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Scenario of the Battle of Libušín 2026


Spectator Spoiler Warning!!! If you want to enjoy the battle and all its plot twists, we recommend skipping the study of the attached battle scenarios!!! This article is intended exclusively for performers...


Dear friends, swordsmen, history lovers!


For thirty-three years, year after year at the end of April, we have been gathering under the protection of the Libušín hillfort to bring to life medieval stories that shaped the history of the European continent and our native land. The Libušín hillfort near Kladno, at the foot of which we organize the battle annually, is linked by legends and the chronicler Cosmas to Princess Libuše and her vision of a great city whose glory would touch the stars.


Legend has it that Krok's daughters built a castle here. And although she is a mythical figure, a hillfort actually existed here since the 10th century as an important fortification of the Přemyslids, with archaeological finds suggesting settlement of the site since the 6th century.


Every year we meet under this hill, which was eventually named after the patron of all knights, Saint George. It was to this saint that the ancient church on the hill, which looks down on our lists, camp, and battlefield, was dedicated. Saint George is also the spiritual guardian of all who are not afraid to raise a sword for honor and truth, and also the patron of our festival.


This year’s edition is once again special in some way. We have decided to look deeper into the stream of time and commemorate the "fateful twenty-sixes" – years that, over a span of a thousand years, carved the foundations of the Czech state.


We will open the program with a unique Ancient Prelude. We will return to the times when the Roman eagle of the X Legion soared over our forests and when Roman order clashed with the untamed force of Marcomannic tribes under the leadership of pagan kings. It is a story of the end of the old world and the birth of new blood that took root in these lands. It will be the final struggle of the barbarians against the rule of the Romans, who were eventually forced to leave our land and return to Rome. We will commemorate a long-forgotten moment that enabled the formation of our state.



The main scenario will then lead us through three acts of the Middle Ages, separated by centuries but united by the great heroism and courage of our ancestors:


Early Middle Ages Battle – Act I – 1026: Battle for Moravia – Dawn of the Millennium, when Prince Břetislav I definitively won Moravia and laid the foundations of a strong state.



High Middle Ages Battle – Act II – 1126: Battle of Chlumec, where, under the sacred banner of Saint Adalbert, the Czech princely retinue stood against the pride of the Empire and triumphed.



Late Middle Ages Battle – Act III – 1426: Battle of Ústí, the moment when the Middle Ages broke against the wagon fort and a new age was born in the smoke of firearms.




The individual acts of the battle are intentionally separated from each other according to the specific medieval periods so that we can present the martial arts of those periods to our viewers as faithfully as possible. Therefore, we ask you please not to participate in an act for which you do not have the corresponding equipment. If you want to fight against warriors from other periods and experience a mass battle, you can participate in the Free Battle, which will involve armies of all periods. Our goal is to present the individual periods of the Middle Ages and, exceptionally this year, also Antiquity as faithfully as possible.


The individual acts are positionally very simple and understandable, and especially for the Late Middle Ages battle, we have strived for maximum safety when using firearms, which will once again dominate the battlefield at the end of the scenario battle. Arrive for the rehearsal and stick with your commanders!


If you are able to adapt your costume equipment and war attire for other acts, it is of course possible to participate in multiple acts; especially Early Middle Ages (RS) warriors have space both in the Ancient Prelude (in the role of Marcomanni) and in the High Middle Ages (VS) part of the battle on the side of the Czech army. Many High Middle Ages warriors are also welcome within the Late Middle Ages (PS) act of the Battle of Ústí. In each scenario, you will find suggestions on how to easily adapt your equipment under the costume requirements.


For an even better experience of the battle turmoil, Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer is preparing unique combat melodies for you, which will once again accompany this year's Libušín battle.


Don't forget to register in time to participate in the battle!


A REQUEST TO ALL WARRIORS: We would like to ask you to give the scenario battles, above all, a theatrical spirit and refrain from redundant combat actions that do not belong in the scenario. There will be plenty of space for mass battle madness in the mass Free Battle after the end of the scenario battle, where you can indulge yourself to your heart's content in a "sporting" spirit. Please treat the scenario battle and its individual acts as one large theatrical performance. We will repeat the Free Battles as long as there is interest from your side, and it is also up to you what alliances you form, with whom, and against whom you unite. We recommend participation to everyone who wants to experience mass combat and the traditional Libušín "melee" without a scenario! To demonstrate your combat experience, we also recommend participating in the fencing tournament, which will take place between the rehearsal and the battle. There will be fighting all day, so you don't have to worry about not getting enough combat. We would also like to ask all fighting and non-fighting participants to really take part in the morning rehearsal on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 AM.


Conclusion:


We do not claim that history is only a chain of battles and victories. But we feel that today, more than ever, it is important to remember the continuity of our history. That we are heirs to ancient wisdom, princely persistence, and the revolutionary courage of our ancestors.


Saint George, the patron of knights, has held a protective hand over us for 33 years – and therefore we invite you to become part of this magnificent arc of time with us again this year. We greatly appreciate the participation of all performers and look forward to seeing you all!


Note: It is possible to camp from the previous weekend or just set up tents during the week. We more or less recommend this, given the unpredictability of spring weather and the threat of Friday traffic collapse. The earlier you arrive, even if a day early on Thursday, the more you will certainly relieve yourself and other participants.


Welcome to the 33rd edition of the Battle of Libušín. History is not just in books; history is here and now!

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