The Legend of St. George

The story of the slaying of the dragon by St. George is at least 800 years old. In Libya in the town of Silene a dragon lived near the city, and he poisoned the people with his breath. The townspeople fed the dragon with sheep each day so that he would not harm the people. The city ran out of sheep and decided that each day a lottery would be held with the looser being given to the dragon so that he would not destroy the city. One day the king's daughter drew the unlucky number. The king offered all of his gold and silver to spare her life, but the townspeople prevailed that she must be sacrificed to save the city. The king then led her to the place where the dragon lived. Whie she was there awaiting the dragon, St. George passed by and asked the princess why she was weeping. She told him, “Go away or you will perish as well.” George heard her tale and told her “Be of good courage for I have been sent to save you.” The dragon appeared and came running toward them. George struck him in the neck, wounding him severely. He told the princess to take her sash and tie it around the dragon's neck and lead it back to the city. The townspeople were terrified when they saw the dragon but George told them to no longer fear it as he had been sent by the Lord to protect them. George then took his sword and cut off the dragon's head, saving the princess and the town.   This wonderful legend has been honored in the Gold British Sovereign coin, a part of our Signature Series.