Adrian Musiał's Mitologia współczesnych Polaków (Mythology of Contemporary Poles) examines how modern Polish political discourse shapes national identity through the strategic reinterpretation of historical events. The work, supported by the Foundation for Polish-German Cooperation, provides a critical analysis of political mythmaking in post-communist Poland.

Central to Musiał's analysis are the myths surrounding the "cursed soldiers" (anti-communist resistance fighters active after World War II) and the 2010 Smolensk air disaster, which killed President Lech Kaczyński and 95 others. Both narratives have been leveraged by political actors to advance specific ideological agendas, demonstrating how historical events are transformed into mythological structures that serve present political needs.

Musiał's explores how these events are reinterpreted to evoke national pride, sacrifice, and resilience, while simultaneously functioning as tools for consolidating political power. The "cursed soldiers" narrative, for instance, has been transformed from a complex historical episode into a simplified tale of heroic resistance against communist oppression, obscuring moral ambiguities and controversial actions.

Through his critical lens, Musiał reveals how these manipulated myths become deeply ingrained in Poland's collective memory and national consciousness. He argues that such narratives are not merely historical retellings but powerful instruments in ongoing political discourse, designed to strengthen social cohesion among certain groups while excluding others.

The work invites readers to consider how mythology functions in contemporary politics, demonstrating that the creation and dissemination of national myths is not confined to ancient civilisations but remains a vital aspect of modern political communication and identity formation.