Slay a Dragon Day

In Greek mythology, Perseus slays a monster that threatens Andromeda. Not to be outdone, Crusader soldiers from the 1300s told the story of Saint George. George used his magic sword to slay a dragon... in a moment to save the king's daughter from being sacrificed to the fire-breathing beast. According to the story, this dragon had a great appetite and only through his deep faith was George able to pull off this deed.

Little is known about Saint George, other than that he became a soldier and rose to a high rank under Diocletian. Because of his strong faith and openness to Christianity, he was arrested, tortured, and killed in Nicomedia on this day in AD 303.

He was so revered by the Crusaders that George was made the patron saint of England in 1350 AD. For many years, British soldiers wore St George's Red Cross on a white background as their badges; and it is still part of the British Confederate flag.

The martyred hero is still honored across Britain on this day, St George's Day.