Norman Davies, the renowned historian and expert on Polish history, explores the deep-rooted national myths that have shaped Poland's identity through centuries of struggle and sovereignty. In his lecture Polish National Mythologies, Davies identifies four key myths that have resonated with the Polish people across various historical contexts, functioning as frameworks for understanding national experience and identity.

The Polak-Catholica myth positions Poland as a defender of Catholicism, casting the nation as a spiritual fortress for Europe, particularly during periods when religious identity became intertwined with resistance to foreign domination. Similarly, the Antemurale myth frames Poland as a bulwark against external threats, from medieval Mongol invaders to modern ideological enemies like communism. Both narratives emphasise Poland's role as a protector of European religious and cultural traditions against perceived existential threats.

The Piast myth connects Polish identity with agricultural roots, identifying the nation with the soil and peasantry as the foundation of authentic national character. This narrative emphasises continuity with medieval origins and the primacy of rural values in defining Polishness. Complementing this, the Wernyhora myth promotes a vision of harmonious coexistence among multiple nationalities within Central Europe, advocating for unity and shared destiny among the region's diverse peoples.

These four mythological frameworks have been strategically mobilised by various political groups throughout Polish history, adapted to address the challenges of different eras—whether resisting foreign invasion, asserting national independence, or fostering internal cohesion. Through these narratives, Poland has constructed a resilient collective identity deeply interwoven with historical experience, providing interpretive frameworks for understanding the nation's complex relationship with Europe and its own multicultural past.