Read by Antony Walker

The medieval town Montblanc in Spain houses the most popular legend of Catalonia - the legend of Saint Jordi. The tale is not only popular and therefore well-known, but also a reason for Catalans to celebrate each year on April 23th. Find out why by listening to the tale, read by Antony Walker, who works in the local English Center of Montblanc.

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Transcript

Now, this is one of the most popular Catalonian legends that is celebrated with great pomp and show, even today, especially in Barcelona. Legend has it that there was once a dragon living in Montblanc, who terrorised the villagers and devoured their animals. Soon enough, all the animals had vanished and it was time for the dragon to turn his wrath upon the people. The villagers decided to draw lots and sacrifice a person each day, by offering him to the dragon. On one of these occasions, the unfortunate person whose name was picked up was the princess. People offered to take her place, owing to her kind nature, but the King refused to let anyone sacrifice their lives for his daughter. The princess was sent to the dragon, and just as she was about to be swallowed up , a knight in shining armour appeared and decided to fight the creature. After a rough confrontation, he was able to kill the dragon with his lance and spill his blood. From the spot where the blood had spilt, grew a red rose, which the knight then plucked and presented to the princess. The knight was called San Jorge (Saint George). To commemorate this event, every year on April 23, a huge celebration is carried out on the streets and men give roses to the women they love.