Good Duke Wenceslaus

by Jonathan van Bilsen

I have just returned from beautiful Prague, home of Saint Wenceslaus, and learned the true story behind the person personified in the traditional Christmas carol.

King Wenceslaus was more than a figure of song and legend. Born around 907 AD, Wenceslaus was the Duke of Bohemia, a region which now forms part of Czechia (Czech Republic). His short but impactful reign cemented him as a symbol of piety, faith in God, justice, and devotion to his people.

Wenceslaus was born the son of the Duke of Bohemia, Vratislaus, of the house of Premysli, and a pagan princess. After his father’s death, young Wenceslaus was raised by his grandmother, a devout Christian, who heavily influenced his faith and values. Tragically, Grandma was later murdered (not by being run over by reindeer), likely at the instigation of Wenceslaus's pagan princess mother, who opposed her Christian influence. This event would shape Wenceslaus’s future rule, as he sought to reconcile the tensions in his realm between pagan traditions and Christianity.

As duke, Wenceslaus emphasized fairness and sought to strengthen Christian principles in his governance. He worked to support the poor and is credited with acts of kindness which earned him the admiration of his subjects. Wenceslaus also fostered ties with neighbouring Christian rulers, particularly King Henry I of Germany. This alliance helped stabilize his domain, and protect it from external threats, although it was not without controversy among his people.

Despite his efforts, Wenceslaus faced opposition from factions within his court, led by his younger brother, Boleslaus. Ambitious and resentful of Wenceslaus’s popularity, Boleslaus plotted against him. In 935 AD, Wenceslaus was invited to a feast by his brother. What seemed like a gesture of reconciliation turned deadly, when Boleslaus and his supporters attacked and killed Wenceslaus.

Wenceslaus’s death marked the beginning of his enduring legacy. Revered as a martyr, he was declared a saint, by the Catholic Church. His remains were moved to St. Vitus Cathedral, in Prague, where they remain a site of pilgrimage. Stories of his generosity and faith continue to inspire, solidifying his status as a national hero and symbol of Christian virtue.

The carol ‘Good King Wenceslaus,’ written centuries later, reflects the enduring admiration for this ruler. Although it embellishes certain details, such as referring to him as a ‘king’, it captures the essence of Wenceslaus’s spirit—a leader who cared deeply for his people and sought to lead by example. It also indicates how the people held there alliance to Wencleslaus as their ruler, even though it was held as a region (or Duchy) in the Roman empire at the time. 

Today, Wenceslaus is celebrated every Christmas through song, and if you listen to the words, you will realize how good a person he was.

‘Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen’. Next week I will write about who Stephen was, and why he had a feast named after him.

Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, award winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. Watch his show, ‘The Jonathan van Bilsen Show’, on RogersTV, the Standard Website and YouTube and follow his adventures at photosNtravel.com