Description

In the late 3rd century, a fierce dragon lived in a swamp near Silene, Libya, poisoning the area with its breath. To appease the beast, citizens offered two sheep daily, then eventually human sacrifices chosen by lot. When the lot fell on the king's daughter, Saint George arrived on his horse while traveling. Despite her warnings, he confronted the monster. St. George made the sign of the cross, wounded the dragon with his spear (often called "Ascalon"), and brought it to the ground. He ordered the princess to tie her girdle around the dragon's neck, after which it followed her like a "meek beast" back to the city. He then promised to kill the dragon if the people accepted Christianity. Following the conversion of the king and 15,000 citizens, St. George slew the dragon, and its body was removed from the city on four carts.