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The most sly Hungarians – myth, literature, history; part 6
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Our candidates for today’s article are those Hungarians, who defeated the past enemies of Hungary by trick or their wit. The names on this list are well known to Hungarians because of the myths and sayings concerning their heroic deeds and sacrifices. We chose to highlight three characters today as they used their wit to triumph over their foes in marvelous ways.
If you have not yet read the previous articles of the series or you are simply interested in some of the most famous Hungarian figures, you can find out more about the Strongest (Part 1), Bravest (Part 2), Smartest (Part 3), Greatest (Part 4) and the Most Feared (Part 5) Hungarians by clicking on the previous links.
Chief Lehel
There is a precious relic in Jászberény that was once the spirit of battles, which not even every hundredth of men could blow. There are scenes of battles beautifully carved into the ivory horn which is probably the work of a Scythian ancestor of ancient times. The story behind this sacred relic is interesting. The horn accompanied its owner, Chief Lehel in every one of his battles. When he sounds the horn, his forces were invigorated by the thunderous booming which could be heard from miles away.
During the dismal battle at Augsburg, the Hungarian forces were broken, but Lehel had no time to blow his horn to gather the Hungarian army once more as the horse of the chief was stabbed and the steed fell on him. The soldiers of the enemy took his sword before Lehel could throw away his life with it and they captured the warrior. They brought him and his comrades, Ursur and Bulcsú before the triumphant Ottó. They were sentenced to death by the Germans.
The verdict did not hurt Lehel. He felt he deserved it, not for starting the battle, but for losing it. One thing grieved him, however, that Konrád was among his judges, the one whose defection caused the Hungarians to lose. Lehel, by the right of his last wish, asked for his precious horn so that he could blow it once more, to say farewell to his life.
The Emperor waved, and his men brought out Lehel’s horn. – Go on, blow your dear horn! Anyone who heard the gloomy sound of his song, their heart trembled, and their eyes filled with tears. Even the German soldiers fell on each other’s shoulders and were listening to the song with their head bowed down and their eyes full of tears. But when the gloomy song ended, something unexpected happened. Lehel spun his horn in his hand so fast that the air was whirring. Lehel then threw his horn at the Emperor with such a thunderous force that the monarch dropped dead on the spot. – Now you can execute me, – shouted the Hungarian hero – your Emperor will be my servant in the Otherworld!
If you are interested in ancient Hungarian myths, then the following article might be for you. It is about the sacred animals of ancient Hungarians.
Kund the Diver
Kund scanned the landscape behind from the castle. The Danube was calmness itself; the whole landscape was unstirred. But far in the horizon, small waves seemed to close in. A few moments later, it was evident that the army of the German Emperor was on the march. – Ships! – someone shouted.
The Emperor’s fleet approaching the castle on the Danube, carrying the reinforcements of the army. The ships harboured on the water, near the castle. The captain of the fortress was pondering, as he watched the fleet.
Suddenly a grin appeared on the face of Kund: “I was a fisherman before” – he thought and stepped before the captain. – My lord – he called him and then the serious face turned towards him listening. Kund said what he intended. The captain looked at him doubtfully at first, but then he put his hand on the shoulder of Kund. – Go ahead! – he then said.
Nothing moved in the musing night. The clumsy black stains left by the ships on the beautiful shimmering water were clearly seen from the castle walls. Kund was stealthily approaching the water behind bushes. Only a faint splash was heard, and Kund was immediately under the water. Kund soon reached the first ship. He held a reed in his mouth so that he could use it as a snorkel. He started to drill the underside of the ship. Nothing could be heard above the water, and the soldiers on the ship slept untroubled as Kund continued his work. The drill pierced the planks of the ship and the water started to rush in through the hole. He then moved on to the second ship still underwater. He succeeded in drilling the second ship as well. He made no noise the water was still so the enemy did not suspect anything. He continued his stealthy mission and move on the next barge.
But now he made a wrong move and his feet splashed the water. The guard on the ship noticed the sound and, trying to see what it was, dropped his torch into the water to discover what lurks in the depths. But Kund was sly, and he hastily swam down to the bed of the river and grabbed a rock, he was still and only moved after the torch flickered out as it touched the water.
The crew of the first ship noticed only now that their ship was sinking. The soldiers started rushing heedlessly up and down the ship, shouting as they panicked. The other ships noticed the great chaos, but no one knew what had happened. Kund was working tirelessly. The first ship tilted, and soldiers fell into the water amidst loud wailing.
