Written by Dr. Sunny Jeong
During our trip to Poland, we frequently heard about Jadwiga Andegaweńska and saw her paintings and sculptures, and heard her stories throughout. Reflecting on the legacy of Jadwiga of Poland, one cannot help but be struck by her remarkable leadership and the deep love she inspired among the Polish people. As the only female king of Poland, her reign from 1384 to 1399 stands out not only for its historical significance but also for its groundbreaking feminist qualities. In a conservative, Catholic society where men traditionally ruled, Jadwiga’s kingship exemplified a powerful blend of sovereignty, compassion, and intellectual vigor (Halecki, 1991).
Visit of Jagiellonian University on June 3rd 2024. Hedvigis Regina (top right painting) is the Latinized name for Jadwiga of Poland. In English, she is often referred to as Hedwig. She was a great supporter of educaiton and culture.
Jadwiga was crowned as “King” of Poland, a title deliberately chosen to underscore her status as a sovereign ruler rather than a queen consort. This act alone was a profound assertion of female authority in a political landscape dominated by men. It challenged the norms of her time and set a precedent for female leadership. Her reign demonstrated that a woman could rule with the same authority and capability as a man, paving the way for future generations of women leaders (Davies, 2005).
One of Jadwiga’s most enduring contributions was her support of education and culture. She played a key role in the restoration of the University of Kraków, which later became the renowned Jagiellonian University. By investing in education, Jadwiga not only advanced the intellectual landscape of Poland but also emphasized the importance of learning and knowledge for both men and women. This commitment to education was a forward-thinking approach that resonated deeply in a society where women’s roles were often restricted to domestic spheres (Duggan, 2009).
Jadwiga’s reign was also marked by her extensive charitable works. She founded hospitals, schools, and churches, focusing on the welfare of her subjects regardless of their social status. This inclusive approach to governance went beyond traditional gender roles, showcasing her compassionate and humane leadership. Her actions highlighted that leadership was not just about power but about caring for the well-being of all people (Sanford, 2002).
Here painting at Jasna Góra (Visit on June 11 2024)
Jadwiga’s marriage to Jogaila of Lithuania was a masterstroke of political strategy. This union led to the Christianization of Lithuania and the formation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a significant and enduring political alliance. Her ability to navigate complex political landscapes with such skill further reinforced her status as a formidable ruler. It demonstrated that women could not only participate in but also shape the course of political events (Watt, 1979).
Despite her achievements, Jadwiga’s life was not without personal pain and sacrifice. She was deeply affected by the loss of her first child, a daughter who died shortly after birth. This personal tragedy was compounded by the constant pressure and expectations placed upon her as a female ruler. Her marriage to Jogaila, though politically advantageous, was initially met with reluctance and apprehension. She had to navigate the challenges of marrying a man who was significantly older and whose pagan roots required him to convert to Christianity (Davies, 2005).
The weight of her responsibilities, coupled with the personal losses she endured, paints a picture of a woman who bore her burdens with grace and resilience. Her ability to continue leading and caring for her people despite these personal hardships is a testament to her strength and determination.
Jadwiga’s legacy continues to inspire. Her canonization as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in 1997 by Pope John Paul II is a reflection of her enduring spiritual and moral authority. She remains a beloved figure in Poland, with many Polish girls named after her (told by our tour guide, Sabastian). This continued admiration speaks to the deep respect and affection that the Polish people hold for her (Michta, 1997).
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, the essence of humanity—creativity, resilience, and the ability to find beauty and meaning—can persist. Jadwiga’s life and reign demonstrate that a woman’s strength and leadership can shine through, even in a male-dominated society.
Jadwiga of Poland’s rule was marked by a blend of traditional and progressive qualities that resonate with modern feminist ideals. These women, from historical figures like Marie Curie (1867-1934 the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields) and Irena Sendler to modern icons like Olga Tokarczuk (1962-present, A contemporary Polish writer and activist who won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature), embody the spirit of resilience and leadership that Jadwiga exemplified, proving that the influence of Poland’s first female king endures in the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and empowerment.
Irena Sendler (1910-2008) was a Polish social worker and nurse who saved approximately 2,500 Jewish children during the Holocaust by smuggling them out of the Warsaw Ghetto and providing them with false identity documents and shelter. Her courageous actions and unwavering commitment to saving lives earned her international recognition (Michta, 1997).
Anna Walentynowicz (1929-2010) was a key figure in the Solidarity movement, which played a significant role in ending Communist rule in Poland. Her dismissal from the Gdańsk Shipyard in 1980 sparked the strike that led to the formation of the Solidarity trade union, a pivotal moment in Polish history. Her activism and dedication to workers’ rights continue to inspire labor movements (Sanford, 2002).
The legacy of Jadwiga of Poland illustrates that a woman's strength and leadership can shine through even the most patriarchal of societies. Her remarkable reign, characterized by compassion, intellectual advancement, and political acumen, set a powerful example for future generations. Her story, together with those of other influential Polish women such as Marie Curie and Irena Sendler, continues to inspire and empower women worldwide. These women’s lives and achievements underscore the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the significant contributions women have made and continue to make in shaping our world.
References
Davies, N. (2005). God's Playground: A History of Poland (Vol. 1 & 2). Oxford University Press.
Duggan, M. (2009). Queen Jadwiga of Anjou and the Rise of East Central Europe. McGill-Queen's Press.
Halecki, O. (1991). Jadwiga of Anjou and the Rise of East Central Europe. Twayne Publishers.
Michta, A. A. (1997). The Government and Politics of Postcommunist Europe. Praeger.
Sanford, G. (2002). Democratic Government in Poland: Constitutional Politics Since 1989. Palgrave Macmillan.
Watt, R. M. (1979). Bitter Glory: Poland and Its Fate, 1918 to 1939. Simon and Schuster.
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