Reciting The Legend Of Saint George

The Green Hero Man of the Earth

The idea of a hero of the Earth who comes to save humanity at it's moment of peril, the battle between good and evil, the clash of the soldiers of God and light and the hordes of the devil and the army of darkness is an old theme indeed. This battle is the basis for much Zoroastrian as well as in Manichaean theology and is found amongst nearly every one of mankind's religious teachings, mythologies and folk tale traditions. Whole cycles of epics and sagas are based on such a theme. Religious stories and prophecy, from the Mahabharata to the Book of Revelation to Star Wars describe the final battles of humanity on a cosmic level. At some point, if we are to believe these stories and traditions, there will come a showdown where we will be called to struggle for either goodness or evil, and the going will get tough. When it does, God sends a hero to our aid to tip the balance in favor of the light. Usually, such a battle has already taken place, and the evil one has been defeated by God's hero soldier. But that evil one is never content, and promises to return. When he does, so will the hero soldier of God who, willing to sacrifice himself for the power of good, will defeat this evil forever. 

In our world mythological literature we have figures such as Jesus or the Mahdi, a figure from Shi'a Islamic literature, who returns at the end of time to fight the battle of Armageddon against the anti-Christ/anti God who will make his appearance. There is the concept in Judaism of the Moshiach, or the promised Messiah. In many national legends, half real/half mythological heroes sleep in caves waiting to be awoken to bring deliverance and freedom to their people such as the Serbian hero Marko Kraljevic, the Russian Ilya Morametz, the Albanian Skenderbeg, the Irish Cuchulain, the Iranian Bahram Gur or the Mexican revolutionary Emilano Zapata. Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table at Camelot come to mind as well. So great were their deeds, be they real or imagined, that they live on as immortals in their people's hearts. The mercy of God, the Light, or the goodness inherent in all men must triumph for all time. It is this sense of good which resurrects these heroes to rise once again and fight their final battle so as to do away with evil forever. 

In the chaotic centuries after the founding of Christianity, a time when existing legends and human imagination combined to create stories about heroes and martyrs who suffered or were willing to suffer or fight for right, there was a need to call upon hero types who would stand against political oppression, barbarism, paganism and turmoil. With the persecution of the early Christians came the downfall and sinking into the abyss of the Roman empire. Many stories told of martyrs who died at the hands of cruel emperors and tyrants, and there were stories of hope and help, God's aid and the demonstration of his power and might. As the Roman empire, thus eventually Christianity, spilt into an eastern and western empire these tales became widespread and took on many variations. Such are the legends that accompany the memory of the obscure but popular Saint George.

It is said that the historical George was a Christian convert from the eastern province of Syria. He lived around the later 3rd century AD. George enlisted as a soldier in the service of the emperor Diocletian. This emperor was hostile to followers of the new faith of Christianity and was known for his torture and cruelty towards Christians. He ordered all the Christians in his army to pledge allegiance to the Roman gods. Those who refused were tortured and then executed. George refused to renounce his faith and became, like thousands of others, a martyr. However, he must have been a dedicated soldier because the legends that were recited about him all over the empire describe George as the slayer of the dragon, the fighter of evil and the enemy of satan. While we are less sure about his real life, we know about the legends and stories that sprung up to make him a patron saint in many lands and cities, honored in both Christian and Islamic traditions. From Beirut to Britain, from Cairo to Casablanca, from Abkazia to Albania George is honored and celebrated with music, song, feasting, dancing and ritual traditions that honor the land and the crops, the herds and the bounty of the Earth, the renewal of life and the affirmation of all that is good.

George means 'man of the Earth' or 'tiller of the soil' in Greek. Indeed in Islamic tradition he is associated with the color green and his Arabic name-counterpart Al Khidr, also associated with the prophet Elijah means just that, the green one, and it is this mysterious being who guides and instructs Moses (Surah Kahf) In all likelihood, the concept of the 'Earth man' who represents our planet is an old altered version of the Earth goddess, replacing her when humanity settled down and created agricultural societies and it's male patriarchy hierarchy. We can't be sure, but the idea is an old one and has been around much longer than monotheism, to which the concept adapted itself readily when Abraham's simple creed replaced the polytheistic female deities that were the hallmark of ancient civilization. Now the Earth was in the embodiment of a man named George rather than in a female Astarte or Durga. But the essence remains the same. The Earth, the soil, the wisdom of that Earth and the goodness found within it forever teaches us, and will never let us down. It will even fight for us when we need it to. So when the forces of evil unleash their worst upon the people of the Earth and all seems hopeless the Earth fights back with it's own hero who seemingly rises from the very depths of the Earth, fights and wins the day. His saint's day in the western church calendar is April 23rd, which corresponds to May 6th in the eastern Orthodox Gregorian calendar. Whatever the date, Saint George represents the revival of life when the land has been tilled and planted, the sheep and cows are milked and the Summer has surely replaced the cold and dreariness of Winter for good. In several rural regions of the Balkans the eldest male ram in a herd is bathed, decorated with garlands and lit candles placed atop its head. Songs are sung praising thanking the animal for its service as it is led to a meadow as members of the family caress the animal fondly. There, facing east, the ram is then sacrificed then roasted with green herbs and consumed in a great feast that includes such renewal and fertility symbolic foods as eggs, scallions, pies or breads made with green vegetables and cheese made from recently produced milk. A jacket or a sheepskin cushion for sitting will be made from his fleece. A young male ram is then chosen and honored as the successor who will father many sheep and in turn, several years later will become the 'sacrificial lamb', the sustainer of the family and the community. People go to a river or stream, wash their faces with the water and then cast flowers in to the stream to carry their ills and misdeeds of the past year away as the youngest male in the family is bathed by his older siblings and his body is rubbed with an egg. Weddings are planned and the new year manifests itself, all this on Saint George's Day. 

This version of his story, told to me years ago by an an old Albanian bard in his own tradition, is interesting as it connects both Balkan pagan, early Near Eastern and Byzantine Christian symbolism and subjects. There are references to monks living in a cave on Mount Lebanon, certainly noting the birthplace of George in the region known as Syria of old and the tradition of ascetics, hermits and holy men who through their prayers look out for the care of the world. Flowers, virgins and birds all play a part, as does the idea of the return of Spring and the constant battle between good and evil. Why hyacinths grow on Saint Georges day, why forsythias are bright yellow and why all is fully green and lush in the Spring is dealt with in the story. Hope you enjoy. Happy Saint George's Day!

Many ages ago, high in the mountains of a far off land lived a hard working and peaceful people. Their king and his wife were good and fair rulers, and they were blessed with a daughter who grew up to be the most beautiful girl in all the world. She was so beautiful that even the Sun was in love with her, and would send down a swing from heaven so that she could ride back and forth across the sky and he could look at her. But when he realized that he could not have her for his own, he cried and his tears fell upon the Earth. His tears became bright golden yellow forsythias. The devil saw the bright flowers that dotted the land and learned what happened. So, he approached the king and queen and asked for their daughter's hand. As they knew that they could not give their daughter away to the devil himself they told him that he could never have her. The devil was outraged and swore vengeance. "Now that you refuse me, you will see my power. I will darken the sky and blot out the light, and cause the rain to cease. Nothing will grow, not a blade of grass. Your animals will starve, so your sheep and cows will be without milk, then your people will waste away. See what will happen to all who defy me!"

The devil took the beautiful daughter captive and tied her to a rock atop the 'Black Mountain'. He then sent his emissary, a three headed fire breathing dragon known as 'Kulshidra' to keep guard. This dragon burned all the fields and set the rivers ablaze. People were burned alive as they slept in their homes. The king asked for volunteers to go forth to battle the beast. But every hero who came forth to fight was eventually burned to cinders, killed or eaten by the horrible Kulshidra, who collected their bones in a pile atop the Black Mountain. It seemed that humanity was indeed doomed forever, as the king knew not what to do. The king prayed and prayed for God to intercede, but so far his prayers remained unanswered. In the meantime, the world was devoid of vegetation and light, the cattle and herds of sheep and goats were wasting away, rivers went dry, the people began to starve and the king's beautiful daughter remained chained up on the Black Mountain guarded by the vicious and terrible dragon known as Kulshidra.

Meanwhile far away in another mountainous land called Lebanon, there were hermit-monks who devoted their lives to God and prayed all day in cave-shrines cut into the mountainsides. Three of these hermits, named Tobias, Ezekiel and Melchizedek, all awoke suddenly in the middle of the night. They related to each other a dream, with all three accounts being exactly the same. They saw in the dream the condition of the people in a far away land being held captive by the dragon and the devil. They dreamt that an angel appeared to them and told them to dig in the back of the cave, there behind the altar they had erected deep inside this cave where they prayed day and night. The three hermits agreed that this was no coincidence and so they proceeded to dig. After breaking some of the rock, they noticed an iron door with a huge padlock with large key in it. They turned the key and opened the great iron door. A green light proceeded from the inner cave. Then, a handsome man with a green luminescence wearing a helmet and armor of gold bearing a great sword and shield appeared, leading a white horse who also glowed with a greenish light, also covered in golden mail armor that draped the animal and bearing on it's back a finely wrought leather saddle, all seemingly made by the finest armorers and craftsmen in all the world, or rather in fact by the craftsmen of heaven.

"Peace unto ye three hermits, devoted unto to God. I am here but to serve my Lord. My name is George. For what reason was I summoned?" The monks related their dream to this mysterious being and told him that he was the world's only hope. "Then I shan't fail thee or my Lord. I shall go to the Black Mountain and do battle with the forces of evil, in the name of the Most Holy, and I shall not return until I slay this beast. As the men and the heroes of this world are all but defeated are there perhaps any beasts or birds that might assist me in fighting this Kulshidra? Who would accompany me?" But none of the animals or birds volunteered or answered his call, as all were frightened by the very thought of facing the  horrible creature. None that is, except one. At that moment, a tiny dove nesting in a cedar tree spoke and told George how she was the last of her kind- "I am the last one left in this world. Birds no longer sing nor care to fly due to the acts of the devil and his dragon accomplice. May I accompany you, oh brave hero, that I may be your eyes across the horizon?" George thought well and studied the little dove for a moment but refused to allow her to follow him, suggesting she remain in her cedar tree and remain safe atop Mount Lebanon until his return. "What can a dove do against such a mighty foe as this fiery dragon who would burn you with one blow of his breath? Stay here, little dove, for your own safety". He then mounted his white stallion and rode away, first over the mountains then into the sky over the tree tops until he was out of sight. The monks prayed continually for his success, for the world depended on it.

George arrived at the Black Mountain. He saw the beautiful daughter tied to the rocks, and noticed the once lush, now barren valley below. He drew his sword and ordered the dragon to come out and do battle. From within the cave a raspy voice spoke in low, rumbling tones- "Who is this fool who wishes me to burn him to cinders or crush his bones into dust? I am the Kulshidra, and there has been none born who could defeat me in battle. Run, little man, run before you too join those who came before". George noticed the pile of bones and broken swords of the many heroes who tried, unsuccessfully, to slay the beast, who now peered through the opening of the cave. George looked upon the horrible creature, this agent of the devil himself. He had three monstrous heads with enormous teeth, each head had a mouth and nostrils breathing fire and smoke. He had great pointed spines running down his back and his eyelids were spiny as well. His long tail had such spines too, and these were pointed, long and bone like. His body was itself protected with scales that seemed as though metallic, and his toe nails were sharp as blades. Every step the Kulshidra took caused the ground to shake and tremble. Every warrior who came forth to fight him was defeated. He was so terrible to look upon that lesser men died instantly from fright and from the foul stench that emanated from his body. 

Saint George invoked the name of God, drew his sword and urged his horse onward. He struck at the mighty dragon, but the beast breathed fire and forced George back. He was only able to protect himself because his shield, forged in Heaven, was able to withstand the heat of the fiery blast. He attacked again and stuck a blow that cut into the dragon's leg, causing the many headed behemoth to cry in agony, but the mighty beast unhorsed the hero with a snap of his tail. Every time Saint George attacked, he was beaten back by the creature. Both man and horse fought on, but with little success. The situation was growing desperate as the day turned to night with no sign of either the devil's agent or God's elect prevailing. The valleys echoed with the rumble of the battle of the age.

The battle was entering it's third day and Saint George and his horse began to grow tired. His sword arm was aching with pain as both he and his stallion were sweating profusely, hot from the fiery breath that bellowed forth the very lava of hell. He cut and wounded the Kulshedra with mighty blows several times but the beast continued to fight on. It seemed that evil was about to prevail as the hours passed and George was going to be defeated like all the others who came to fight the Kulshidra but failed. Would it be that this hero would leave his bones on the mountain like all the others? Evil seemed to be winning the day, darkness reveling in victory. 

Back in the shrine-cave in Lebanon the three hermits Tobias, Ezekiel and Melchizedek were once again awakened, this time by a frightening dream. They saw the battle raging atop the Black Mountain and knew that something had to be done to help Saint George. The oldest of the hermits, Melchizedek, who knew the languages of birds, ran outside into the cedar grove and spoke to the dove who previously wished to accompany George on his journey. "Oh dove, noble bird, our hero is facing serious defeat and we have no alternative. You once volunteered to accompany him, but were denied that honor. Would you now, in his time of need, still have the courage to somehow assist him?"

"I would do what I can to save this world" said the dove, "for the Kulshidra has burned the trees and hillsides and left no place for the doves and the eagles, the owls and the hawks, the sparrows and the nightingales to build their nests. Let it never be said that the doves, messengers from heaven and the servants of the prophets, remained behind when God's world was at stake. Of course I go to aid the hero, of course!" So the dove took flight and flew off to the Black Mountain, the monks bestowing God's blessing upon the tiny creature. 

After flying all day and night the dove finally arrived at the Black Mountain and could see the furious battle raging below. Saint George, mounted on his charger attacked again and again but was forced back every time. You see, with three heads the Kulshedra could see every move that the hero made. George could not get close enough to deliver a fatal blow that would decapitate the beast, which had to be done three times, one blow for each head, the only way to slay him. When he would strike at one head with his sword, the other two heads with their sets of eyes could see him and easily strike a counter blow that sent man and horse reeling. There needed to be some kind of distraction. That distraction arrived in the form of the dove. Carefully studying the situation, the dove flew low, close to the heads of the dragon. He flew around and around at high speed, moving up and down, darting to and fro, fluttering her wings and making a buzzing sound with their rapid movements. The Kulshedra was for a moment distracted and confused by this little bird's quick movements, who caught the eyes and the attention of the terrible beast. At that moment, Saint George saw the advantage and charged once again with his stallion. He rode up to the right head of the beast and with a mighty blow brought his sword down on it's head, severing it completely. Then moving on to the left head, he struck once again. Blood sprayed as the second head was separated from the scaly body. Then George dismounted from his horse and climbed on top of the Kulshedra, throwing down his shield. With both arms he brought the mighty sword down, severing the third head with a single stroke. The Kulshdra's body shuddered and the ground trembled as in an earthquake as the scaly body, now completely headless, ran to and fro until finally it fell over the cliff down into the ravine below. Soon, all was silent as a fatigued Saint George standing next to his panting horse, the little dove perched on the warrior's shoulder. Hero, bird and horse all stood and watched in awe as evil was at last obliterated from the Earth. The great battle of the age was over. 

People returned to their homes from hiding, birds began to sing, animals began to populate the Earth once again and all was returning to normal. The king and queen gave thanks to Saint George and to God, and their daughter was married to a handsome prince. They had a son, whom they named George, and all the royalty since that time would name their children thus after the great hero. 

In the meantime, the devil, furious in his defeat, was forced by Saint George back into the pit of hell. A great stone was rolled in front of the gateway to hell. It cannot be opened unless human beings forget their duty to God and their responsibility to each other. One day, they will. On that day, the devil will emerge again. Before going into the fiery abyss, the prince of the dark swore that he would return at the end of time to try once more to retake the world and bring forth a new Kulshedra to oppress humanity. He is biding his time, waiting for the day when he will once again be released by the heedlessness, cruelty and greed of men. 

George and the little dove returned to the mountain cave in Lebanon. There the monks gave thanks to God, and saluted the saint and the tiny little dove for their service. Melchizedek placed the dove back in her nest in the branches of the cedar tree. Then the three hermit monks accompanied Saint George and his white horse back into the cave. "I go to sleep now, here in this holy cave. At the end of time, when evil shall reign once again, we shall meet once more my brothers, when God calls upon us to serve him. Peace unto you Tobias, Ezekiel and Melchizedek, until that day". After bidding each other farewell and blessings of peace the great gate was closed and locked forever. The stones was placed back on top of the door to conceal it and the altar replaced. It seemed as if there was never an iron gate or opening there before. The cave was once again a simple shrine.

So the world was saved from a terrible calamity. The forces of light and goodness overcame the forces of darkness and evil. The faith and hope of humanity was answered by the prayers of Tobias, Ezekiel and Melchizedek, their fear and concerns put to rest by the hero Saint George, who received some unexpected help from one of God's tiniest and seemingly insignificant creatures...a little dove who nests in a cedar tree, high atop Mount Lebanon.