Last Thursday, 23 April, was St George's day, but as it is customary these days to celebrate at a weekend many people around England will be marking the event today. George himself was a Roman soldier, like his father before him, and came from a christian background. In legend St George became famous for slaying a dragon, but how many people know the story behind the legend. There is little doubt that Saint George existed but little faith can be placed in some of the fanciful stories about him. The 'George and the Dragon' myth was brought to England by returning crusaders. This is how the story was retold.Towards the end of the third century, a dragon makes its nest at the spring that provides water for the city of Silene in Libya, or the city of Lydda, depending on the source. Consequently the citizens have to dislodge the dragon from its nest for a time, in order to collect water. Each day they would offer the dragon a sheep. If no sheep could be found then a maiden would be offered instead. The victim was chosen by drawing lots. One day, this happens to be the princess. Despite the monarch begging for her life to be spared, she is offered to the dragon. At this moment, our knight in shining armour appears, St George who happens to be on his travels, arrives on the scene. He faces the dragon, protects himself with the sign of the cross, slays it and rescues the princess. (Loud cheers from the crowd). The grateful citizens abandon their ancestral paganism and convert to Christianity. So, there we have it, a Roman soldier carrying out heroics in the Middle East, not much to do with England has it? Never mind, it makes an interesting tale. I hope there are not too many old dragons celebrating around the country tonight.
To watch a trailer of the 2004 film 'George and the Dragon' click on the following link:
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2477326617/
