She had such a good dad. He obviously was ahead of his time and loved his daughters very much; instead of wanting a grandson, or looking for a nephew to make king he appointed his daughters as his heirs and made his people swear loyalty to them.
Blue Tulip I don’t think he did all of that because he loved his daughters and was so ahead of his times. He, himself wasn’t a rightful king of Poland, king that would inherit a throne after his father, he gained it because the last king (from Piast dynasty, the dynasty that ruled Poland from the beginning of its existence) died without a proper descendant. He have put a lot of effort into bribing Nobel families, forcing them to be loyal to him (although he was a king of a different country, and not even polish) and becoming a king of Poland while being a king of Hungary, at the same time. After all this effort he didn’t want the history to repeat and loose the kingdom because of lack of a male descendant. He just wanted to be sure that Poland will remain under his dynasty.
Victoria well King Louis the Great wasn’t technically Hungarian as well. He was from the House of Capet-Anjou (male line descended from Louis VIII of France)
Greta...that notion is beyond gross! They were lucky their mother was aware of their status, not as some women in the same class have been (in history).
Usually when an adult married a child, or two children were married no one expected the marriage to be consummated until they became older. I dunno about how "old" they'd think 12 was though. 😬
themaximum97 Do you really believe that Jadwiga had any power? The polish noblemen were ruling for her, then Jogaila came to Cracow with his army, so the polish nobels had no other way but to offer Jadwiga and the crown to him. Don’t forget, Lithuania was a major power back then. Jogaila agreed on accepting Christianity and uniting two countries, but Lithuanian dukes didn’t like that unity, and Jogala’s cousin Vytautas raised to power, and became the grand duke of Lithuania.
Private video channel Streamings They literally just said “these stories are intriguing” and you came here all like “do-you-really-believe-she-had-any-power-haha-idiot-guess-what-you’re-wrong-kill-yourself” Like jesus, I hope you got off in that 🙄
@Rafael Acosta that's a common practice with many popular/idolized monarchs, yet people never go into the comments of videos about male kings and comment stuff like this. it's almost like there's a double standard...
I'm from Poland. I am proud of our female king. I think if she lived longer, she would make for Poland a lot. She is one of my favourite female monarchs.
Actually Jadwiga just before her death told her husband Jogaila to marry Anna of Cilli, because she wanted him to stay in Poland... which is really beautiful and sad :( And Jogaila all his life were a ring Jadwiga gave him at their wedding and he said that "This is the most precious thing he had". So their marriage was happy.
Jogaila was a Lithuanian nobleman. I remember learning about this in school and being amazed about Jadvyga (that's how her name is spelled in Lithuania)
I'm Polish and when I was a little girl my dad used to tell me Jadwiga's story (and other Polish history facts) before going to sleep and I remember it seemed to me so charming. I was impressed by a girl being so wise and dedicated to faith, people and the development of the academic knowledge. I was always thinking I would like to be like our Girl King. Before finally electing Jadwiga as the king of Poland, there were held a few other elections and one of them took place in my hometown, an important Polish city at that time. Jadwiga's mother tongue was Hungarian but she learnt Polish very fast, she knew Latin of course and, if I remember correctly, a few other languages. Oh, and thank you for a great video :)
Well its common for poland to get leaders from Hungary and Austria cause they, the nobles, fought too much between themselves for the position. Families always backstabbed unlike the others who were influenced by Volksmirs a hundred or two years relief who were sick of family in fighting thus made the rule of family dont fight family but it depends on the situation and intentions of the others, self defense has priority. Sigh Volkmirs had to face the Volkas line from italy and the females and inlaws that wanted top position besides the ones from the Muslim princess. It is just crappy, I should know since I'm from the male line descended from them.😓 No, they didnt die off as papers say, faked deaths and moved across the pond as so many did.
At the time of her death Jadwiga spoke Hungarian, Latin, French, Polish, German and Lithuanian. Very impressive when you consider that she died at 25/26.
Jadwiga started Poland's road to empire. She was probably 6f tall and for sure was extremly inteligent. She was 13 and in words of one of her advisors: "had wisdom of an old man."
As a Polish person, I think the words "Polish empire" can be used only in a certain, informal context. Sure, considering the power (which we often overrate but that's a different subject..) and multicultural nature we can call it an empire - just as we say "Ottoman empire" even though the sultans never claimed the title of an emperor. But it's worth remembering that the only thing that allows us to officially call something an empire is the imperial title; take Russia for example - it was already huge in the XVI century, but it was simply a "tsarate" until 1721.
@@herbiethekat3637 So your grand mother's name is Kasia Wiśniewska? Female surnames don't end the same as male names. For example, Lewandowski is a male surname, and Lewandowska is a female surname. But there are often times where the male surnames are the same as the female surnames (ex. Gikiewicz)
Fun facts. Every firstborn daughter of Jagiellon dynasty were named after King Jadwiga, including Jagiełło's first and only surviving daughter Jadwiga Jagiellon. First horoscope on Polish land was made for her daughter, Elizabeth Bonifacia. Jagiełło had three wifes after Jadwiga's death, but neither of them could replace her in his heart. She was buried with wooden crowning jewels.
Some additional information. ;) We know that she was very tall, educated and mature. That's why she never had a regent even tho she was crowned as king at the age of 10/11. Two years later she married Jogaila, grand duke of Lithuania. We know from chronicles and other surviving documents that she was very beautiful, tall and very mature for her age. She was also an excellent diplomat and always achieved her goal in negotiations. She was also able to lead troops into a battle when it was necessary because she was the one who conquered most of the Ruthenia when she was only 13. Even her enemies like Teutonic Knights admired her beauty, wisdom and admitted that she was a worthy opponent. Also her marriage to Jogaila was probably the most important marriage in history of Europe. It wasn't just one royalty marrying another royalty but it was one ruller marrying another ruller - Jadwiga (king of Poland) married Jogaila (grand duke of Lithuania). Thanks to this marriage Poland and Lithuania were in union (Polish-Lithuanian union) from 1386, then in 1569 they truly became one country (known as Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth). For some time it was the biggest coutry in Europe, there was even a period when they had access to 3 seas. Then in 1795, as a result of the partitions, they disappeared from the maps for over 100 years. Officially they separeted in 1918 when after WW1 they came back as saparate countries (which was a schock to many) under Russian influence. Then WW2 happened and they disappeared again, they regained their full freedom from Russia only little over 30 years ago. So you can really say that history of Poland and Lithuania has been connected since their wedding, till recenty.
A very good and well research video! Just two minor remarks: 1) Lithuania was a Grand Duchy, not a kingdom. Jogaila was a duke, not a king before becoming a (co-)king of Poland. 2) The main reason the Teutonic Order was so against was not that they like the Habsburg boy so much but rather their own interest. If the last heathen country in the region was to be Christianized by the Poles peacefully, their presence in the Baltic region would become obsolete. They already falsified some documents to give themselves stronger legal hold on these territories (it was initially a lease from a lesser Polish duke, Konrad II of Masovia) and they needed an excuse to stay there, i.e. heathens. The conflict will only be solved in 1525. Also, Jadwiga was also related to the late Polish kings of the Piast dynasty. Her grandmother Elisabeth was a sister of the last Polish King Casimir the Great and a daughter of the Casimir's father, Ladislaus the Elbow-high. That made Jadwiga a great-granddaughter of Ladislaus too.
berlineczka Even though the title was different, on their letters and treaties grand dukes of Lithuania used to sign as “Rex”, which defines their status similar to king.
The future of Teutonic Order was pretty much sealed in 1410 at the Battle of Grunwald, where joint forces of Poland and Lithuania under the command of King Jagiello massacred them into smithereens, killing their head-honcho Ulrich Von Jungingen and imprisoning the rest of German nobles for ransom. Too bad Jagiello did not follow-up with overtaking their main fortress in Malbork, possibly under pressure from the Pope, and did not kick them out of Prusia once for all. That would have spared Poland a lot of grief later on in the history, preventing German aggression and claims to Prusia.
Well, her father & sister were monarchs of Hungary as well, so... I actually find it ironic the same exact situation played out w/ both sisters in both kingdoms; Louis I ruled Hungary & Poland; Hungary went to the elder daughter Mary & Poland (eventually) went to the younger daughter Hedwig (called Jadwiga in Polish). Mary was married to Sigismund, younger son of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor. Sigismund (like Mary queen of Scots) was sent to Hungary & became more Hungarian than the Hungarians; spoke Hungarian, wore a Hungarian beard, etc. Then Mary died while falling off a horse, & miscarrying. The Hungarian nobles, not knowing who to elect as their king, chose Sigismund, the in-law. Hungary later passed to his heirs by his 2nd wife; Mary's step-children. Jadwiga was married to Jogaila (Wladyslaw II), & when she died, Wladyslaw was elected to continue his rule. It was Wladyslaw's children by his 4th wife (Jadwiga's step-children) who inherited the Polish throne as well. Hilariously, Sigismund (who made the Hungarian marriage) was actually a descendant of Casimir III of Poland, thus giving him a purportedly better 'blood claim' than his sister-in-law. It didn't matter since the Polish throne was elective, but still.
@@jeandehuit5385 I mean before Jadwiga was crowned as king many grandsons and great-grandsons of Casimir the Great and Vladislaus I Elbow-high divided their rights to the throne, having connections with the Piasts. Like for example: - Vladislaus II of Opole, duke of Opole (great-grandson of ladislaus I Elbow-high), - Siemowit IV the Younger, duke of Masovia (further kinship with the Piasts), Sigismund of Luxembourg, future king of Hungary, Croatia, Germany, Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor (grandson of Casimir the Great). Even Jadwiga was a great-granddaughter of ladislaus I Elbow-high and second wife of Jogaila was also granddaughter of Casimir the Great.
Ive read that she gave Jogaila a ring for a present, and he never took it off, till his death. Also its said by current studies that Jogaila could have been actually 10 years younger when marrying Jadwiga. And there was no intercourse between Jadwiga and Wilhelm. That were cruel gossips created by this awful bastard, spreading how slutty she was. It was a huge gossip in Europe then. Teutons used these plots for having an argument to attack Polish and Lithuanian lands, saying they were sinners and pagans. Also because of the gossip Jadwiga's and Jogaila's relationship was a bit toxic.
@@bifa5414 Yes, the rumor was spread by William who told the pope and other noblemen that Jadwiga is a slut and he "had her" before Jagaila touched her, which is really disgusting. Then the same rumor told a knight called "Gniewosz of Dalewice", which caused the spouses to quarrel. Jagiello was really good, buy jealous man, which is understanding because Jadwiga was known as the most beautiful woman of her time. But Jadwiga won at court. Twelve knights were ready to defend her honor, and Gniewoz had to tell his lies back and according to the chronicles of Jan Długosz, the marriage was reconciled and from then on lived harmoniously. Rumors about their alleged toxic relationship are caused by William, the Teutonic Knights and the queen's long sterility, although her mother also had problems with getting pregnant. When it finally worked out after years of living, we know how it ended.
That's a marvelous surprise! I always love to see Polish history (and history of this part of Europe in general) getting attention. If I might recommend other Polish queens to research, I think that Bona Sforza and Anna Jagiellon might be particularly interesting. BTW props for the very nice pronunciation of 'Jadwiga'.
Nice to read it (I am Polish). Bona Sforza is definitely interesting and misunderstood character. Today we can call in the black PR. As for Anne, she was in a shadow for most of a time. Once given her place on a stage (and married) the first husband run away from her, what a humiliation! But I agree Anne makes also a great character to explain unique Polish system of king election
Please continue with the history of now Poland, Ukraine, Czechoslovakia, Lithuania, Bosnian, Greece and all the other countries in Eastern Europe and their female leaders. I am really enjoying learning about that area of the world. I have not been exposed to their history (as I probably exposed given the names of Countries/kingdoms as I probably did in my inclusion/exclusion of proper names of those countries/kingdoms). Thank you for all the thorough research, preparation and production of these videos. I enjoy them so much.
Hi!! I'm Polish. I just wanted to say that I'm really thankful you decided to make a video about Jadwiga. For some time I felt like a lot of non - polish people have not really talked Polish culture and history, which can be very interesting. I lived in the USA for a year and not many people even knew what Poland is. So it's nice to see that some content creators take time to talk about us ☺. Thank you so much!
I remembered something about the name of Jadwiga's daughter; in a letter dated May 5, 1399, Pope Boniface IX had agreed to be godfather under the condition that the child was called Boniface or Bonifacia depending on gender. It's the reason why Jadwiga's daughter was given the name Bonifacia. In 1949, 550 years after Jadwiga and her daughter died, their tomb in Wawel Cathedral was opened (I still don't know how it survived Poland's turbulent history after they died, particularly the Second World War), and they discovered that nothing was left of the child's cartilage.
If I'm not mistaken, they also discovered she was buried without traditional royal jewels and insignia because she had donated everything she owned. And also they confirmed back then she was a redhead
Kraków stayed same as it was in IIww because they surrender the city, and there was no bombing. Nazis took most of historical buildings as their houses, do they didn't destroyed them. Thru rest od history it was same. Local people knew how important old city was, so they prefer to stay in peace. It wasn't noble, but it worked.
What a truly remarkable woman. Showing strength, dignity, mercy, and intelligence in the face of such turmoil and violence even at such a young age. A true role model for all women.
Imagine being married at 5 or 8 and when you start having crushes on people around you but you’re not allowed to advance because you’re already married
Oh, there's another female king of Poland: Anna Jagiellon, a co-ruler with her husband Stephen Bathory. Such an interesting story. Damn, Poles were quite progressive in the past.
The Poles weren't as progressive as you make them out to be. They routinely passed over daughters even when their kingly fathers had no sons. Jadwiga's granduncle, King Casimir III had several daughters, but their claims were ignored in favor of Jadwiga's father. The only reason why Jadwiga was allowed to inherit was because there were no male claimants who had any close ties with the royal family. Even when females were allowed to inherit, like Jadwiga and Anna, they were compelled to govern with their husbands who were elected co-monarchs. In the case of Anna, she was initially passed over for the throne when her brother Sigismund died, in favor of a French prince. It was only after King Henry deserted Poland, that the Poles elected Anna to be their"king" as co-monarch with Stefan Bathory. By contrasts, Jadwiga's contemporary fame monarch, Queen Joanna I of Naples, and Anna's contemporary female monarchs, Bloody Mary Tudor of England, Mary Stuart of Scotland, Elizabeth I of England, and Jeanne III of Navarre, were all allowed to rule alone, even when they married.
@@lanvin1982 Yes itis very progressive because the Brits have a constitutional monarchy in which an elected parliament and prime minister do the ruling and are accountable to the people. That is much more progressive than having a queen who rules by herself. By the way, Britain had two female prime ministers while Elizabeth II was queen.
@@johnlewis3891 1 Poland had three female prime ministers. 2 Poland was the first in Europe and the second in the world to have a constitution. 3 The origins of modern Polish democracy date back to XVI century. Royal elections in Poland was the election of individual kings based on achievements and skills , rather than of dynasties, to the Polish throne.
I’m so happy you talked about some polish history, cause I don’t really see people doing that and it’s sad .So I’m so happy that you decided to talk about Jadwiga 😭💕
She is one of my favorite monarchs and the fact that I have been taught about her like 3 times (our education system is messed up) didn't change how much I enjoyed the video :D
This was my favorite video of the Queens of Europe. I cannot imagine being betrothed as a toddler and provisionally married at the age of 5! (To an 8 year old husband). I love how kind and charitable she was and dedicated to the poor. But she was also quite wise and strategic for such a young woman. Tragic to lose her so young.
Btw i have seen a a letters between Jodvyga and the duke of Lithuania. She rote the letters so respectfully. Adressing him as ,,my king'' and ''my dear king husband,, she was SMART FOR A TEEN. And i'm thankfull that Poland was a part of Lithuanians history. It might didin't do too well at the end but we had trully nice union🥰
Finally someone said that ♥ Jadwiga was an educated, young woman. Union of Krevo was literally a "marriage". It wasn`t perfect "marriage", but it was good. It`s a shame people can`t see that. Polish-Lithuanian past was beautiful. And Lithuanian history is beautiful. We love Lithuania. We should be like brothers and sisters
Hearing monarch tales like this breaks my heart for the children who are forced to mature immediately or be handed to someone old for treaty. They may have all the luxury but they will be forever chained to their country.
She married him being twelve,but this doesn't mean they went to bed soon after that. It was more like making a deal soon enough to ensure the stability of the region and kingdoms. At that time also they waited until the girl comes of certain age to become a mother (as a qeen- she was under care of her older family). Also, being born as a queen,her life was nothing like of the others
A 11 was considered an adult at the time. The concept of childhood was developed in the middle of 19th century, as a response to the social problems with underage prostitutes and epidemic of syphilis. In the Middle Ages the child was a child until maybe 3, but the moment they were weaned and potty-trained, they were expected to work and learn whatever their status required.
Unfortunately Jadwiga doesn't get much attention outside the books. SHAME! Because she's such an interesting character. She really deserves some big budget movie or show just about her. I know that there was a movie "Habit i zbroja" about history of the Teutonic Order where she's played by two different actresses. And there is a show called "Korona królów" (in English it would be "The Crown of the Kings") which focuses of different medieval kings of Poland. First two seasons are focused around Kazimierz III Wielki (who was her grand uncle - if I can call that this way). Third season focuses on Jadwiga and later Władysław. While fourth season is set to premiere in 2022 and will focuse on Władysław Jagiełło after Jadwiga's death. Oh, and she's played by three different actresses on that series (to show age difference). And if you heard about game "Civilization VI" Jadwiga was one of the rullers there.
I wouldn't say that they tried to dethrone her. They just wanted force her mother to send Jadwiga to Poland. They were afraid of having ruller in different country because they were afraid that she will choose the good of another country over Poland.
Literally nobody wanted to dethrone her... Polish noble never wanted to dethrone her on contrary - their elected her (polish kings even when there was a dynasty were always elected). They only wanted their king to be in Poland, as she was a polish king. Jogaila certainly never wanted to dethrone her, he loved and respected her. Not even Wilhelm wanted to dethrone her as he wanted to use her position to become a polish king himself... There was not a single person that wanted to dethrone her... well maybe teutonic knights as she strongly opposed them
A lovely video - and I wouldn't be opposed if you were to create one for the second female king of Poland, Anna Jagiellonka. While Jadwiga is well known in her role as a monarch, Anna is rarely mentioned as ever being anything else but a burden to the court and her family, very unjustly so, because she too was a king, and not a bad one at that.
Yeah, I heard that too. It was because she heard rumors that Jagiełło as a pagan is wild and looks more like a bear. So she send her advisor who was supposed to secretly check it but Jagiełło found out, invited him for a meeting, threw off his clothes and asked if he's a good fit. Apparently he was quite well built.
@@bifa5414 Yes, that`s true. Jogaila was a smart man lol . Jogaila actually invited the knight called "Zawisza the Red" to baths hihihiihi Zawisza was told not to accept any gift from Jogaila to be objective and he wrote about Jogaila these notes: "Duke Jagiełło is medium height, slim posture, had a well-rounded and handsome physique, cheerful eyes, a drawn face, by no means ugly, serious manners and dignity appropriate". Well, I think a grown-up, mature man (in some books only 12 years older than Jadwiga) Jagiello maybe wasn`t such a bad option for her than 15 years old kid William ;)
@@ericbonofacio4695 In Polish period drama called Korona Królów (The Crown of the Kings) is a funny scene with naked Jagiello and Jadwiga`s knight LOL ruclips.net/video/MQhWOkmA5rE/видео.html You can also see this funny video with ENG subtitles :D
I like how you covered someone different and not extensively covered like Henry VIII and his wives. As much as I like learning about that, I’d also like to learn about royalty in different countries. My grandfather was 100% Polish.
In Polish, the word "królowa" (queen) comes from the words "king - 's (- female thing/person (wife in this case))" (król - ow - a). We could't call our ruler like that.
@@mikoajbaczynski3733 what the hell are you talking about? It's just not true. the fact that Jadwiga was a "król" (king) instead of "królowa" (queen) is the first thing you learn about her in school. In Polish it's just like in English królowa (queen) is a king's wife and król (king) is a ruler, it's not just about gender it's about their duties and amount of power hold. Jadwiga was a king, and in Polish she is also referred as a king, because that's what her position was.
@@kk-cr4db If so, then why weren't other female rulers called kings? Yes, it wasn't the only reason why she has been crowned as a king, but i am sure that it also played a role.
@@mikoajbaczynski3733 king was a title in Poland at that time, just like president and prime minister have different duties, king and queen also. Jadwiga wasn't the only female king, you can read about the others in the article "The Rise of Female Kings in Europe, 1300-1800". Jadwiga was actually a king but later became a queen - when she married Jagiełło and he became the king. In today's times probably all of the female monarchs we call queens, but at that time a "queen" couldn't rule a country, it was a King's duty
@@kk-cr4db No. Jadwiga was a king up until her death, and according to my "deep and extensive" "reaserch" on Wikipedia the only other female kings were: king Mary of Hungary, king Christina of Sweden and king Anne of Poland. All the other female rulers were called queens (or empresses etc.).
Thank you for the video ;) If you'd ever like to get back to Polish queens - Bona Sforza - married to a Polish king is definitely an interesting character
Jadwiga at 11: Goes on a treacherous journey from Buda, Hungary, to Krakow, Poland in order to claim the polish crown before the nobles elect one themselves, or a powerful figurehead seizes the throne themselves Me at 11: i think i’ll get a hamster.
I'm so glad to see this video I'm getting cabin fever staying in all the time lol I've been binge watching all your other videos thank you for a great boredom killer
Thank you for sharing this information! Jadwiga doesn’t receive any real attention in ‘documentary land’. Jadwiga was clearly an amazing ruler and individual. It’s unfortunate she isn’t receiving any attention, she clearly deserves to.
I'm aso happy to see someone chronicling my heritage and allowing people to see Poland as more than just a place that Hitler invaded or "when you don't know if your European or Slavic built at least you're Catholic."
Ah yes, heard this story many times when younger besides the knight who went down to save the princess/emperoriess of Rome with Volkmir and ah Lady Godiva family history stories.
We had a transvestites as a rulers. Henry the First from Valois dynasty escaped Poland after three years of being kind in female outfit. Same for Russian governor Great Duke Konstanty, brother of Russian Zar Alexander, who escaped Polish uprising weared dress and wig.
@@maciejszymanski2386 Most people dont check your identity and look foe ya if ya are dressed as the opposite sex. It was a safety despiration measure when ya life and family is at stake. The stupid and too trusting ones go as themselves, and usually end up being caught and killed. So I'm not thinking they were really into that stuff as much as despiration genius moments.
Her feast day is on 02-28 its on my birthday!! I can't believe the most historical independent Jadwiga feast day is on my birthday. She's really inspiring throughout her life. I feel so proud that 02-28 isn't just a normal day. 👸🏻🙋🏻
People don't realize how important was Jadwiga's and Jogaila's marriage. I would say that it truly the most important marriage in history of Europe. Poland and Lithuania were united under one crown for over 400 years (for some time it was the biggest coutry in Europe, there was even a period when they had access to 3 seas). First they were in union from 1386 (Union of Krewo) when Jadwiga (female king of Poland) married Jogaila (grand duke of Lithuania), after them the coutries always had one ruler. Then from 1569 (Union of Lublin) they truly became one country known as Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Then in 1795, as a result of the partitions, they disappeared from the maps for over 100 years. Officially they separeted in 1918 when they came back as saparate countries. They have been restored only after WW1 but they were under Russian influence, then WW2 happened and their disappeared again, they regained their full freedom from Russia only little over 30 years ago.
I'm Polish and I love Jadwiga she's my idol and she's the most important woman in Poland. For Polish people : they can watch Korona Królów on TVP VOD for free since the episode 299 when Jadwiga knows that she will marry Jagiełło. It's not exactly the same because in this TV show Jadwiga loves Jagiełło and he loves her but in reality they waren't very boned because she was a learn and he didn't even known how to write in Lithium. So maybe in English history they are bonded but in Reality they waren't really bonded so that's sad. But i love Korona Królów with Dagmara Bryzek as Jadwiga of Poland and Vasylko Vasylyk as Władysław Jagiełło. But you are right after a few years they got a little more bonded and they were really happy that Jadwiga was pregnant.
I’m Polish and I love to learn of her because usually polish get a bad rap..polish woman are gorgeous and strong and that’s fact..also Hedwig I just watched that movie the other night..entertaining and strange af
There's another story: Jadwiga and her fiance/husband were attacked by highwaymen just outside the walls of Kraków and after 14-year-old Wilhelm just left her and fled for safety, 11-year-old Jadwiga picked up an axe and defended herself single-handedly. After the incident, while still not super keen on marrying Jagiełło, she didn't mind her marriage to Wilhelm being dissolved either. It's not as far-fetched as you might think since many sources mention her strong build and physical strength and in central Europe, it was not unusual for noble-born women to go through similar combat training as men did, at least until a certain age.
I’ve never heard of her before but I found this super interesting! Thank you for sharing her fascinating story! This channel is like the history class I always wish I had.
Alexa B.C. There is a TV series in Poland called The Crown of the Kings. It's about the medieval monarchs of Poland. First two seasons are awful, but the third one is surprisingly good (there still is a lot of stuff that could've been done better, but overall it's quite nice). The third season is also the one where Jadwiga appears (although the actress is a few years older than Jadwiga was, due to it being too problematic to make her early teen on tv).
@@tikitakati6124 no, only in polish tv Station and tvp vod, but maybe you find in internet? I know others countries(Hungary, Japanne and Belarus) They have the right to broadcast the show. In YT are fan video about this series c;
Jadwiga is not a QUEEN, SHE IS A RIGHTFUL AND TRUE KING of Poland. She was having a true power as monarch in her hands, also she coronate as true monarch, not as king wife.
@Kasia You do know he fought a war to capture it, as it was held by the Czechs? You do know he only gave it away in return for claims to Mazovia and lands of Teutonic Order (and support against the latter) and it had nothing to do with Ruthenia (and Ruthenia itself wasn't quite as worthless as you portray it)? You do know he planned to regain it (he was gathering support among the Silesian nobles) and actually started to rally his armies at the border of Silesia right before his death?
@Kasia He didn't control the Silesia to begin with. The only thing he did was renouncing his claim on this land in exchange for Luxemburgs renouncing their claim over Polish crown and accepting Kazimierz as rightful king of Poland. Before that he was seen internationally only as King of Kraków not as King of Poland. If you want to blame someone for losing of Silesia you should blame late Jagiellons. They had opportunity to take over Silesia while their relative was king of Hungary and Bohemia but they didn't because dynasty was more important to them than the state.
Thank you so much for this video on our Queen Jadwiga. We were not taught much about her in school for some reason, only that she was the first female king of our country and married to Lithuania’s ruler which is not very interesting to young kinds as you can imagine. Love all the new details I’ve learned from your vid!
I love historical documentary’s like this one. 🍁 I live in Canada and don’t know a lot about Polish history, but I do know some of my Family history in the Country. The were a Noble family and had the largest Castle in the world (krzyztopor castle) before the building of Versailles in France. They also had a great deal to do with the formation and governing of Poland. One was the Grand Chancellor of Poland and another was instrumental in the unification of Poland and Lithuanian. There is a beautiful painting of their entry into Rome as ambassadors to the Pope. They also preserved Polish history with the building of the Ossolineum as a cultural foundation and an archival and research centre. I hope someday to be able to Visit... I love Canada but feel an immense draw to Poland.
Wow, what a fascinating person. The women of history are so often overlooked unless they were Queens of England then they get countless movies, books & documentaries. I also never realized how strategically important Poland has been throughout European history. Jeez, that poor country was constanly being fought over, invaded, conquered, divvied up, & annexed by its neighbors. 😥
Not always. We also had our golden age and sometimes we were that bad guy. Meh, we lost a chance to conquer all of Russia without serious fight bc of some fanatic catholic ruler...
To answer all the questions - yes, Jadwiga was crowned as a king, even tho she was a gitl. Why? As strange as it sounds it totally has sense, it's not just one reason why it was done this way but few of them. - One of them is that in the polish law it was clearly stated that only a king can be the ruler BUT it wasn't stated that the king has to be male so it was a way to go around this rule. - The next one is that in old polish word "królowa" (queen) means literally "wife of a king". "Król" (king) and "owa" (wife of someone) so if you take that together you have "król-owa" (wife of a king). There is no such thing as queen regnant in polish language. - And the last one is that when Jadwiga was 4 she had her "sponsalia pro futuro" with Wilhelm of Habsburg. So basically they were married and they only had to consumate the marriage for it to be legally binding but to do so they needed to reach the adulthood which at that time was 12. When the polish throne became vacant she was only 8 and when she was crowned she was 10. Polish nobles didn't want to see a Habsburg on polish throne and they were hoping to find a different husband for her so to go around this they decided to crown her as a king to be sure that her future husband won't take any power from her.
Jadwiga was genuinely the most beautiful queen there ever was. i know they basically did the equivalent of photoshop in paintings but she always looks so stunning!
You know I didn't think I could like Polish history any more than I already did, then I learned about this amazing woman, I can say I'm happy I was wrong.
Alex ah when i looked it up on google it said other wise . Okay then. Also, the more u know :) I’m a Italian and we call ourselfs Degos and that’s kinda like a slur so I’m guessing it’s kinda the same.
![ROSÉ (로제) - number one girl [더 시즌즈-이영지의 레인보우] | KBS 241129 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/A9oByH9Ci24/mqdefault.jpg)
She had such a good dad. He obviously was ahead of his time and loved his daughters very much; instead of wanting a grandson, or looking for a nephew to make king he appointed his daughters as his heirs and made his people swear loyalty to them.
Blue Tulip I don’t think he did all of that because he loved his daughters and was so ahead of his times. He, himself wasn’t a rightful king of Poland, king that would inherit a throne after his father, he gained it because the last king (from Piast dynasty, the dynasty that ruled Poland from the beginning of its existence) died without a proper descendant. He have put a lot of effort into bribing Nobel families, forcing them to be loyal to him (although he was a king of a different country, and not even polish) and becoming a king of Poland while being a king of Hungary, at the same time. After all this effort he didn’t want the history to repeat and loose the kingdom because of lack of a male descendant. He just wanted to be sure that Poland will remain under his dynasty.
Also it wasn’t that popular in Poland to appoint nephews/distant family as it was in England or Germany at the time and later in the history.
@@Wiktoria-bs6dj Poland and many other countries didn't have the salic law.
Victoria well King Louis the Great wasn’t technically Hungarian as well. He was from the House of Capet-Anjou (male line descended from Louis VIII of France)
@@jjhwangkorsin He had Hungarian blood from his great grandmother Mary of Hungary from his father side.
Imagine being 12, ruling a medieval kingdom and praying about whether or not you should marry an adult man.
Absolutely I just said something similar to myself out loud.
Greta...that notion is beyond gross! They were lucky their mother was aware of their status, not as some women in the same class have been (in history).
🌞
Usually when an adult married a child, or two children were married no one expected the marriage to be consummated until they became older. I dunno about how "old" they'd think 12 was though. 😬
This was a time when children as young as 8 were sent to fight wars beside their fathers. I'm not surprised.
The stories of the female kings are so intriguing
themaximum97 Do you really believe that Jadwiga had any power? The polish noblemen were ruling for her, then Jogaila came to Cracow with his army, so the polish nobels had no other way but to offer Jadwiga and the crown to him. Don’t forget, Lithuania was a major power back then. Jogaila agreed on accepting Christianity and uniting two countries, but Lithuanian dukes didn’t like that unity, and Jogala’s cousin Vytautas raised to power, and became the grand duke of Lithuania.
themaximum97 s
@@Suverenas like every king in history
Private video channel Streamings
They literally just said “these stories are intriguing” and you came here all like “do-you-really-believe-she-had-any-power-haha-idiot-guess-what-you’re-wrong-kill-yourself”
Like jesus, I hope you got off in that 🙄
@Rafael Acosta that's a common practice with many popular/idolized monarchs, yet people never go into the comments of videos about male kings and comment stuff like this. it's almost like there's a double standard...
I'm from Poland. I am proud of our female king. I think if she lived longer, she would make for Poland a lot. She is one of my favourite female monarchs.
Zgodzę się UwU też tak zawsze myślałam
Isn't it queen though?
@@mrserious444 literally if you listened five minutes to the presentation. You would know why she is regarded as the female king. Smh
Wife is king it's polish queen
I'm from Poland too. I też jestem dumna
Actually Jadwiga just before her death told her husband Jogaila to marry Anna of Cilli, because she wanted him to stay in Poland... which is really beautiful and sad :( And Jogaila all his life were a ring Jadwiga gave him at their wedding and he said that "This is the most precious thing he had". So their marriage was happy.
She told him to marry Anna because Anna was her cousin and the granddaughter of King Casimir III, thus strengthing Jogaila's claims to the throne.
And how do you know?
Jogaila was a Lithuanian nobleman. I remember learning about this in school and being amazed about Jadvyga (that's how her name is spelled in Lithuania)
@@HarperArrow Grand Duke, a ruler, not nobleman.
She put her people and country before herself even on her death bed. A truly remarkable role model for all politicians.
I'm Polish and when I was a little girl my dad used to tell me Jadwiga's story (and other Polish history facts) before going to sleep and I remember it seemed to me so charming. I was impressed by a girl being so wise and dedicated to faith, people and the development of the academic knowledge. I was always thinking I would like to be like our Girl King. Before finally electing Jadwiga as the king of Poland, there were held a few other elections and one of them took place in my hometown, an important Polish city at that time. Jadwiga's mother tongue was Hungarian but she learnt Polish very fast, she knew Latin of course and, if I remember correctly, a few other languages.
Oh, and thank you for a great video :)
Wow that so wholesome :D I can easily imagine what you've just said. You have great dad.
Well its common for poland to get leaders from Hungary and Austria cause they, the nobles, fought too much between themselves for the position. Families always backstabbed unlike the others who were influenced by Volksmirs a hundred or two years relief who were sick of family in fighting thus made the rule of family dont fight family but it depends on the situation and intentions of the others, self defense has priority. Sigh Volkmirs had to face the Volkas line from italy and the females and inlaws that wanted top position besides the ones from the Muslim princess. It is just crappy, I should know since I'm from the male line descended from them.😓 No, they didnt die off as papers say, faked deaths and moved across the pond as so many did.
At the time of her death Jadwiga spoke Hungarian, Latin, French, Polish, German and Lithuanian. Very impressive when you consider that she died at 25/26.
Jadwiga started Poland's road to empire. She was probably 6f tall and for sure was extremly inteligent. She was 13 and in words of one of her advisors: "had wisdom of an old man."
Poland was never really an empire
@@ewok4907 Right because powerful, rich, multicultural state streching to nearly milion square kilometres wasn't an empire.
@@arumran910 Just that isnt a definition of empire. You should educate yourself.
As a Polish person, I think the words "Polish empire" can be used only in a certain, informal context. Sure, considering the power (which we often overrate but that's a different subject..) and multicultural nature we can call it an empire - just as we say "Ottoman empire" even though the sultans never claimed the title of an emperor. But it's worth remembering that the only thing that allows us to officially call something an empire is the imperial title; take Russia for example - it was already huge in the XVI century, but it was simply a "tsarate" until 1721.
You don't get the greatest respect of a husband old enough to be your father by being a cute little girl. She was a genius for sure.
her original portrait looks so modern
It was painted hundreds of years later
@@ajmaltaujoo4277 if it was it couldnt be her original portrait
@@mitipps2397 original portraits of her didn't survive
I like how your comment is completely wrong but still got so many likes and you decided not to edit it to correct yourself
@@Blue-ir3sw sryy i didnt educate my. Self ur right
Wanda is pronounced 'Vanda' in english.
In Polish W is pronounced like V.
Wiktoria Smyth yup. My grandmother’s last name started with a w but pronounced like a v. Wnseicki. Not sure how to spell it.
@@herbiethekat3637 Wiśniecki?
OzimekPL that’s better. I have to see if my cousins know.
Kasia I think it’s the 2nd with the e but I thought their was an s - ski Ok getting closer. This mystery will be solved!!!🔍
@@herbiethekat3637 So your grand mother's name is Kasia Wiśniewska? Female surnames don't end the same as male names. For example, Lewandowski is a male surname, and Lewandowska is a female surname. But there are often times where the male surnames are the same as the female surnames (ex. Gikiewicz)
Wow.. she was so young when she died at 25.
In her time she was middle aged...
@@williamegler8771 oh.
@@diamondequallo1204 And I oop-
@Alex enlighten us?
Alex how about you explain then?
Fun facts.
Every firstborn daughter of Jagiellon dynasty were named after King Jadwiga, including Jagiełło's first and only surviving daughter Jadwiga Jagiellon.
First horoscope on Polish land was made for her daughter, Elizabeth Bonifacia.
Jagiełło had three wifes after Jadwiga's death, but neither of them could replace her in his heart.
She was buried with wooden crowning jewels.
That's romantic that he held her in his heart for the rest of his life. 😭
What's interesting is that he never took off wedding ring that he got from Jadwiga, even tho he was married later three more times.
Some additional information. ;)
We know that she was very tall, educated and mature. That's why she never had a regent even tho she was crowned as king at the age of 10/11. Two years later she married Jogaila, grand duke of Lithuania.
We know from chronicles and other surviving documents that she was very beautiful, tall and very mature for her age. She was also an excellent diplomat and always achieved her goal in negotiations. She was also able to lead troops into a battle when it was necessary because she was the one who conquered most of the Ruthenia when she was only 13.
Even her enemies like Teutonic Knights admired her beauty, wisdom and admitted that she was a worthy opponent.
Also her marriage to Jogaila was probably the most important marriage in history of Europe.
It wasn't just one royalty marrying another royalty but it was one ruller marrying another ruller - Jadwiga (king of Poland) married Jogaila (grand duke of Lithuania).
Thanks to this marriage Poland and Lithuania were in union (Polish-Lithuanian union) from 1386, then in 1569 they truly became one country (known as Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth).
For some time it was the biggest coutry in Europe, there was even a period when they had access to 3 seas.
Then in 1795, as a result of the partitions, they disappeared from the maps for over 100 years. Officially they separeted in 1918 when after WW1 they came back as saparate countries (which was a schock to many) under Russian influence. Then WW2 happened and they disappeared again, they regained their full freedom from Russia only little over 30 years ago.
So you can really say that history of Poland and Lithuania has been connected since their wedding, till recenty.
Without these Union, we don't have those iconic Winged Hussar
A very good and well research video! Just two minor remarks:
1) Lithuania was a Grand Duchy, not a kingdom. Jogaila was a duke, not a king before becoming a (co-)king of Poland.
2) The main reason the Teutonic Order was so against was not that they like the Habsburg boy so much but rather their own interest. If the last heathen country in the region was to be Christianized by the Poles peacefully, their presence in the Baltic region would become obsolete. They already falsified some documents to give themselves stronger legal hold on these territories (it was initially a lease from a lesser Polish duke, Konrad II of Masovia) and they needed an excuse to stay there, i.e. heathens. The conflict will only be solved in 1525.
Also, Jadwiga was also related to the late Polish kings of the Piast dynasty. Her grandmother Elisabeth was a sister of the last Polish King Casimir the Great and a daughter of the Casimir's father, Ladislaus the Elbow-high. That made Jadwiga a great-granddaughter of Ladislaus too.
berlineczka Even though the title was different, on their letters and treaties grand dukes of Lithuania used to sign as “Rex”, which defines their status similar to king.
Great comment! Thanks.
Not 1525?
@@perarubin6041 Yes, good catch! I edited the post to correct the typo.
The future of Teutonic Order was pretty much sealed in 1410 at the Battle of Grunwald, where joint forces of Poland and Lithuania under the command of King Jagiello massacred them into smithereens, killing their head-honcho Ulrich Von Jungingen and imprisoning the rest of German nobles for ransom.
Too bad Jagiello did not follow-up with overtaking their main fortress in Malbork, possibly under pressure from the Pope, and did not kick them out of Prusia once for all. That would have spared Poland a lot of grief later on in the history, preventing German aggression and claims to Prusia.
I am Hungarian and I’m happy and proud she was such a great ruler benefiting my Polish friends.
Well, her father & sister were monarchs of Hungary as well, so...
I actually find it ironic the same exact situation played out w/ both sisters in both kingdoms; Louis I ruled Hungary & Poland; Hungary went to the elder daughter Mary & Poland (eventually) went to the younger daughter Hedwig (called Jadwiga in Polish).
Mary was married to Sigismund, younger son of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor. Sigismund (like Mary queen of Scots) was sent to Hungary & became more Hungarian than the Hungarians; spoke Hungarian, wore a Hungarian beard, etc. Then Mary died while falling off a horse, & miscarrying. The Hungarian nobles, not knowing who to elect as their king, chose Sigismund, the in-law. Hungary later passed to his heirs by his 2nd wife; Mary's step-children.
Jadwiga was married to Jogaila (Wladyslaw II), & when she died, Wladyslaw was elected to continue his rule. It was Wladyslaw's children by his 4th wife (Jadwiga's step-children) who inherited the Polish throne as well.
Hilariously, Sigismund (who made the Hungarian marriage) was actually a descendant of Casimir III of Poland, thus giving him a purportedly better 'blood claim' than his sister-in-law. It didn't matter since the Polish throne was elective, but still.
@@jeandehuit5385 Converation of Sigismund and Jagiełło: ruclips.net/video/nN33bsokKIg/видео.html
@@jeandehuit5385 I mean before Jadwiga was crowned as king many grandsons and great-grandsons of Casimir the Great and Vladislaus I Elbow-high divided their rights to the throne, having connections with the Piasts. Like for example:
- Vladislaus II of Opole, duke of Opole (great-grandson of ladislaus I Elbow-high),
- Siemowit IV the Younger, duke of Masovia (further kinship with the Piasts),
Sigismund of Luxembourg, future king of Hungary, Croatia, Germany, Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor (grandson of Casimir the Great).
Even Jadwiga was a great-granddaughter of ladislaus I Elbow-high and second wife of Jogaila was also granddaughter of Casimir the Great.
Ive read that she gave Jogaila a ring for a present, and he never took it off, till his death.
Also its said by current studies that Jogaila could have been actually 10 years younger when marrying Jadwiga.
And there was no intercourse between Jadwiga and Wilhelm. That were cruel gossips created by this awful bastard, spreading how slutty she was. It was a huge gossip in Europe then. Teutons used these plots for having an argument to attack Polish and Lithuanian lands, saying they were sinners and pagans. Also because of the gossip Jadwiga's and Jogaila's relationship was a bit toxic.
I agree. I also heard that it was rumor started by family of Wilhelm. And Jadwiga and Willhelm didn't even met when he came to Krakow.
@@bifa5414 Yes, the rumor was spread by William who told the pope and other noblemen that Jadwiga is a slut and he "had her" before Jagaila touched her, which is really disgusting. Then the same rumor told a knight called "Gniewosz of Dalewice", which caused the spouses to quarrel. Jagiello was really good, buy jealous man, which is understanding because Jadwiga was known as the most beautiful woman of her time. But Jadwiga won at court. Twelve knights were ready to defend her honor, and Gniewoz had to tell his lies back and according to the chronicles of Jan Długosz, the marriage was reconciled and from then on lived harmoniously. Rumors about their alleged toxic relationship are caused by William, the Teutonic Knights and the queen's long sterility, although her mother also had problems with getting pregnant. When it finally worked out after years of living, we know how it ended.
Oh my god, if Wilhelm really did that, he’s disgusting.
That's a marvelous surprise! I always love to see Polish history (and history of this part of Europe in general) getting attention. If I might recommend other Polish queens to research, I think that Bona Sforza and Anna Jagiellon might be particularly interesting.
BTW props for the very nice pronunciation of 'Jadwiga'.
Nice to read it (I am Polish). Bona Sforza is definitely interesting and misunderstood character. Today we can call in the black PR. As for Anne, she was in a shadow for most of a time. Once given her place on a stage (and married) the first husband run away from her, what a humiliation! But I agree Anne makes also a great character to explain unique Polish system of king election
Bona's daughter, Anna Jagiellon was also elected "a king". Then she married Stefan Batory. Similar history to Jadwiga and Jogaila's.
Please continue with the history of now Poland, Ukraine, Czechoslovakia, Lithuania, Bosnian, Greece and all the other countries in Eastern Europe and their female leaders. I am really enjoying learning about that area of the world. I have not been exposed to their history (as I probably exposed given the names of Countries/kingdoms as I probably did in my inclusion/exclusion of proper names of those countries/kingdoms). Thank you for all the thorough research, preparation and production of these videos. I enjoy them so much.
Hi!! I'm Polish. I just wanted to say that I'm really thankful you decided to make a video about Jadwiga.
For some time I felt like a lot of non - polish people have not really talked Polish culture and history, which can be very interesting. I lived in the USA for a year and not many people even knew what Poland is. So it's nice to see that some content creators take time to talk about us ☺. Thank you so much!
I remembered something about the name of Jadwiga's daughter; in a letter dated May 5, 1399, Pope Boniface IX had agreed to be godfather under the condition that the child was called Boniface or Bonifacia depending on gender. It's the reason why Jadwiga's daughter was given the name Bonifacia.
In 1949, 550 years after Jadwiga and her daughter died, their tomb in Wawel Cathedral was opened (I still don't know how it survived Poland's turbulent history after they died, particularly the Second World War), and they discovered that nothing was left of the child's cartilage.
If I'm not mistaken, they also discovered she was buried without traditional royal jewels and insignia because she had donated everything she owned. And also they confirmed back then she was a redhead
Kraków stayed same as it was in IIww because they surrender the city, and there was no bombing. Nazis took most of historical buildings as their houses, do they didn't destroyed them. Thru rest od history it was same. Local people knew how important old city was, so they prefer to stay in peace. It wasn't noble, but it worked.
men back then: Queen's are not smart to rule
Queen Elizabeth *I* and Jadwiga: **Best Monarchs in England and Poland**
what are u talking about? even men of our time think women do not make good rulers. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@cerebrumexcrement not all of us men lololol
King, Jadwiga was a King of Poland
While she was a great king i disagree with her being the best monarch in polands history
@@cerebrumexcrement Just 15 years ago what you said would have baffled people.
Thank you for doing a piece for her. I have always loved Jadwiga. She is very underrated.
Saint Jadwiga is one of the reasons i wanna learn polish
Good Luck!
Good luck! Our language is quite difficult but not impossible to learn. And it's beautiful 😍
What a truly remarkable woman. Showing strength, dignity, mercy, and intelligence in the face of such turmoil and violence even at such a young age. A true role model for all women.
Imagine a Traveller Who Has Visited Poland during Jadwiga's Reign and heard This
"Our King is pregnant"
"Confused Screaming"
God bless the great nation of Poland
Imagine being married at 5 or 8 and when you start having crushes on people around you but you’re not allowed to advance because you’re already married
Oh, there's another female king of Poland: Anna Jagiellon, a co-ruler with her husband Stephen Bathory. Such an interesting story. Damn, Poles were quite progressive in the past.
Still are, you just don't know it
The Poles weren't as progressive as you make them out to be. They routinely passed over daughters even when their kingly fathers had no sons. Jadwiga's granduncle, King Casimir III had several daughters, but their claims were ignored in favor of Jadwiga's father. The only reason why Jadwiga was allowed to inherit was because there were no male claimants who had any close ties with the royal family. Even when females were allowed to inherit, like Jadwiga and Anna, they were compelled to govern with their husbands who were elected co-monarchs. In the case of Anna, she was initially passed over for the throne when her brother Sigismund died, in favor of a French prince. It was only after King Henry deserted Poland, that the Poles elected Anna to be their"king" as co-monarch with Stefan Bathory. By contrasts, Jadwiga's contemporary fame monarch, Queen Joanna I of Naples, and Anna's contemporary female monarchs, Bloody Mary Tudor of England, Mary Stuart of Scotland, Elizabeth I of England, and Jeanne III of Navarre, were all allowed to rule alone, even when they married.
@@johnlewis3891 and now they've got a queen who doesn't rule at all. Very progressive...
@@lanvin1982 Yes itis very progressive because the Brits have a constitutional monarchy in which an elected parliament and prime minister do the ruling and are accountable to the people. That is much more progressive than having a queen who rules by herself. By the way, Britain had two female prime ministers while Elizabeth II was queen.
@@johnlewis3891
1 Poland had three female prime ministers.
2 Poland was the first in Europe and the second in the world to have a constitution.
3 The origins of modern Polish democracy date back to XVI century. Royal elections in Poland was the election of individual kings based on achievements and skills , rather than of dynasties, to the Polish throne.
I’m so happy you talked about some polish history, cause I don’t really see people doing that and it’s sad .So I’m so happy that you decided to talk about Jadwiga 😭💕
I can't believe I've never heard of this female king until now! Great video. I can't wait to see more of your Queens of Europe videos
Even though Jadwiga was never a queen, always a king.
She is one of my favorite monarchs and the fact that I have been taught about her like 3 times (our education system is messed up) didn't change how much I enjoyed the video :D
This was my favorite video of the Queens of Europe. I cannot imagine being betrothed as a toddler and provisionally married at the age of 5! (To an 8 year old husband). I love how kind and charitable she was and dedicated to the poor. But she was also quite wise and strategic for such a young woman. Tragic to lose her so young.
'provisionally married at the age of 5!' that was quite common back then. Though often groom and bride wouldn't meet until later.
Btw i have seen a a letters between Jodvyga and the duke of Lithuania. She rote the letters so respectfully. Adressing him as ,,my king'' and ''my dear king husband,, she was SMART FOR A TEEN. And i'm thankfull that Poland was a part of Lithuanians history. It might didin't do too well at the end but we had trully nice union🥰
Finally someone said that ♥ Jadwiga was an educated, young woman. Union of Krevo was literally a "marriage". It wasn`t perfect "marriage", but it was good. It`s a shame people can`t see that. Polish-Lithuanian past was beautiful. And Lithuanian history is beautiful. We love Lithuania. We should be like brothers and sisters
youy are so thankfull that you wrote Poland in lower case.
@@cesarzpontu8886 sry I fixted. English is my second languge so I looked at grammar.
@@skyhigh7773 no problem
Vitautas be like: "F it, I'm bout to start Civil War!"
Also Vitautas: "I lose, and I become Duke of Lithuania. Absolute win for me!"
Yasss, one of my favourites! Such a badass woman ❤️
Also, I'm her German namesake ❤️
Are you named Hedwig?
Badass? She's a Saint, not a biker.
Hearing monarch tales like this breaks my heart for the children who are forced to mature immediately or be handed to someone old for treaty. They may have all the luxury but they will be forever chained to their country.
Em. She was a great king, because she didn't waste her time being a teenaged goofball.
@Joking Cobra understandable have a good day
She married him being twelve,but this doesn't mean they went to bed soon after that. It was more like making a deal soon enough to ensure the stability of the region and kingdoms. At that time also they waited until the girl comes of certain age to become a mother (as a qeen- she was under care of her older family). Also, being born as a queen,her life was nothing like of the others
A 11 was considered an adult at the time. The concept of childhood was developed in the middle of 19th century, as a response to the social problems with underage prostitutes and epidemic of syphilis. In the Middle Ages the child was a child until maybe 3, but the moment they were weaned and potty-trained, they were expected to work and learn whatever their status required.
@@AloutkaKazawa this is so true. People of today look at history through their own times, and not the times of the past.
So we have drama shows on Mary Queen of Scots and the Tudors but can we get shows on Jadwiga and other big queens of Europe?
Unfortunately Jadwiga doesn't get much attention outside the books.
SHAME! Because she's such an interesting character. She really deserves some big budget movie or show just about her. I know that there was a movie "Habit i zbroja" about history of the Teutonic Order where she's played by two different actresses.
And there is a show called "Korona królów" (in English it would be "The Crown of the Kings") which focuses of different medieval kings of Poland. First two seasons are focused around Kazimierz III Wielki (who was her grand uncle - if I can call that this way). Third season focuses on Jadwiga and later Władysław. While fourth season is set to premiere in 2022 and will focuse on Władysław Jagiełło after Jadwiga's death. Oh, and she's played by three different actresses on that series (to show age difference).
And if you heard about game "Civilization VI" Jadwiga was one of the rullers there.
Lel all these guys were so pathetic, trying to dethrone an 8 year old girl, and they couldn’t do it lmao
She had good protection.
I wouldn't say that they tried to dethrone her. They just wanted force her mother to send Jadwiga to Poland. They were afraid of having ruller in different country because they were afraid that she will choose the good of another country over Poland.
Lol
Literally nobody wanted to dethrone her... Polish noble never wanted to dethrone her on contrary - their elected her (polish kings even when there was a dynasty were always elected). They only wanted their king to be in Poland, as she was a polish king. Jogaila certainly never wanted to dethrone her, he loved and respected her. Not even Wilhelm wanted to dethrone her as he wanted to use her position to become a polish king himself... There was not a single person that wanted to dethrone her... well maybe teutonic knights as she strongly opposed them
A lovely video - and I wouldn't be opposed if you were to create one for the second female king of Poland, Anna Jagiellonka. While Jadwiga is well known in her role as a monarch, Anna is rarely mentioned as ever being anything else but a burden to the court and her family, very unjustly so, because she too was a king, and not a bad one at that.
I've been fascinated by her for a while now, so awesome you've covered her!
I've heard when Władysław was travelling to Poland, Jadwiga apparently sent her advisor or someone like that to check out for her if hes hot. (He was)
Yeah, I heard that too. It was because she heard rumors that Jagiełło as a pagan is wild and looks more like a bear. So she send her advisor who was supposed to secretly check it but Jagiełło found out, invited him for a meeting, threw off his clothes and asked if he's a good fit. Apparently he was quite well built.
So... She was expecting the book Jorah Mormont but got the tv series version?
true i read it in my granpas books..she sent her fav knight to, check him out make sure he wasnt a short and hairy lith
@@bifa5414 Yes, that`s true. Jogaila was a smart man lol . Jogaila actually invited the knight called "Zawisza the Red" to
baths hihihiihi Zawisza was told not to accept any gift from Jogaila to be objective and he wrote about Jogaila these notes: "Duke Jagiełło is medium height, slim posture, had a well-rounded and handsome physique, cheerful eyes, a drawn face, by no means ugly, serious manners and dignity appropriate". Well, I think a grown-up, mature man (in some books only 12 years older than Jadwiga) Jagiello maybe wasn`t such a bad option for her than 15 years old kid William ;)
@@ericbonofacio4695 In Polish period drama called Korona Królów (The Crown of the Kings) is a funny scene with naked Jagiello and Jadwiga`s knight LOL ruclips.net/video/MQhWOkmA5rE/видео.html You can also see this funny video with ENG subtitles :D
This reminds me of Henry VII mother. She was 12 when she gave birth to him and had no other children because of the trauma she suffered.
She is the most inspiring monarch I've ever known
I like how you covered someone different and not extensively covered like Henry VIII and his wives. As much as I like learning about that, I’d also like to learn about royalty in different countries. My grandfather was 100% Polish.
Polish people: Jadwiga is our qu-
Jadwiga: KING
In Polish, the word "królowa" (queen) comes from the words "king - 's (- female thing/person (wife in this case))" (król - ow - a). We could't call our ruler like that.
@@mikoajbaczynski3733 what the hell are you talking about? It's just not true. the fact that Jadwiga was a "król" (king) instead of "królowa" (queen) is the first thing you learn about her in school. In Polish it's just like in English królowa (queen) is a king's wife and król (king) is a ruler, it's not just about gender it's about their duties and amount of power hold. Jadwiga was a king, and in Polish she is also referred as a king, because that's what her position was.
@@kk-cr4db If so, then why weren't other female rulers called kings?
Yes, it wasn't the only reason why she has been crowned as a king, but i am sure that it also played a role.
@@mikoajbaczynski3733 king was a title in Poland at that time, just like president and prime minister have different duties, king and queen also. Jadwiga wasn't the only female king, you can read about the others in the article "The Rise of Female Kings in Europe, 1300-1800". Jadwiga was actually a king but later became a queen - when she married Jagiełło and he became the king. In today's times probably all of the female monarchs we call queens, but at that time a "queen" couldn't rule a country, it was a King's duty
@@kk-cr4db No. Jadwiga was a king up until her death, and according to my "deep and extensive" "reaserch" on Wikipedia the only other female kings were: king Mary of Hungary, king Christina of Sweden and king Anne of Poland. All the other female rulers were called queens (or empresses etc.).
This is the video I needed to see today. Thank you! This is a very important story to tell.
Thank you for the video ;) If you'd ever like to get back to Polish queens - Bona Sforza - married to a Polish king is definitely an interesting character
i don’t know if you’ve done it, but maybe a video on Catherine de Medici? if you have, sorry for the redundancy!
Planning on August for her
Lindsay Holiday please do it sooner, I find her really interesting and would love a video about it
@@marianneburden5954 August will be here before we know it.
Can't wait
Lindsay Holiday awesome!! can’t wait! :)
Jadwiga at 11: Goes on a treacherous journey from Buda, Hungary, to Krakow, Poland in order to claim the polish crown before the nobles elect one themselves, or a powerful figurehead seizes the throne themselves
Me at 11: i think i’ll get a hamster.
I'm so glad to see this video I'm getting cabin fever staying in all the time lol I've been binge watching all your other videos thank you for a great boredom killer
Same here and I'm really loving these!
Thank you for sharing this information! Jadwiga doesn’t receive any real attention in ‘documentary land’. Jadwiga was clearly an amazing ruler and individual. It’s unfortunate she isn’t receiving any attention, she clearly deserves to.
It`s maybe nothing but she is finally a main character in tv show called "Korona Królow"
I'm aso happy to see someone chronicling my heritage and allowing people to see Poland as more than just a place that Hitler invaded or "when you don't know if your European or Slavic built at least you're Catholic."
??? Slavs consider themselves european
Ah yes, heard this story many times when younger besides the knight who went down to save the princess/emperoriess of Rome with Volkmir and ah Lady Godiva family history stories.
We had a transvestites as a rulers. Henry the First from Valois dynasty escaped Poland after three years of being kind in female outfit. Same for Russian governor Great Duke Konstanty, brother of Russian Zar Alexander, who escaped Polish uprising weared dress and wig.
@@kas8ia Polish are not Slavs. They only use Slavic language.
@@maciejszymanski2386 Most people dont check your identity and look foe ya if ya are dressed as the opposite sex. It was a safety despiration measure when ya life and family is at stake. The stupid and too trusting ones go as themselves, and usually end up being caught and killed. So I'm not thinking they were really into that stuff as much as despiration genius moments.
Her feast day is on 02-28 its on my birthday!! I can't believe the most historical independent Jadwiga feast day is on my birthday. She's really inspiring throughout her life. I feel so proud that 02-28 isn't just a normal day. 👸🏻🙋🏻
gothic-ghost_light-girl speaks-SIX-languages wait your birthday is on the 28th of February? Me too!
@@rainbowflowerpower4464 thats pretty cool 😉
Wow!! I always learn so much from these videos, but I'd never heard of this remarkable woman! Thank you!
People don't realize how important was Jadwiga's and Jogaila's marriage. I would say that it truly the most important marriage in history of Europe. Poland and Lithuania were united under one crown for over 400 years (for some time it was the biggest coutry in Europe, there was even a period when they had access to 3 seas). First they were in union from 1386 (Union of Krewo) when Jadwiga (female king of Poland) married Jogaila (grand duke of Lithuania), after them the coutries always had one ruler. Then from 1569 (Union of Lublin) they truly became one country known as Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Then in 1795, as a result of the partitions, they disappeared from the maps for over 100 years. Officially they separeted in 1918 when they came back as saparate countries. They have been restored only after WW1 but they were under Russian influence, then WW2 happened and their disappeared again, they regained their full freedom from Russia only little over 30 years ago.
I'm Polish and I love Jadwiga she's my idol and she's the most important woman in Poland. For Polish people : they can watch Korona Królów on TVP VOD for free since the episode 299 when Jadwiga knows that she will marry Jagiełło. It's not exactly the same because in this TV show Jadwiga loves Jagiełło and he loves her but in reality they waren't very boned because she was a learn and he didn't even known how to write in Lithium. So maybe in English history they are bonded but in Reality they waren't really bonded so that's sad. But i love Korona Królów with Dagmara Bryzek as Jadwiga of Poland and Vasylko Vasylyk as Władysław Jagiełło. But you are right after a few years they got a little more bonded and they were really happy that Jadwiga was pregnant.
I’m part Polish and she makes me proud of my ancestors!
Thank you so much for making a video about Poland - our history is very interesting yet underrated.
I’m Polish and I love to learn of her because usually polish get a bad rap..polish woman are gorgeous and strong and that’s fact..also Hedwig I just watched that movie the other night..entertaining and strange af
There's another story: Jadwiga and her fiance/husband were attacked by highwaymen just outside the walls of Kraków and after 14-year-old Wilhelm just left her and fled for safety, 11-year-old Jadwiga picked up an axe and defended herself single-handedly. After the incident, while still not super keen on marrying Jagiełło, she didn't mind her marriage to Wilhelm being dissolved either. It's not as far-fetched as you might think since many sources mention her strong build and physical strength and in central Europe, it was not unusual for noble-born women to go through similar combat training as men did, at least until a certain age.
Thanks Lindsay, you're making me look forward to Tuesday each week!❤❤❤
I’ve never heard of her before but I found this super interesting! Thank you for sharing her fascinating story! This channel is like the history class I always wish I had.
really interesting story. never heard of her before civ 6, so this is very informative.
OMG thank you for doing video about Jadwiga!
I am unpaciantly awaiting Isabella of Castille
She'll be covered later this year
@@LindsayHoliday I hope you do Empress Matilda Queen of England
Mary Tudor?
Wow, what a fascinating story. Jadwiga was so beautiful. Very sad that so many women died from childbirth-related issues back in the old days.
Love the Hedwig and the Angry Inch nod!
I loved your clear voice and this was so exciting to watch. thank you
What a beautiful individual, may she continue to inspire others in the future to come. HAIL TO THE KING.
I had never ever ever heard of this monarch before! I learned so much! Guess I know what I'm studying while I'm in quarantine...
Thank you for giving this lovely woman's life's history to us. 🌹
So grateful to hear about our Polish Queen on this channel 👑😊
the latest research shows that Jogaila was not that old and he was only a little more than 10 years older than Jadwiga
Yes! Always wanted to see you cover Jadwiga! Thank you! Love your work!
I need a Tv series about all this STAT!
Alexa B.C. There is a TV series in Poland called The Crown of the Kings. It's about the medieval monarchs of Poland. First two seasons are awful, but the third one is surprisingly good (there still is a lot of stuff that could've been done better, but overall it's quite nice). The third season is also the one where Jadwiga appears (although the actress is a few years older than Jadwiga was, due to it being too problematic to make her early teen on tv).
@@AryaDrago Thanks, I'll definitely check it out!
Third season is about Jadwiga- that actress is marvelous.
Forestel which site? Netflix?
@@tikitakati6124 no, only in polish tv Station and tvp vod, but maybe you find in internet? I know others countries(Hungary, Japanne and Belarus) They have the right to broadcast the show. In YT are fan video about this series c;
Perhaps the best vid on the subject I've seen so far.
Jadwiga is not a QUEEN, SHE IS A RIGHTFUL AND TRUE KING of Poland. She was having a true power as monarch in her hands, also she coronate as true monarch, not as king wife.
0:57 The artist started off drawing the king and queen, one princess, and then went copy+paste
One remark. Jadwiga was named after her great-grandmother Jadwiga Kaliska (of Kalisz) Queen of Poland house of Piast also.
My birthday is extra special now, knowing that it’s the anniversary of her coronation 🥲 she’s definitely among my favorite women in history now! 💕
St. Jadwiga, pray for Poland!
She was beautiful. I never heard of her before. Thanks for sharing.
She was regarded as one of the most beautiful in Europe that time. If not the most beautiful one.
Didn't know about her. Very good video!
She is a very interesting queen! Thank you for such a lovely video 😊
King!
:)
Also she was niece to one od the greatest kings of Poland - Kazimierz Wielki so she wasnt only hungarian:^}
@Kasia You do know he fought a war to capture it, as it was held by the Czechs? You do know he only gave it away in return for claims to Mazovia and lands of Teutonic Order (and support against the latter) and it had nothing to do with Ruthenia (and Ruthenia itself wasn't quite as worthless as you portray it)? You do know he planned to regain it (he was gathering support among the Silesian nobles) and actually started to rally his armies at the border of Silesia right before his death?
Her father was Kazimierz's nephew, so she was his grandniece
@Kasia He didn't control the Silesia to begin with. The only thing he did was renouncing his claim on this land in exchange for Luxemburgs renouncing their claim over Polish crown and accepting Kazimierz as rightful king of Poland. Before that he was seen internationally only as King of Kraków not as King of Poland. If you want to blame someone for losing of Silesia you should blame late Jagiellons. They had opportunity to take over Silesia while their relative was king of Hungary and Bohemia but they didn't because dynasty was more important to them than the state.
Thank you so much for this video on our Queen Jadwiga. We were not taught much about her in school for some reason, only that she was the first female king of our country and married to Lithuania’s ruler which is not very interesting to young kinds as you can imagine. Love all the new details I’ve learned from your vid!
I love historical documentary’s like this one. 🍁 I live in Canada and don’t know a lot about Polish history, but I do know some of my Family history in the Country. The were a Noble family and had the largest Castle in the world (krzyztopor castle) before the building of Versailles in France. They also had a great deal to do with the formation and governing of Poland. One was the Grand Chancellor of Poland and another was instrumental in the unification of Poland and Lithuanian. There is a beautiful painting of their entry into Rome as ambassadors to the Pope. They also preserved Polish history with the building of the Ossolineum as a cultural foundation and an archival and research centre.
I hope someday to be able to Visit... I love Canada but feel an immense draw to Poland.
Thank you for making these videos ! ❤️
Wow, what a fascinating person. The women of history are so often overlooked unless they were Queens of England then they get countless movies, books & documentaries. I also never realized how strategically important Poland has been throughout European history. Jeez, that poor country was constanly being fought over, invaded, conquered, divvied up, & annexed by its neighbors. 😥
Not always. We also had our golden age and sometimes we were that bad guy. Meh, we lost a chance to conquer all of Russia without serious fight bc of some fanatic catholic ruler...
Hollywood should make these stories into movies or series, not gross and women degrading stories like game of throne, ugh!
Well hollywood didnt do it but I recommend Polish tv series Korona królów. I really like it. :)
Anna Oura can i find it on Netflix?
The maps are wrong, Ruthenia (Galicia-Volhynia+Podolia) was not a separate entity but were part of Poland.
To answer all the questions - yes, Jadwiga was crowned as a king, even tho she was a gitl. Why? As strange as it sounds it totally has sense, it's not just one reason why it was done this way but few of them.
- One of them is that in the polish law it was clearly stated that only a king can be the ruler BUT it wasn't stated that the king has to be male so it was a way to go around this rule.
- The next one is that in old polish word "królowa" (queen) means literally "wife of a king". "Król" (king) and "owa" (wife of someone) so if you take that together you have "król-owa" (wife of a king). There is no such thing as queen regnant in polish language.
- And the last one is that when Jadwiga was 4 she had her "sponsalia pro futuro" with Wilhelm of Habsburg. So basically they were married and they only had to consumate the marriage for it to be legally binding but to do so they needed to reach the adulthood which at that time was 12. When the polish throne became vacant she was only 8 and when she was crowned she was 10. Polish nobles didn't want to see a Habsburg on polish throne and they were hoping to find a different husband for her so to go around this they decided to crown her as a king to be sure that her future husband won't take any power from her.
Jadwiga was genuinely the most beautiful queen there ever was. i know they basically did the equivalent of photoshop in paintings but she always looks so stunning!
Whether it's your fantastic collection of vintage Halloween songs or your history viseos, I always enjoy your channel's content. Keep it up! 🎃
How wonderful to learn about this amazing woman!!If fact I'm loving all these videos and learning so much....!!!Thanks
Hi I am from Poland! Thank you about this video ❤️
you make such amazing videos!!
Amazing how King Jadwiga formed a Polish version of the Bible all those hundreds of years ago. This is a class act.
Ohh good thank I have been waiting to listen queen jadwiga history, I have been play her in civilization 6 and she is most powerful queen in civ.
Thank you Lindsay. Very informative. Pleasant to watch.
You know I didn't think I could like Polish history any more than I already did, then I learned about this amazing woman, I can say I'm happy I was wrong.
As a pole i'm so glad you're doing one on polish queens
Alex mb, THATS PERIODT.
I thought polish people were called Polaks! But before commented i realized that both men and women have a different name . The more ya know. Lol!
ion think it’s a slur like cause i refer to my family n shit as polaki n polak
Alex ah when i looked it up on google it said other wise . Okay then. Also, the more u know :) I’m a Italian and we call ourselfs Degos and that’s kinda like a slur so I’m guessing it’s kinda the same.
Alex aii well i ain’t english so i can say it
I would love to see a video of Maria Leopoldina of Austria
D. Pedro's wife? Empress of Brazil?
@@Laramaria2 Yes
@@lucasoliver2571 are you from Brazil?
@@Laramaria2 of course/ sim, eu sou
@@lucasoliver2571 eu também 😂