Margiris, Margier

The name was borne by a medieval Lithuanian prince who was known for his heroic stand off at the Pilenai Fortress against the Teutonic Knights (d. 1336). Rather than be taken hostage, he and his subjects killed themselves and then burnt themselves in the fortress. There is a famous epic Polish poem which chronicles his exploits, entitled Margier it was written in 1855 by Wladyslaw Syrokmla. Seldom heard in Poland today, the name is still fairly common in Lithuania and its designated feast day is July 12.