PRIEKULES IKARS

In 1670, a blacksmith from Priekule, Zviedris – Johansons, also called the Smith of Edas Varacepļi or Dzelzceplis, took it upon himself to fly all the way to the village of Skuodas, for which the baron of Priekule, von Korff, had promised to reward him with 500 gold ducats. Many heard of this reckless intention, so people from all around had arrived in Priekule on the day of the flight, including the Amtmann of the Duke of Grobina with his horsemen, promising to throw the heathen in prison for such a heretic ambition. The blacksmith protected by Baron von Korff, attached large, sturdy canvas wings to his back and a small box holding them together to his chest. He climbed the ball at the top of the Priekule church, which he had put there himself, and, followed by gasps of amazement from those gathered, lifted off with incredible dare, flew nearly two versts, then fell and broke his leg.

For people of the Priekule area, their Icarus was a true hero, but others called him a heretic and wanted him sentenced. Therefore, Baron von Korff defended the blacksmith of his estate. After the flight, he pronounced the blacksmith to be under the Polish King’s protection, and, in autumn, he was transporting the heavily escorted blacksmith to Vilnius. On the Lithuanian border, however, the escort was attacked by horsemen of the Grobina Captain. They drove the blacksmith’s convoy away, captured him and took him to Grobina, where the airman was accused of heresy and executed by burning as a warlock and an ally of the Devil.

Neverendless, many still remember blacksmith’s courage and spirit – to be able to lift yourself up, fly free as a bird and believe in your dreams…

Nowadays, those living in Priekule and around it as well as visitors continue drawing inspiration from this story, and poet and playwright Māra Zālīte wrote: “We shall fly! We need not go far, but high!”