Hello everyone!

I would like to suggest a stamp for the Czech Republic but it is possible for our neighbours Germany and Poland to be potentially included aswell as it is in their folklore too however I cannot tell if the level of importance and familiarity is as huge as it is for us.

Krakonoš is a beloved mythical spirit of mountains called Krkonoše (hence the name), who in various forms protects them entirely from greedy treasure hunters, poachers, miscreants and basically all bad and dishonest people. He oftentimes uses his power to control the weather to punish or scare them. On the other hand he helps good and kind hearted people.

The most common image is a tall, charismatic man with big hat, long wooden (walking) stick, massive beard, high boots, an enormous cape and long smoking pipe. He is dressed in clothes that reflects his love and care for nature and so do the colors.

The animals of the forests love him as they feel safe and protected in his presence.

His one true companion is oftentimes a Jay (as a bird, Garrulus Glandarius) who flies around and then reports to him any mischief that is happening in his region.

There is no surprise we even have a special brewery/beer called Krakonoš that originated all the way in 1582. Among other let me mention quite a lot of guesthouses/hotels and restaurants named after him, sculptures, memorials, monuments, topical exhibitions, souvenirs, books, movies and tv series. Lot of interesting traditions too, for example one of them is building a statue of Krakonoš from snow on the square in the city of Jilemnice that takes place annually since 1909.

I think he would sure make a beautiful stamp.

Thank you for consideration and all the wonderful (czech) stamps so far!

wikipedia article in english with german name Rüberzahl: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%BCbezahl