Mythologization of Slavic Culture in the Works of Polish Activist In Cieszyn Silesia, Paweł Stalmach (1824–1891)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze and interpret Cieszymir and Księgi Rodu Słowiańskiego, texts by Paweł Stalmach (1824–1891), a Polish national activist in Cieszyn Silesia. Using gathered data, traditions, and legends, Stalmach presents a mythologized culture and religion of the Slavs, as well as the history of Cieszyn and Cieszyn Silesia. The reflection also concerns the role that Cieszymir and Księgi Rodu Słowiańskiego in the author’s socio-political activities. The analysis was conducted based on the narrative concepts of Hayden White and Frank Ankersmit, as well as the mechanisms of mythologization defined by Jerzy Topolski (universalization, mystification, deification or glorification, stereotyping, and prophesying). The picture of the past presented by Stalmach contains almost all mechanisms of mythologization. Cieszymir and Księgi Rodu Słowiańskiego present an extremely positive image of the Slavs. The texts were part of Stalmach’s socio-political activities aimed at creating a local Polish community in Cieszyn Silesia.