Good King Wenceslas

Did Good King Wenceslas really exist? The song itself is a reminder to Christians to be kind to the poor and is actually based on the life of a real person - Duke Wenceslas, Prince of Bohemia.

The lyrics to "Good King Wenceslas" were written by John Mason Neal in 1853 and the music is a carol from the 13th Century. Duke Wenceslas, prince of Bohemia lived during the late 800's and early 900's and is the patron saint of the Czech Republic.

Wenceslas lived in Bohemia (now Czech Republic) and was known for his noble character and charity toward the poor, as described in the carol. Other members of his family, however, were not so noble. Wenceslas was murdered by his own brother, Boleslav, in 929 A.D. and their mother is believed to have been a witch. His legacy of charity lives on through his sainthood and through our tradition of giving at Christmastime - as we are reminded by this simple, yet descriptive account of his life through song.

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