Kody i zagadki w "spiskach" tatrzańskich [Puzzles and codes in Old Polish Tatra guides manuscripts]

Old Polish Tatra guides manuscripts, the so–called “spiski” (a specific type of informant of the Tatras and the treasures hidden in them) are rich in a variety of puzzles and codes that require theoretical knowledge but also a field practice. Theoretical knowledge, which has ideal reader (or the holder of the manuscript), consists elements of alchemy, knowledge of the topography, as well as knowledge of the symbolism of the rock–carved characters (which to this day are found in the Tatras, mostly in caves of Zadnia Jaworowa Valley). Attempt to correctly interpret the information in the enigmatic content is complicated by the fact that these texts were a priori designed for the initiated, could also have two recipients — as demonstrated by some of the descriptions of the roads. The message addressed to the initiated includes both the puzzles about the location of Seven Bolts and Frog Lake in the Tatras, and intricate descriptions of trails, constructed so that accidental holder of the manuscript (or competitor) had difficulty in choosing the right way. Aim of this study is to look at the structure of puzzles and ciphers in various forms of “spiski”.