St. George and the Dragon: The Real Martyr Behind the Legend
Quick answer
St. George was an early Christian martyr, traditionally a soldier, who died around the year 303 and was honored at Lydda in the Holy Land. The famous story of the dragon was added centuries later. He is patron of England and many other places, and his feast is April 23.
Key takeaways
- Very little is known for certain about St. George's life, but his veneration is ancient.
- He is traditionally said to have died under the emperor Diocletian.
- The dragon story became popular through the Golden Legend in the thirteenth century.
- He is patron of England, Georgia, Portugal, Catalonia and of soldiers.
Knights, dragons and rescued princesses make a wonderful story. Behind the legend, there is something even more moving: a Christian who gave his life rather than deny Christ.
The Martyr
We know very little for certain about St. George. Tradition says that he was a soldier in the Roman army, who died around the year 303 during the persecution under the emperor Diocletian. Veneration of him is very early, and it centered on his tomb at Lydda, in the Holy Land.
Toward the end of the fifth century, a Roman list of saints placed him among those whose names are rightly honored but whose deeds are known only to God. That is a good summary even now.
The Dragon
The story of the dragon came much later. It was made popular in the thirteenth century by the Golden Legend.
In that telling, a dragon terrorizes a city, and the people offer it victims chosen by lot. When the king’s daughter is chosen, George arrives, makes the Sign of the Cross, and wounds the beast. The whole city then asks for baptism.
It is a legend, and it should be read as one. Christians saw in it the triumph of faith over evil. As the Book of Revelation shows, the dragon is an ancient image of the devil (Revelation 12:9).
The Soldier Saint
Stories of George spread during the Crusades, and he became the model of Christian knighthood. He is the patron of England, Georgia, Portugal and Catalonia, as well as of soldiers and scouts. He is also deeply honored in the Eastern Churches, where he is called the “Great Martyr.”
What He Teaches
Most of us will never face a dragon. All of us will face a moment when it would be easier to keep quiet about our faith. George reminds us to stand firm.
A Prayer to St. George (Original Prayer)
St. George, faithful witness, you gave your life for Christ. Give me courage to stand for what is true, and to fight evil first in my own heart. Protect all who serve in defense of others. Amen.
Continue Reading
Read about St. Michael the Archangel, who also defeats the dragon, or the Ascension in the Golden Legend.
Frequently asked questions
When is the feast of St. George?
April 23.
Was there really a dragon?
The dragon is a legend. It can be read as a picture of Christian courage in the face of evil.
Was St. George English?
No. He is linked with the eastern Mediterranean, and with Lydda in the Holy Land. His popularity in England grew during the Middle Ages.
Sources
- Jacobus de Voragine, The Golden Legend, St. George
- Roman Missal, Optional Memorial of St. George, April 23
- Catholic Encyclopedia (1909), St. George
