Kevin's Watch

Could the legend of Berek have been inspired by the myths and folklore concerning St.George, who is after all Patron of Lepers?

The image of St. George is a brave warrior, victor and miracle-worker. He is the "Purity of spirit, selfless devotion to the protection of his country and boundless courage and valor in the service of goodness.
The well known legend of St. George and the Dragon is usually described as an allegoric fight of good vs evil, where the princess is the symbol of the Land (England or other country or city of which he is patron), and where the Dragon is the enemy.

In one of the Christian legends, he is portrayed as a great champion in the service of an evil king or emperor (usually Diocletian). When the king proclaims he will wage war against those who will not worship his demonic gods, George turns against him. He is then subject to horrible torture, but will not concede, no matter which terrors are inflicted on him. Three times he is killed, and three times ressurected. At last, his head is cut off, whereafter the king and his governors are consumed by fire from heaven. However, the queen Alexandra listens to him and is eventually converted to Christianity.

In many parts of eastern Europe (Estonia, Ukraine, Greece) St George is associated with local folklore (originally pagan), and St.George's Day was widely celebrated. Here, St. George was the Bringer of Spring, and the Awakener of Earth. One may not sit on the ground before this day "since the earth is not able to breathe yet, and may cause disease." The earth is thought to have special magical powers on this day, and there is a ban on doing damage to trees or plants.

fascinating. even if not directly inspired, Jung would say that the seeds of myth live within us all.

That's really interesting! You very well might be on to something here!

St.George is also connected to the myths behind the Uffington White Horse (giant bronze/iron age carving of at horse or dragon, ingraved into the chalk hillside). St. George is also referred to as "lord of horses" and is associated with pagan horse cult. According to the legend, his miraculous white horse "Bayard" led him to the dragon, which he defeated with a magical spear.

The relics of St. George (most notably two of his severed fingers) rested in St. George's Chapel and were a great attraction to pilgrims (certainly many lepers, since he was their patron saint) until ejected at the reformation.

Whether or not St. George has anything to do with Berek, it is fair to assume that many lepers of Catholic or Othodox faith that Covenant would have encountered at the leprosarium may have kept icons or amulets of St. George, or adressed their prayers to this particular saint.

Covenant would of course have scoffed at the idea. He would probably just scowl and mutter: "Hellfire! It isn't that easy!" to himself.

Troparion to St. George (Tone 4 Russian)
As Deliver of captives,
and Defender of the poor,
Healer of the infirm,
Champion of kings.
Victorious Great Martyr George,
Intercede with Christ, Our God,
For our souls' sal va tion.

thats a really interesting veiw, i think we should get Mouseglove to ask stephen donaldson the next time they meet up.