“St. George and the Dragon”

"St. George and the Dragon" is a marble relief by Michel Colombe, and dates back to 1508–09. It is currently found in the Louvre, Paris. So how can we be sure Dragons didn't exist? Pictures of them can be found in almost every country and many date back to a time when travel was treacherous and undertaken by on a few.

In fact, according to the Encyclopaedia Britanica, in the Baltic religion, Kalvis was a smithy, but he also seems to have been a dragon killer, a function in which he was superseded by the Christian St. George.I guest this was accomplished in between his early morning duty of hammering out a new sun Aušrinė (Latvian Auseklis), the dawn, and a silver belt and golden stirrups for Dievo sūneliai (Latvian Dieva dēli), the morning and evening stars. Regardless, he was noted for his dragon slaying skills long before St. George and long, long before Colombe decided to depict St. George slaying his dragon. You can see the relief by clicking on the link. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic-art/126014/9562/St-George-and-the-Dragon-marble-relief-by-Michel-Colombe

Dragon, Knights and interesting desktop art

Found this interesting site where you can download pictures and artwork for your desktop or screensaver. Some cute Fire-breathing dragons and loads of Fantasy Dragon drawings.

Sean Connery - Knight extraordinairre

I think Sean Connery makes for interesting discussion. He has played Knights, Kings and even a Dragon (well, the voice of a dragon in "Dragonheart"). And as Robin Hood, he stole from the rich and gave to the poor - protecting the innocent. A man who's cinema beginnings were marked with cold blooded killer films, and later playing thieves, has become an icon for Knightly behavior and beliefs. I am glad he "saw the light" and cleaned up his image.

I remember in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" with Kevin Costner, when at the end of the movie the King calls out during the wedding ceremony, holding it up so he could preside. I don't believe there was soul in the theater who did not recognize his voice - so distinctive that it is. And later, people talked about Sean Connery in the film when he had all of three minutes on screen. Obviously he has touched our souls.

And then, in 2000, Sean Connery became Sir Sean Connery when he was knighted by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Obviously, this was not given lightly by the crown and I must agree, it was well deserved.

Are you a Knight?

There is a place where you can go to find out if you are of noble blood and a true knight. www.nobility-royalty.com

Of course, you don't have to have been born of noble blood to become a noble. "Noble" comes from the Latin nobilis in the 13th century.

The definition covers more than just one of high birth or exalted rank. It also pertains to one possessing outstanding qualities or possessing, characterized by, or arising from superiority of mind or character or of ideals or morals. Periodically, the Queen will bestow the honor upon someone who has demonstrated these qualities. Unfortunately (or fortunately for the Queen), the number of people who deserve this honor has dwindled nigh unto nothing. Our governments are corrupt and full of people who have had to sell parts of their souls to get into their positions. Making deals gets you elected, making deals doesn't always allow you to act with nobility...... Thoughts?

Why do dragons interest us so much?

Although I look at movies of medieval times and think how cool it would be to live back then, the fact that I am sitting in comfortable chair enjoying the movie is proof that I would not last long. I gag when I watch "Fear Factor" when contestants must eat something truly disgusting and I imagine that people living in Medieval times - the DARK AGES - probably at whatever came their way. And liked it.

So, how long have dragons been a part of our history? They have practically forgotten unicorns, which we learned were left behind when Noah's Ark took sail because the were busy playing and missed the boat. We see them periodically in a movie, but they don't take center stage. Ah, but Dragons do. Imagine those poor people living in Medieval times, barely scratching out a living from the soil, being hounded by neighboring war lords, hounded by their own masters through unreasonable taxes, and what else do they have to contend with? Dragons! Okay, so I said I sometimes think it would be cool to have lived back then. Perhaps it is better that I did not.