The Cult of Saint George in Medieval England
The Cult of Saint George in Medieval England

Author: Jonathan Good

Publisher: Boydell & Brewer

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 231

ISBN-13: 1843834693

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How St. George became the patron saint of England has always been a subject of speculation. He was not English, nor was his principal shrine there - the usual criteria for national patronage ; yet his status and fame came to eclipse that of all other saints. Edward III's use of the saint in his wars against the French established him as a patron and protector of the king ; unlike other saints George was adopted by the English to signify membership of the "community of the realm". This book traces the origins and growth of the cult of St. George, arguing that, especially after Edward's death, George came to represent a "good" politics (deriving from Edward's prosecution of a war with spoils for everyone) and could be used to rebuke subsequent kings for their poor governance. Most medieval kings came to understand this fact, and venerated St. George in order to prove their worthiness to hold their office. The political dimension of the cult never completely displaced the devotional one, but it was so strong that St. George survived the Reformation as a national symbol - one that continues in importance in the recovery of a specifically English identity.

Saint George and the Dragon
Saint George and the Dragon

Author: Margaret Hodges

Publisher: Perfection Learning

Published: 1990-09-01

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 9780780703131

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Retells the segment from Spenser's The Faerie Queene, in which George, the Red Cross Knight, slays the dreadful dragon that has been terrorizing the countryside for years and brings peace and joy to the land.

St George
St George

Author: Giles Morgan

Publisher: Oldacastle Books

Published: 2017-03-23

Total Pages: 102

ISBN-13: 1843449676

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At the heart of the myths and legends surrounding St. George lies the story of an early Christian martyr persecuted by the Roman Empire around the third century AD. But England is only one country to have adopted this soldier saint as their patron. Others, including Germany, Hungary, and Portugal, claim him as their own. The cult of St. George is astonishingly widespread, with churches dedicated to him in Ethiopia, Egypt, and Greece. His heroic struggle and victory against the dragon can be interpreted as representing the bravery of an individual Christian or the eternal battle been good and evil. There are, however, clear parallels between his battle and those of pre-Christian heroes such as Perseus and Beowulf. St. George is also identified with the Islamic hero Al Khidr, who is said to have discovered the fountain of youth. Associated with the coming of spring and functioning as a fertility symbol, has been closely linked to the Green Man of Pre-Christian Myth. St. George has also acted as a symbol of chastity and served as a healing saint. His flag has been appropriated by the far right, but in recent times come to identify a multicultural England.

St George and the Dragons
St George and the Dragons

Author: Michael Collins

Publisher: Fonthill Media

Published: 2018-04-17

Total Pages: 493

ISBN-13:

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St George's Day has become a topic of debate as more and more organizations promote celebrations on 23 April and more people wave the flag of St George to proclaim their allegiance and identity. But who was St George? How did this Near Eastern martyr become England's patron saint and an icon of English culture? And what is his relevance for today's secular, multicultural England? New research reveals that from the third century St George was revered as a healer, protector of women and the poor and patron of agriculture and metal-working more than a military dragon-slayer. Discover the origin of the cross of St George and the roles of Richard I, Edward III and Henry VIII in making St George the patron saint of England. With a foreword by Professor Emeritus Dan Brown, this richly-illustrated celebration of English culture shows how St George can be reinterpreted for our times while remaining true to our English heritage. St George can be enlisted in the cause of ecology, the campaign against FGM, and the fight to end modern slavery and resettle refugees. English yet international, revered both by Christians and Muslims, St George is a multicultural figure who symbolizes universal values.

The Fourteen Holy Helpers
The Fourteen Holy Helpers

Author: Bonaventure Hammer

Publisher:

Published: 1909

Total Pages: 132

ISBN-13: 9780895555182

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The stories and special intercessory powers of 14 early Saint-Martyrs invoked for numerous special needs, such that they came to be called "The 14 Holy Helpers." St. Barbara, St. Blaise, St. Christopher, St. George, St. Catherine, etc. They are invoked against throat ailments, lightning, diabolical possession, fire, family troubles, etc. Includes prayers to each Saint. This book links the present age to the earliest centuries of the Church. Impr. 112 pgs, PB