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The best known form of the legend of St. George and the Dragon is that made popular by the "Legenda Aurea", and translated into English by Caxton. According to this, a terrible dragon had ravaged all the country round a city of Libya, called Selena, making its lair in a marshy swamp. Its breath caused pestilence whenever it approached the town, so the people gave the monster two sheep every day to satisfy its hunger, but, when the sheep failed, a human victim was necessary and lots were drawn to determine the victim. On one occasion the lot fell to the king's little daughter. The king offered all his wealth to purchase a substitute, but the people had pledged themselves that no substitutes should be allowed, and so the maiden, dressed as a bride, was led to the marsh. There St. George chanced to ride by, and asked the maiden what she did, but she bade him leave her lest he also might perish. The good knight stayed, however, and, when the dragon appeared, St. George, making the sign of the cross, bravely attacked it and transfixed it with his lance. Then asking the maiden for her girdle (an incident in the story which may possibly have something to do with St. George's selection as patron of the Order of the Garter), he bound it round the neck of the monster, and thereupon the princess was able to lead it like a lamb. They then returned to the city, where St. George bade the people have no fear but only be baptized, after which he cut off the dragon's head and the townsfolk were all converted. The king would have given George half his kingdom, but the saint replied that he must ride on, bidding the king meanwhile take good care of God’s churches, honor the clergy, and have pity on the poor. The earliest reference to any such episode in art is probably to be found in an old Roman tombstone at Conisborough in Yorkshire, considered to belong to the first half of the twelfth century. Here the princess is depicted as already in the dragon's clutches, while an abbot stands by and blesses the rescuer. ACTORS Princess: Rylee St. George: Maximilian Dragon: Abigail King: Joseph Townspeople: All Children (scene change) Priest: Michael COSTUMES White dress and veil and “girdle” for princess Knight’s costume for St. George Dragon costume for dragon King’s robe and crown for King Cassock for priest SET AND PROPS (All scenes take place outside) Two stuffed lambs for dragon’s “dinner” Tent covered with brown sheet for “lair” Rope to tie princess to tree Seashell for Baptisms Bag of money for King’s ransom for his daughter

St. George and the Dragon – a play

Scene 1: Dragon is prowling, growling and otherwise terrorizing the chickens and townspeople. General mayhem. Cut to dragon’s lair where cautious townspeople approach with two lambs. Dragon roars ferociously and throws the offering out of the “lair”. Townspeople return to tell king that the lambs aren’t working… Townspeople: Your majesty…the dragon won’t accept our offering! We’ve drawn lots and, well, it looks like your daughter is the next victim…um, we mean offering! King: Not my daughter! Not the princess! Here is a large bag of gold. This is for the family of anyone who would serve as a substitute…how about one of you? Townspeople: Not me! Not me! No way! Remember, your Majesty? No substitutions allowed! King: Ah…well…I’ll get the princess and meet you at the dragon’s lair. I don’t think she’s going to like this… Scene 2: King is leading the brave princess to the tree beside the dragon’s lair. He ties her to the tree, sadly shakes his head and weeping, leaves her. Enter good St. George: St. George: Ah, dear Princess! Why on earth are you tied to a tree? Princess: Good Knight! RUN! There is a dragon in that cave and I’m his dinner. You must leave before he EATS YOU! St. George: I? Leave? I don’t think so. God will protect me and I shall protect you. Excuse me for a moment… St. George approaches the dragon’s lair and in a loud voice says: St. George: COME OUT, YOU FOUL BEAST! COME OUT AND FIGHT!! The dragon runs out of its lair, growling and roaring, trying to get at the princess. With the point of his sword, George quickly subdues it at the princess’ feet. Making the sign of the cross over the dragon and placing his foot upon its back, he asks for the princess’ girdle (belt): St. George: Excuse me, Princess…but could I borrow your belt? Princess: Why certainly!

St. George quickly ties the belt around the dragon’s neck and unfastens the Princess from the tree. He then hands over the “leash…” St. George: There you are, Princess. A new pet. Gentle as a lamb, I’d say. Let’s take it to your father… Princess: Thank you, dear knight! Scene 3: The King, head in his hands, being comforted by his priest, looks up in surprise as St. George and the Princess approach with the dragon. King: WHAT? HOW? WHEN? She’s alive! St. George: Yes, your Majesty. Your daughter is alive. But this dragon won’t be for long! The dragon cowers at the foot of the throne and St. George “dispatches” it with the quick thrust of his sword. As he’s wiping his blade on his tunic, the King speaks: King: Dear Knight…how can I repay you? Please take this bag of gold… I will give you anything else, you need only ask! St. George: Your Majesty…I don’t want your money. Let the people be converted and baptized! Let the people all turn to God for protection from evil. That’s the only payment I would request… King: Let it be done as you say. May God be glorified and let the baptisms begin! Cut to closing scene with priest baptizing the townspeople… The End