The author analyses the role of the Napoleonic legend in the Polish historical studies of the 19th and 20th centuries. He considers to what extent did the Polish historians of that period use the legend in question to cultivate and strengthen the ideas of national independence. He points to the various events utilised by them and stresses the way in which these were applied in their writings. He also asks to what extent were they the result of reading sources and historical evidence, and how much grew out of the strengthening and continuation of the Napoleonic legend. The author's analysis is based on events from the Napoleonic wars, Polish history of that period, as well as the history of Polish Legions in Napoleon's service.