Mackley, J. S. (2011) St George: patron saint of England? Paper presented to: Staff Research Seminar, The University of Northampton, 05 May 2011. (Unpublished)
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Abstract:
This paper considers the literary heritage of St George as National Patron. It explores the legend with which he is most identified (the slaying of the dragon) in terms of Christian allegory. However, George was not an obvious choice for national patron and so the paper surveys other possible candidates and how George has been used and exploited as a cohesive and authoritative force by the monarchy.
There is a legend significantly earlier than the medieval legend of the dragon; this paper analyses the tradition of the martyrdom legend from the beginning of the fourth century and addresses the earliest example of fighting “the dragon”.
It has been argued that such a vague saint should not have achieved such an importance status and his survival must be because his name has been attached to an older tradition. Thus the paper follows the roots of traditions associated with St George though the writings of religion and mythology, before tracing them down through English folklore to some surprising literary descendants
Uncontrolled Keywords:
St George, national heritage, patron saint, England, mythology
Subjects:
Creators:
Mackley, J. S.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities > English and Creative Writing
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Critical and Creative Writing
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > English and Creative Writing
Research Centres > Centre for Critical and Creative Writing
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Critical and Creative Writing
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > English and Creative Writing
Research Centres > Centre for Critical and Creative Writing
Date:
5 May 2011
Date Type:
Presentation
Event Title:
Staff Research Seminar
Event Dates:
05 May 2011
Event Location:
The University of Northampton
Event Type:
Other
Language:
English
Status:
Unpublished
Refereed:
No
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