Polish folklore is rich with traditional fairy tales that have been passed down through generations of storytellers. These stories often feature heroic characters, magical creatures, and moral lessons that teach important values. Here are some of the oldest and most beloved national (traditional) Polish fairy tales.
Akademia Pana Kleksa – Mr. Kleks’ Academy
Jan Brzechwa wrote a book for children, published in 1946, about twelve-year-old Adaś Niezgódka, a student of the eponymous Academy of Mr. Kleks. Together with 23 other boys whose names start with the letter A, they go on adventures. They are looked after by Mr Kleks, supported by Mateusz – a learned starling who speaks only with the endings of words.
Photo taken from tezeusz.pl
Tytus, Romek i A’Tomek – Tytus, Romek and A’Tomek
Tytus, Romek i A’Tomek is a Polish comic series by Henryk Jerzy Chmielewski (Papcio Chmiel), published since 1957. Initially, it was published in the „Świat Młodych” newspaper, and from 1966 also in a book version. Two scouts, Romek and A’Tomek, try to humanize a humanoid ape – Tytus de Zoo. The comic depicts their various adventures, where the characters visit various fields of knowledge. The world presented in the comic book is absurd, humorous and educational, teaching through play.
Photo taken from wikipedia.org
Plastusiowy pamiętnik – Plastuś diary
It tells the story of Plastus – a plasticine man – made by first-grader Tosia. The narrative is in the first person, from the point of view of Plastuś, who writes down the events related to him, his friends from Tosia’s pencil case (including a pencil, pen, penknife, nibs and a mouse eraser) and the girl herself.
Koziołek Matołek
Books about Koziołek Matołek by Kornel Makuszyński tell the story of a nice, gullible goat traveling around the world in search of the mythical Pacanów. The story is written rhythmically in eight-syllable quatrains, with illustrations by Marian Walentynowicz.
Zaczarowana zagroda – The Enchanted Farm
At the station of Dobrowolski in Antarctica, researchers tried to tag Adelie penguins to study their migrations. The penguins ran away from the enclosure despite raising the walls, and the researchers were confused. A helicopter pilot from a neighboring station observed the penguins jumping out of the enclosure. Finally, we managed to tag the penguins, which returned to their nests after long migrations.
Photo taken from empik.com