Legends

St George

 

We all know ”ST GEORGE” was not a “Anglo Saxon” he came later, he was a Brave Martyr , a Legend, who came after 1066 , he is the Patront SAINT of ENGLAND.So here is a brief description of the legend who is the Saint of more than twelve Countries and Regions and most of all The National Saint of
ENGLAND. Bearing the  “CROSS  of  ST GEORGE”
St George and the Dragon was described by William Caxton as being born between 275-281 AD and Died 303AD. George was from Anatolia a Greek-speaking
town now part of modern Turkey, and because of his tall stature and fair hair was probably of Darian origin. Georges family were Christians, his father was from Cappadocia and served as an officer of the Roman Army. His mother was from Lydda she provided George with an education in her home town. George joined the
Calvary in the Roman Army at 17 years old very quickly showing courage and bravery. In his late tewnties he achieved the ranl Tribunus Militum in charge of a regiment of 1000 men. George was now stationed in Nicomedia as a member of the guard for Emperor Diocletian. It was a time of civil unrest due to high prices,
through the Roman Empire add to the increase of people converting to Christianity was causing the ruling bodies concern they prefered paganism, and tried to swing the pendulam back that way,Galerius the second in command of Diocletian a avid supporter of Paganism gave a order to destroy Christian churches, anyone admitting to christianity could lose the rights to citizenship even their life. A cruel agenda against the Christians was rife, George tried to limit the cruelty.George went to the city of Nicomedia and tore down the Emperor’s order, as news spread of Georges rebellion, it wasn’t long before he was arrested and taken before Diocletian, George bravely stood his ground and denounced the unnecessary cruelty and made a courageous speech. Emperor Diocletian sentenced George to prison to be tortured to denouce his faith in Christ.After various tortures George was executed by decapitation at Nicomedia’s city wall on the 23rd of April 303AD. His body was returned to Lydda for burial, where Christians soon came to honour him as a Martyr. St George stayed true to his faith despite terrible persecution and torture, highly regarded by Muslim in the Middle East and is the only Christian Saint to be mentioned in the Koran, the holy book of Islam, also has the distinction of having a Mosque named after him at Al Khadr Palestine. In 494 AD George was canonised as a Saint by Pope Gelasuis 1 who said, ” little is known of George yet justly reverenced among men, but who acts are only known to God ” by 1222 the popularity of St George encouraged the Bishops of the Oxford Synod in England to declare 23rd of April a Public Holiday and by 1415 it was as popular as Christmas.

St George : Martyr Born,

275/281 AD Lydda, Palestine Nicomedia.

Bithyia Part of the Roman Empire Death 303 AD

St George a Legend to Democracy and Freedom one of the most venerated Saints (Catholic) of time, standing up to a Military Establishment staying faithful and
true to his Christian beliefs a courageous man. George (Georgius) (Latin) meaning “ A worker of the land ” who parents were Christians and his father who was a Roman Officer died when he was 14, George decided to travel to Nicomedia, to present himself to Emperor Diocletian to join the Roman Legion. George soon became one of the finest soldiers in the region. In his twenties he was promoted to the rank of Tribunus stationed at Nicomedia as an imperial Guard. In 302 AD, Paganism and Christianity went uneasily side by side, until Diocletian egged on by Galerius issued a statement that every Christian soldier in the Army should be arrested along with every other soldier should offer a sacrifice to the Pagan Gods. George objected and with the courage of his faith challenged ruler Diocletian who was disturbed and not wanting to at odds with one of his best soldiers. George confronted Diocletian again in front of his fellow soldiers, stating he was a Christian and saying he worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ. The Emperor attempted to persuade George with gifts, Land, Slaves the Emperor made lots of tempting offers but George refused staying with his faith his Christian beliefs. The Emperor ruler had little choice than to carry out an execution of George, for his refusal to denounce his beliefs. George donated his wealth to the poor, before the start of his ordeal where he was tortured and finally executed by decapitation before Nicomedia’s city wall on 23rd April 303AD. The witness’s of his suffering and death many converted from paganism to Christianity including a Pagan Priest and the Empress Alexandra. God Bless Saint George.

The Legend of Saint George

St George : Martyr,  Born, 275/281  Lydda Palestine : Death, Nicomedia, Bithynia ( Part of the Roman Empire) 303AD

St George a Legend to Democracy and Freedom one of the most venerated Saints (Catholic) of time, standing up to a Military Establishment staying faithful and true to his Christian beliefs a courageous man. George (Georgius) (Latin) meaning “ A worker of the land ” who parents were Christians and his father who was a Roman Officer died when he was 14, George decided to travel to Nicomedia, to present himself to Emperor Diocletian to join the Roman Legion. George soon became one of the finest soldiers in the region. In his twenties he was promoted to the rank of Tribunus stationed at Nicomedia as an imperial Guard. In 302 AD, Paganism and Christianity went uneasily side by side, until Diocletian egged on by Galerius issued a statement that every Christian soldier in the Army should be arrested along with every other soldier should offer a sacrifice to the Pagan Gods. George objected and with the courage of his faith challenged ruler Diocletian who was disturbed and not wanting to at odds with one of his best soldiers. George confronted Diocletian again in front of his fellow soldiers, stating he was a Christian and saying he worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ. The Emperor attempted to persuade George with gifts, Land, Slaves the Emperor made lots of tempting offers but George refused staying with his faith his Christian beliefs. The Emperor ruler had little choice than to carry out an execution of George, for his refusal to denounce his beliefs. George donated his wealth to the poor, before the start of his ordeal where he was tortured and finally executed by decapitation before Nicomedia’s city wall on 23rd April 303AD. The witness’s of his suffering and death many converted from paganism to Christianity including a Pagan Priest and the Empress Alexandra. God Bless Saint George.

St George and the Dragon was a legend brought back by the Crusaders a story retold and retold  belonging to the genre of romance. The earliest known depiction was in the eleventh-century Cappadocia. Eastern Orthodox church, George had been depicted as a soldier since the seventh century which developed into a golden legend of a dragon making a nest at the spring that provides water in the holy land a place a city called Lydda where the citizen have to dislodge the dragon from its nest to collect water. To start with they offer the dragon a sheep each day, if no sheep can be found then a maiden must go instead of the sheep, the victim is chosen by drawing lots. One day this happens to be a princess. The monarch begs for her to be spared but to no avail. She is offered to the dragon, but there appears Saint George on his travels. He faces the dragon protects himself with the sign of the cross, slays the d

St George

We all know ”ST GEORGE” was not a “Anglo Saxon” he came later, he wasa Brave Martyr , a Legend, who came after 1066 , he is the Patront SAINT ofENGLAND. So here is a brief description of the legend who is the Saint of

more than twelve Countries and Regions and most of all The National Saint of

ENGLAND. Bearing the  “CROSS  of  ST GEORGE”

St George and the Dragon was described by William Caxton as being born

between 275-281 AD and Died 303AD. George was from Anatolia a Greek-speaking

town now part of modern Turkey, and because of his tall stature and fair hair

was probably of Darian origin. Georges family were Christians, his father was

from Cappadocia and served as an officer of the Roman Army. His mother was from

Lydda she provided George with an education in her home town. George joined the

Calvary in the Roman Army at 17 years old very quickly showing courage and

bravery. In his late tewnties he achieved the ranl Tribunus Militum in charge of

a regiment of 1000 men. George was now stationed in Nicomedia as a member of the

guard for Emperor Diocletian. It was a time of civil unrest due to high prices,

through the Roman Empire add to the increase of people converting to

Christianity was causing the ruling bodies concern they prefered paganism, and

tried to swing the pendulam back that way,Galerius the second in command of

Diocletian a avid supporter of Paganism gave a order to destroy Christian

churches, anyone admitting to christianity could lose the rights to citizenship

even there life.A cruel agenda against the Christians was rife, George tried to

limit the cruelty.George went to the city of Nicomedia and tore down the

Emporor’s order, as news spread of Georges rebellion, it was’nt long before he

was arrested and taken before Diocletian, George bravely stood his ground and

denounced the unnecessary cruelty and made a courageous speech. Emperor

Diocletian sentenced George to prison to be tortured to denouce his faith in

Christ.

After various tortures George was executed by decapitation at Nicomedia’s

city wall on the 23rd of April 303AD. His body was returned to Lydda for burial,

where Christians soon came to honour him as a Martyr. St George stayed true to

his faith despite terrible persecution and torture, highly regarded by Muslims

in the Middle East and is the only Christian Saint to be mentioned in the Koran,

the holy book of Islam, also has the distinction of having a Mosque named after

him at Al Khadr Palestine. In 494 AD George was canonised as a Saint by Pope

Gelasuis 1 who said, ” little is known of George yet justly reverenced among

men, but who acts are only known to God ” by 1222 the popularity of St George

encouraged the Bishops of the Oxford Synod in England to declare 23rd of April a

Public Holiday and by 1415 it was as popular as Christmas.

St George : Martyr Born,

275/281 AD Lydda, Palestine Nicomedia.

Bithyia Part of the Roman Empire Death 303 AD

St George a Legend to Democracy and Freedom one of the most venerated Saints

(Catholic) of time, standing up to a Military Establishment staying faithful and

true to his Christian beliefs a courageous man. George (Georgius) (Latin)

meaning “ A worker of the land ” who parents were Christians and his father who

was a Roman Officer died when he was 14, George decided to travel to Nicomedia,

to present himself to Emperor Diocletian to join the Roman Legion. George soon

became one of the finest soldiers in the region. In his twenties he was promoted

to the rank of Tribunus stationed at Nicomedia as an imperial Guard. In 302 AD,

Paganism and Christianity went uneasily side by side, until Diocletian egged on

by Galerius issued a statement that every Christian soldier in the Army should

be arrested along with every other soldier should offer a sacrifice to the Pagan

Gods. George objected and with the courage of his faith challenged ruler

Diocletian who was disturbed and not wanting to at odds with one of his best

soldiers. George confronted Diocletian again in front of his fellow soldiers,

stating he was a Christian and saying he worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ. The

Emperor attempted to persuade George with gifts, Land, Slaves the Emperor made

lots of tempting offers but George refused staying with his faith his Christian

beliefs. The Emperor ruler had little choice than to carry out an execution of

George, for his refusal to denounce his beliefs. George donated his wealth to

the poor, before the start of his ordeal where he was tortured and finally

executed by decapitation before Nicomedia’s city wall on 23rd April

303AD. The witness’s of his suffering and death many converted from paganism to

Christianity including a Pagan Priest and the Empress Alexandra. God Bless Saint

George.

St George and the Dragon was a legend brought back by the Crusaders a story

retold and retold belonging to the genre of romance. The earliest known

depiction was in the eleventh-century Cappadocia. Eastern Orthodox church,

George had been depicted as a soldier since the seventh century which developed

into a golden legend of a dragon making a nest at the spring that provides water

in the holy land a place a city called Lydda where the citizen have to dislodge

the dragon from its nest to collect water. To start with they offer the dragon a

sheep each day, if no sheep can be found then a maiden must go instead of the

sheep, the victim is chosen by drawing lots. One day this happens to be a

princess. The monarch begs for her to be spared but to no avail. She is offered

to the dragon, but there appears Saint George on his travels. He faces the

dragon protects himself with the sign of the cross, slays the dragon, and

rescues the princess. The grateful citizens abandon their paganism and convert

to Christianity.

St George : Martyr Born,

275/281 AD Lydda, Palestine Nicomedia.

Bithyia Part of the Roman Empire Death 303 AD

 

St George a Legend to Democracy and Freedom one of the most venerated Saints

(Catholic) of time, standing up to a Military Establishment staying faithful and

true to his Christian beliefs a courageous man. George (Georgius) (Latin)

meaning “ A worker of the land ” who parents were Christians and his father who

was a Roman Officer died when he was 14, George decided to travel to Nicomedia,

to present himself to Emperor Diocletian to join the Roman Legion. George soon

became one of the finest soldiers in the region. In his twenties he was promoted

to the rank of Tribunus stationed at Nicomedia as an imperial Guard. In 302 AD,

Paganism and Christianity went uneasily side by side, until Diocletian egged on

by Galerius issued a statement that every Christian soldier in the Army should

be arrested along with every other soldier should offer a sacrifice to the Pagan

Gods. George objected and with the courage of his faith challenged ruler

Diocletian who was disturbed and not wanting to at odds with one of his best

soldiers. George confronted Diocletian again in front of his fellow soldiers,

stating he was a Christian and saying he worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ. The

Emperor attempted to persuade George with gifts, Land, Slaves the Emperor made

lots of tempting offers but George refused staying with his faith his Christian

beliefs. The Emperor ruler had little choice than to carry out an execution of

George, for his refusal to denounce his beliefs. George donated his wealth to

the poor, before the start of his ordeal where he was tortured and finally

executed by decapitation before Nicomedia’s city wall on 23rd April

303AD. The witness’s of his suffering and death many converted from paganism to

Christianity including a Pagan Priest and the Empress Alexandra. God Bless Saint

George.

 

St George and the Dragon was a legend brought back by the Crusaders a story

retold and retold belonging to the genre of romance. The earliest known

depiction was in the eleventh-century Cappadocia. Eastern Orthodox church,

George had been depicted as a soldier since the seventh century which developed

into a golden legend of a dragon making a nest at the spring that provides water

in the holy land a place a city called Lydda where the citizen have to dislodge

the dragon from its nest to collect water. To start with they offer the dragon a

sheep each day, if no sheep can be found then a maiden must go instead of the

sheep, the victim is chosen by drawing lots. One day this happens to be a

princess. The monarch begs for her to be spared but to no avail. She is offered

to the dragon, but there appears Saint George on his travels. He faces the

dragon protects himself with the sign of the cross, slays the dragon, and

rescues the princess. The grateful citizens abandon their paganism and convert

to Christianity.

Robin Hood

Robin Hood an “Anglo-Saxon” of  Sherwood Forest. v The “Norman” Sheriff of Nottingham.

Robin Hood an Anglo Saxon , part of true English folklore and a legend taking on the might of the oppressive Norman Sheriff of Nottingham ruling from his castle with his elite group of administrators and tax collectors praying on the down trodden English serfs . Yet Robin to the rescue taking on the Normans and making a fool out of the unreasonable Sheriff time and time again,remember in those times the middle of England lay sprawling deep forests, for when night fell outlaws roamed, no place for a Norman soldier to be wandering back unsafe miles from his Castle, only place for the Normans were back in there secure fortified stronghold safe away from dark and eerie woods ‘ n ‘ forests, safe away from the folklore Robin Hood and his Merrie Englishmen who would snatch that money back and redistribute back to the Poor.

Saint Swithun, Patron Saint and Bishop of Winchester

July the 15th. is St Swithin’s day, or so most folk think, because of the famous legend which attaches to that day. Actually, July the 15th. is the day of his translation, i.e., reburial.
If you are looking out of your window, it is chucking it down with rain! And you know what that means……
‘St. Swithin’s day if thou dost rainFor forty days it will remainSt. Swithin’s day if thou be fairFor forty days ’twill rain no more.’

Saint Swithun (born 800 – died 862)
Saint Swithun was bishop of Winchester from the 30th of October 852 to his death on the 2nd of July 862. He is rarely mentioned during his time,and his death is recorded in the Canterbury Manuscript of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
The Legend has it that ‘St. Swithun’ was moved from where he had been buried, and his remains were placed in the basilica, in Winchester Cathedral, it then rained for forty days and forty nights. People realised that St. Swithun wished to be reburied in the humble open ground back outside in the weather.
When his posthumous wishes were followed, it stopped raining and out came the sun.

The Legend of Queen Emma
Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury, persuades the King that Emma, forty-eight years after her first marriage, fifteen years after the death of her second husband, Canute, had been guilty of too close an intimacy with Aelfwine, Bishop of Winchester. The choice of an Episcopal lover was unlucky, as Aelfwine had been dead three years; a more ingenious romancer would have named Stigand. The Bishop is imprisoned, the Lady is spoiled of her goods, and sent to Wherwell Priory.

From her prison, where she was not very strictly confined, Emma writes to those Bishops in whom she trusted, saying, she is far more shocked at the scandal against Aelfwine, than at the scandal against herself. She is even ready to submit to the ordeal of burning iron in order to prove the Bishop’s innocence.

The other Bishops advise the King to allow the trial, but the Norman Archbishop uses very strong language indeed. Emma is “a wild thing, not a woman;” her daring went so far that, “she called her slimy lover, Christ the Lord,” and so forth; she may make compurgation for the Bishop, but who will make compurgation for herself? Yet, if she will make a double purgation, if she will walk over four burning shares for herself, and five for the Bishop, her innocence shall be allowed. Preparations for the ordeal are made accordingly, Emma passing the night before in prayer at the shrine of St. Swithun, who, in answer to her supplications, appears to her, announcing himself, “I am St. Swithun whom you have invoked; fear not, the fire shall do you no hurt.”

On the morrow, the King with his attendant courtiers assemble; the nine ploughshares are made red-hot, and placed upon the pavement in the Church. Emma now enters, and after making a long invocation, which commences, “Oh God, who didst save Susannah from the malice of the wicked elders, save me,” treads with her bare feet upon the glowing metal: but she senses nothing. She has touched it, yet enquires of the Bishops who lead her by the hand, “When shall we come to the ploughshares?” They show her she has already passed over them. Upon examination, her feet are found to be uninjured – “See the Miracle”. The King is now thoroughly convinced of her innocence, and repenting his cruelty, casts himself at his mother’s feet, exclaiming, “Mother, I have sinned before heaven and before you,” receives stripes both from the Bishop and his mother, restores all their confiscated property, and banishes the Archbishop.