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The legend of King Jan III
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Through his exploits, King Jan III Sobieski earned himself a place in the pantheon of Polish national heroes. He became a symbol of the past glory of the Commonwealth.
The name of Jan Sobieski gained recognition primarily thanks to the victorious Battle of Vienna. Since then, Polish monarchs and politicians attempted to exploit the glory of the King for their own purposes, eagerly staging celebrations of round anniversaries of the lifting of the siege. Sobieski was commemorated in monuments, poems, and songs, including folklore. Though many attempted to fashion themselves as followers of Jan III, they merely confirmed the stature of the victor of the Battle of Vienna.