Dragon Tales
George and the Dragon are closely tied into English culture (for an obscure reason I don't fully understand). Mostly, you will find George dispatching the dragon, but this one on top of Smithfield meat market appears to be hiding, and have escaped.
Off gallivanting in France for a week, hope you all have a good holiday
posted by Ham at 00:02 --
Comments here: 2
Comments on "Dragon Tales"
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Anonymous said ... (02:36) :
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Jack said ... (04:10) :
post a commentIt's actually a simple(?) story: A group of Norman Crusaders say St George appeared to them in a battle, which they won. Thus, he became a favored saint for the soldiers, and ultimately Richard (The Lion Heart) claimed his patronage and adopted his (supposed) coat of arms as the national symbol, and is now venerated with every piece of kit Lilywhite's can peddle.
As for George himself, he was allegedly a Roman soldier who tried to stop persecution of Christians, and was executed (martyred) for it. The dragon slaying is allegory for fighting the devil. Lost in all the folklore and history (and quite amusing to my little mind), is England's patron saint is (gasp!) an Italian!
Thanks to your first commenter for an interesting explanation. As a Yank, I am not familiar with the story, either.
Good crisp photo of the dragon from a new angle. Nice.