Saint George and the Dragon

George was born in a noble Christian family with parents that were Roman and Greek. Following in his father’s footsteps, George joined the army when he was of age. 

During Diocletian’s rule, Christians were ordered to be arrested when the military found them, additionally, his soldiers were expected to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods.

George refused to compromise and participate in pagan rituals. The Emperor Diocletian, who had a long standing relationship with George’s father, tried tempting George with worldly offers of land, wealth, and slaves if he would submit and to convert him to Paganism.

George refused to renounce his faith. Diocletian ordered that he be executed.

George gave his belongings and money to the poor and was arrested, then vigorously tortured on a wheel of swords. Still, George refused to recant and embrace the Roman gods. George was martyred by decapitation in 303 A.D. 

St George is famously known for the folklore and early legends that he slayed a dragon.

According to legend, there was a dragon who forced a village to offer sacrifices to it. Eventually, the villagers ran out of livestock and turned to human sacrifice. They chose young women from among their own daughters. One day, the princess herself was chosen as the next tribute. Her father begged the village to redraw and choose another but they refused. As the princess traveled towards the dragon’s cave to give herself up, St. George happened upon her and learned of what was happening. 

Despite the princess’ warnings, he refused to flee, and instead continued down the path. He found the dragon and slayed it, freeing both the princess, and her village from the dragon’s evil reign. When he brought the princess back into town, the village repented of their ways and turned to God. 

St. George Combating the Dragon by Paolo Uccello

Just as the details of the story differ, depending on which version you read, there is also more than one place that the legend of St. George and the dragon allegedly took place (earlier sources site Cappadocia, others, Libya). As fantastical as it is, it is unclear whether the medieval people who recounted these tales believed the dragon to be a demon or a physical creature.

While we don’t know if the story is symbolic or literal, we do know that it captured the hearts of many throughout the centuries and stands as a testament to St. George’s relentless bravery in the face of evil. 

St. George is the patron saint of England and soldiers.

Saint George, Pray for us!