Fictitious coat of arms of Ladislaus I

Coat of arms

A fictitious, imaginary coat of arms of Saint Ladislaus from the Ingeram Codex (1459)

Saint Ladislaus

One of the most perfect expressions of the Hungarian monarchical ideal, a consistent defender and spreader of Christianity, who could be noble even in the toughest battles, and who was called both a “knight king” and a “saint”. He owed his valor to his father, King Béla I, while his mother, the Polish Richeza, owed her religious spirit, which remained constant qualities for the rest of his life. Ladislaus returned home from his Polish exile as a prince to support his brother, Géza, against King Solomon I, thus securing the duchy (princely estate). During the reign of Prince Solomon, Ladislaus distinguished himself for the first time in a significant way in the Battle of Kerlés, when he successfully drove the invading Black Cumans from the country and even recovered the kidnapped Hungarian girl from one of the fleeing Cuman leaders. This heroic deed brought him great glory during his lifetime.

He sided with Géza several times in the fight, until he helped him to rule. However, after the death of his brother, he soon became king in 1077. During his reign, he strove for both the external and internal prosperity of the country, as well as for its unity. He expelled the Pechenegs, Uz, and Cumans who invaded his kingdom several times, offering them the opportunity to convert to Christianity and settle down. In 1091, he took possession of Croatia and a part of the former Moesia by dynastic right, since the widowed Croatian queen was his sister, and he asked for Ladislaus’ help.

Due to his frequent wars, the most miracles accompanied the warring king:

• while fleeing from a pursuing enemy, the rock split in front of him
• deer appeared to feed his starving soldiers
• water gushed from the rock at his prayer
• the money he threw in front of his enemy turned into stone, etc.

Ladislaus strengthened the Hungarian church wherever he could, he is credited with founding several abbeys and bishoprics, and during his reign the chapter and archdeacon organizations also managed to spread. He zealously supported the churches with his donations. In 1083, he canonized King Stephen, his son Imre, Bishop Gellért, and the hermits Zoerard-András and Benedek of Zoborhegy. His name was seriously considered as a possible leader of the upcoming First Crusade, which was only thwarted by his death on July 29, 1095.

Original image source:
Internet

Text source: Szoboszloplebania.hu