Lech

Lech is a legendary figure in Polish history, considered the mythical founder of the Polish nation and the Lechitic tribes. According to the legend, Lech, along with his brothers Čech and Rus, were the three mythical founders of the Slavic nations: Poland (Lechia), Bohemia (Čechy), and Rus' (Ruthenia). The legend states that Lech settled in the area of present-day Gniezno, where he saw a white eagle against a red sunset, which inspired him to found his first settlement and adopt the white eagle as his emblem, which became the national symbol of Poland.

The name's etymology is debated. Some theories suggest it derives from the Proto-Slavic root *lěchъ, possibly meaning 'field' or 'fallow land', or from *lęchъ, meaning 'bend' or 'curve'. Another theory connects it to the word 'lęch' which was an old term for a Pole or a member of the Lechitic tribes. Regardless of its precise linguistic origin, the name Lech is deeply embedded in Polish national identity and mythology.