The 17th Blacksmiths’ Tournament for the Silver Keys of Legnica attracted 13 teams—30 blacksmiths and their assistants in total—from Poland and Germany. And, of course, thousands of Legnica residents.
Aleksandra Skupińska, a petite, smiling twenty-year-old, came to the tournament from Gdańsk with her mother Grażyna and father Leszek, a blacksmith through and through. “I’ve been helping Dad for several years now,” the Gdańsk resident says. “I forge small things. It’s an uncommon passion for a girl, but I really like it. Gatherings like this are great fun. I feel very comfortable in Legnica because the city is beautiful and the tournament has its own atmosphere.”
Although Ola and her father and mother did not forge the best work, she wrote the best song instead, to a sea-shanty tune: “When a blacksmith strikes with a hammer, the bar bends with flair.” She sang it together with her mother, and they also danced to folk melodies. The tournament, which draws crowds of Legnica residents, would be less attractive if the blacksmiths only hammered iron.
Brother Albert, the best blacksmith among the monks and the winner of the Legnica tournament, forged the largest and most beautiful weather vane with his colleague—their assigned task. They deservedly won, although they did not sing any blacksmiths’ songs. “Blacksmithing is my passion,” Brother Albert says. “I have a workshop at the monastery and work there. My partner holds a higher rank because he is the father of… two children,” the monk-blacksmith adds, revealing his sense of humor as well.
The tournament has been organized for 17 years by Legnica’s Sports and Recreation Centre. Its director, Andrzej Gąska, is probably the country’s best-known honorary blacksmith. This year, real blacksmiths forged silver keys for him as well. “This tournament has a soul,” Director Gąska says. “Every year we prepare something new and attractive for the blacksmiths and guests at the same time.”
This year, the set—tables and benches for sitting—was made from euro pallets. The employees sewed cushions so people could sit comfortably. People liked it.
A few figures. The blacksmiths used nearly a ton of coke, half a ton of various iron bars, and plenty of water. Also electricity and sand. “In the past, the water in which blacksmiths quenched iron was considered the best and most effective remedy for ulcers,” A. Gąska adds. “Even today, blacksmiths use it to treat scratches and burns. This anecdote suggests that long ago blacksmiths were also a kind of doctors.”
On Saturday and Sunday, thousands of Legnica residents and visitors from various places came to the tournament and its accompanying events in the park. There were folk-group performances and various demonstrations. Something to eat and drink. Plenty of souvenirs and many other attractions, such as the traditional blacksmiths’ race.
“To be a blacksmith”—laughs Legnica resident Andrzej Witczak, who came to the park with his wife and granddaughter. “What more is there to say? When crowds like this come, it must be a great event. See you next year.”
UM Legnica/ii