Baskadia

Once upon a time, in the land of Libya, there existed a town named Silene. This town faced great peril because a fearsome dragon had made its nest at the town's spring—the sole source of water for the people. To draw water, the townsfolk had to offer a daily sacrifice to appease the dragon. Initially, they offered sheep, but when the sheep ran out, they were forced to sacrifice their own children.

The victims were chosen by lottery, and one fateful day, the lot fell on the king's beloved daughter, Princess Sabra. Filled with despair, the king pleaded for her life, offering all his gold, silver, and even half his kingdom. But the people remained unmoved.

Meanwhile, a brave Roman soldier named George was passing through the town. When he saw the princess in tears, he stopped and asked her what was wrong. Sabra told him about the dragon and the sacrifices. Touched by her plight, George decided to help.

Bravely, he rode to the spring where the dragon resided. As the monstrous creature emerged, George made the sign of the cross and charged it on horseback, seriously wounding it with his lance. Then, he called out to the princess to throw him her girdle. Placing it around the dragon's neck, he astonished everyone—the beast became docile and followed the princess back to the town like a meek pet.

Terrified, the townspeople witnessed the dragon's return. But Saint George reassured them, saying, "Fear not. Believe in God, be baptized, and I shall slay the dragon!" Moved by his words, the king and the townspeople converted to Christianity.

True to his word, Saint George slew the dragon. When the king offered him a bag of gold as a reward, George selflessly distributed it among the poor. From that day forth, he became known as the great Dragon Slayer, and his story echoed through the ages—a symbol of bravery, faith, and the triumph of good over evil.

And so, the town of Silene remained safe and peaceful once again, thanks to the courage of Saint George and the dragon that threatened their existence. 🗡️🐉✨