Page "Stephen I of Hungary" Paragraph 9

Stephen I is closely tied to the Crown of St. Stephen and the Doctrine of the Holy Crown which marks a unique tradition of the Kingdom of Hungary.

According to Hartwick's legend, during his coronation Stephen dedicated the crown to the Holy Virgin, thereby sealing a contract between God and the crown ( which is therefore considered a " holy " crown ).

This contract is also the basis for the Doctrine of the Holy Crown and the basis for the Apostolic Kingdom of Hungary.

The actual crown which survives today was probably never worn by the king himself as it has been dated as originating in the 12th century.

The origin of the crown, however, is hotly disputed.