The Cracow Wanda a Thracian Bendis (a contribution to the study of Thracian influences on spiritual culture of Polish territories)

Abstract

The article analyzes the genesis of the legend of Wanda, which is important for research on the sources of Slavic mythology and its connections with ancient cultures. The aim of the study is to reinterpret this figure as a transformed form of the Thracian moon goddess Bendis. The author applies a comparative analysis of mythology, folklore, and archaeological data. The most important results indicate numerous analogies between the legend of Wanda and Thracian motifs, including connections with water, virginity, and sacrifice. The author also points to linguistic similarities and to the presence of Thracian influences in the Polish lands, as confirmed by archaeological finds. On this basis, he reconstructs a hypothetical myth of a moon goddess rejecting the sun god. The legend of Wanda has pre-Christian, mythological roots connected with the Thracian tradition and was later transformed into a historical narrative.