Lech II

Lech II is a semi-legendary ruler of Poland, considered to be one of the Dukes of Poland preceding the establishment of the Kingdom of Poland. He is mentioned in various Polish chronicles, primarily those of Wincenty Kadłubek (also known as Master Vincentius) in his Chronica seu gesta Polonorum.

According to these accounts, Lech II ruled in the period between Lech I and the reign of Popiel. The chronicles attribute certain virtues and accomplishments to him, often describing him as a just and wise ruler. However, historical evidence for his existence outside of these chronicles is lacking, and most historians consider him to be a figure of legend or possibly a composite character based on distorted memories of early Polish rulers.

The precise dates of Lech II's purported reign are unclear and vary depending on the interpretation of the chronicles. He is generally placed sometime in the 8th or 9th centuries.

Due to the lack of corroborating evidence, Lech II is typically not considered a historical figure in the same vein as later, well-documented Polish rulers. He remains an important part of Polish folklore and the foundation myths surrounding the origins of the Polish state. His story reflects the attempts of early chroniclers to establish a continuous lineage of rulers and provide a sense of historical depth to the Piast dynasty.