https://doi.org/10.31648/ep.10507
According to the preserved sources, Władysław Jagiełło and Vytautas most often received gifts from the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order between 1399 and the beginning of 1409, when the Teutonic treasures were most abundant. It sems that the Grand Duke of Lithuania received slightly more gifts from the Order's superiors than the King of Poland. Interestingly, Vytautas received the most gifts in 1399-1400 and 1405-1409, i.e. in the period of the Teutonic rule over Samogitia. Among the gifts exchanged between the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order and Władysław Jagiełło and Vytautas, various animals had a special place. "Living gifts" were usually animals used for hunting game. Throughout the Middle Ages, hunting was the main pastime and, in many cases, a lifelong passion of monarchs (especially Władysław Jagiełło). Therefore, "feathered cackles" were the most common gifts. The Grand Masters sent falcons to Władysław Jagiełło. Jagiełło received the most expensive gift in 1409. Vytautas also sent falcons to the Grand Masters. In addition to animals used for hunting, meat, hides, and furs obtained during the hunt were also considered highly valuable gifts. Władysław Jagiełło sent venison and sable coats to the Grand Masters. Konrad von Jungingen also received sable furs and coats from Vytautas. As for animals that were to be objects of admiration and awe (considered "curiosities"), Konrad von Jungingen received a bison, and Grand Master Paul von Rusdorf received two camels from the Polish king. In turn, Vytautas received a lion from Ulrich von Jungingen. Another peculiarity requested by the Grand Masters were dwarfs, and Vytautas sent them as a gift. In return, Grand Master Paul von Rusdorf sent a jester called Henne to the Grand Duke of Lithuania. Fish were also offered as presents. Sturgeons were given to Jagiełło and herring were given to Vytautas by the Teutonic Knights. In return, Vytautas and his wife Anna gave belugas to Ulrich von Jungingen. Vytautas also often received high-quality stallions from the Order's superiors. The Grand Duke of Lithuania gave them horses with Ruthenian saddles. The Grand Masters also returned the favor with wine, goblets, dishes, knives, helmets, cloth, and other valuable items
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