St George: Knight, Martyr, Patron Saint and Dragonslayer

While this is not a biography in the truest sense, Giles Morgan sets about the task of telling the story of an influential figure in Christianity. Though the existance of St. George is not doubted, the facts about his life are often intertwined with fables that make his story less believable. Morgan attempts to set the record straight. The earliest account of St. George originates in the 3rd or 4th century. It tells of a Roman soldier who is put to death after refusing to denounce Christianity in favor a pagan worship. Yet even as he is martyred, he is returned to life and converts others. Eventually, the Romans are successful in ending George's life. A book completed about 1266 by Dominican Prior Jacobus de Voragine called "The Golden Legend" was a collection of stories of the lives of popular saints. It was a hugely popular work in the middle ages. It was also the first documented account of St. George versus the dragon. While Voragine did not originate the story, the myth spread rapidly through his publication. The concept of the dragon has been rooted in a wide array of symbolism throughout history. The remaining 2/3 of the book describes the cult like following that St. George attains throughout history. Typically associated with soldiers, his name is envoked as the patron of many countries. He is even associated with an appearance on the battlefield in World War I. Yet as religious ties have faded in Europe, so has the attachment to the true sense of St. George. Currently, his image is relegated to more nationalistic groups. Though I was somewhat disappointed with the focus of this book, it was still an informative read. I genuinely feel that I know more about St. George having read this book.