Vol. 17 (2024): Contemporary Issues of Literary Criticism Literatures of Small Countries and Challenges of the Modern Global World
Georgian Folklore and World Mythology

Dragon Defender Saint George and World Experience

Bela Mosia
Shota Meskhia State Teaching University of Zugdidi

Published 2024-12-20

Keywords

  • Dragon,
  • snake,
  • petrified snake,
  • petrify the snake

Abstract

Despite the fact that the topic of the cult of St. George fighting the dragon was discussed many times and by many scientists, we discuss the cult of St. George in the system of popular religion, church frescoes and icons, Georgian hagiography, hymnography and folklore. We will analyze its multifaceted form and meaning. The novelty of our research is the face of the dragon of Gveleti rock and the legend about its punishment by St. George. Particular importance is the petrification spell of the snake, which has survived to this day in Samegrelo, West Georgia.