What is smok wawelski?

The Smok Wawelski, also known as the Wawel Dragon, is a famous mythical creature from Polish folklore. It is said to have lived in a cave beneath Wawel Hill in Krakow, Poland. According to legend, the dragon terrorized the city, eating livestock and scaring the locals.

In the most well-known version of the story, a shoemaker named Skuba defeats the dragon by feeding it a sheep filled with sulfur. The dragon becomes extremely thirsty and drinks from the nearby Vistula River, causing it to explode.

The Wawel Dragon is a popular symbol in Polish culture and is often depicted in art, literature, and folklore. A statue of the dragon can be found at the foot of Wawel Hill in Krakow, breathing fire every few minutes for the delight of tourists. The legend of the Smok Wawelski has been passed down through generations and remains a beloved part of Polish heritage.