An Ancient Tale (novel)

[1][2] The content of the novel refers to old Polish stories and legends, including one about a cruel ruler prince, Popiel.

The story takes place during the dimly known times of pre-Christian Poland, in the lands of the pagan Polans tribe.

The Prince wants to introduce an absolute rule modeled on that of the Holy Roman Emperor, while his subjects want to preserve their freedoms.

Finally Chwostek and his allies are defeated, he and his family die during the siege of his keep, and the clans and free farmers elect a new ruler, Piast the Wheelwright.

[3] The work has been called the most popular of Kraszewski's epic twenty-nine historical novels series covering the entire history of Poland.