St. George through the Centuries
Catie McKee
The saints of the Catholic Church span the line between legend and history. This is especially true for St. George, and this presentation explores the balance of fact and folklore in the stories told about him. St. George is the patron saint of many places including England, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Catalonia, most prominently known for the legend of St. George and the dragon. But that is not where his legends begin, nor when they end. This legend is based on questionable history; besides the fact that dragons do not exist (at least in this form), many scholars say that George of Cappadocia did not exist, either. The common history is this: George was born in Cappadocia to a Christian family. He became a Roman soldier, like his father before him, under Emperor Diocletian. In 303, Emperor Diocletian ordered a persecution of Christians. George refused, was arrested, tortured, and martyred on April 23rd, 303. While there were many soldiers like St. George, his story quickly became legend. Legends are not created by accident, and St. George is no exception. First, he was a figure of exceptional martyrdom, whose suffering rivaled Jesus’. Then he was a dragon slayer who was chivalrous and good. Then he was the General of the Christian armies in the Crusades. Then he grew more secular, a protector of businesses and banks. And today, St. George is associated with World Book Day. Though his origin may be somewhat vague, his impacts have been tangible and enduring.
Catie McKee is from Mauldin, South Carolina, from a large family with six siblings. She is a senior at Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina. She is a major in early childhood education with an emphasis in Montessori and a double major in Spanish. She will graduate in Fall 2022. She is a Teaching Fellow, the secretary and treasurer of the Lander Players and the communications director of the Lander chapter of the Palmetto State Teacher’s Association. Catie enjoys crocheting, having game nights with her roommates, and reading.