierz to her right, as promised by both, the word spread, in this battle Poland did not stand alone but with the allies the amulet had called.
The clash was fierce and brutal. The Teutonic Knights were relentless, but the unity of the Polish forces proved stronger. Farmers, blacksmiths, nobles, and soldiers fought side by side, their hearts and minds focused on a common goal.
In the thick of battle, Jadwiga rode at the forefront, her presence a source of inspiration. The Heart of Unity glowed with an ethereal light, a symbol of the collective will and determination of the Polish people. The Teutonic Knights, though formidable, could not break the spirit of a united Poland.
By dawn, the tide had turned. The Polish forces, driven by their unity and the leadership of their king, emerged victorious. The Teutonic Knights retreated, their advance halted by the strength of a united nation. As the dust settled, Jadwiga stood among her people, the Heart of Unity gleaming brightly. She addressed her weary but triumphant forces. "Today, we have shown that in unity, we find our destiny. Let this victory be a testament to our strength and our bond."
The people cheered, their voices echoing across the battlefield. The Heart of Unity, once a simple family heirloom, had become a powerful symbol of Poland’s resilience and unity. And so, under the wise and steadfast rule of King Jadwiga, Poland entered a new era of peace and prosperity.
Wouldn’t you say that would be a story worth hearing? Well, this isn’t how the tale of her life went. If Jadwiga were a book it would be titled The Burden of the Crown. Jadwiga was crowned so young and yet she died so young still loving her kingdom, and her daughter in her last moments. She lost the people she loved; she was forced to marry someone more than 20 years older than her. But she did it all to unite Poland and Lithuania for hundreds of years. She may not be the first or even the hundredth world leader you think of when asked to think of a world leader. But her rule truly showed that the quote “in unity we find our destiny” is not just a sentence but a truth. W jedności, odnajdujemy nasze przeznaczenie (In unity we find our destiny).
