Saint George was born in the 3rd century in Cappadocia into a wealthy Christian family. He served in the military, achieving the rank of tribune and becoming close to Emperor Diocletian. After the death of his mother, George inherited significant wealth, which he distributed to the poor during the persecutions of Christians, openly declaring his faith before the emperor. For this, he endured brutal torture for eight days, performing miracles during his suffering, which led many witnesses to convert to Christianity. Before his death, Jesus appeared to him, promising him eternal life in heaven. The emperor offered George the chance to save himself by renouncing Christ, but George refused. He and Empress Alexandra, who defended him, were both executed.

The legend of Saint George’s victory over the dragon is not directly related to his life but symbolizes the triumph of Christianity over paganism and human sacrifice. According to one version, near the mountains of Lebanon, a dragon terrorized the people, and the king ordered the sacrifice of children, eventually sending his own daughter to the beast. When George saw this, he decided to rescue her, and by crossing himself and striking the dragon with a blessed spear, he killed it. In another version, the dragon was subdued through George’s prayer, and he led it to the city where the people converted to Christianity.

This motif of triumph over a dragon has numerous parallels in pre-Christian mythology, such as with the Sumerian-Akkadian god Marduk, Indra, or Zeus. It also shares similarities with Greek myths, such as Perseus rescuing Andromeda from a sea monster.

In iconography, Saint George represents the ideal medieval Christian knight. He is typically depicted as a noble knight single-handedly saving a princess from a monster. In the “Miracle of George and the Dragon” icons, Saint George is often depicted much larger than other elements, emphasizing his importance. Anachronisms are common, such as depictions of firearms on the castle walls. The dragon in these icons varies greatly, sometimes with wings, claws, multiple heads, or none at all.

Mykhailo Skop

Icons of Saint George
Icons of The Miracle of Saint George and the Dragon