![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65093e9c9ceb3.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65094ebd2611f.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6509825442f80.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65094eb1e9a49.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65094eb9b8eb2.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65094eb39dfeb.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65094ebf7a813.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65094ec38d3c6.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65094ec648adb.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65094ec2ec86e.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_650972fdc9677.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65097fc656dd9.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65094ec045622.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65094f37d7135.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_650964212e578.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_650967029c958.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6509875077d25.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6509623744deb.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_650972fdf101c.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_650973018d3c7.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_650973015fe25.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6509730118593.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6509826017158.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6509825b96ad1.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65097fb8e0e32.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65097fa997940.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65097fc24b479.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65097faf53176.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65097fb2d81b0.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65097fbe577ee.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65097fc5bba53.jpg)
![Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_65097fc4a8f91.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 32 Fotos
Seven archangels
- Saint Michael is one of the seven archangels in the Christian tradition. This is a special rank of higher angels, who have been entrusted with specific tasks.
© Shutterstock
1 / 32 Fotos
Chief angels
- The English word “angel” comes from the Latin angelus, meaning “messenger of God.” The term “archangel” denotes an angel as 'chief' or 'principal.' These angels are higher in rank than guardian angels.
© Shutterstock
2 / 32 Fotos
God-like
- Archangel Michael's name means "who is like God." He is described as a "special protector of the children of Israel" in the Holy Scriptures.
© Shutterstock
3 / 32 Fotos
Bible
- Michael is mentioned in the Bible in the books of Daniel, Jude, and Revelation. In the book of Daniel, Michael is described as a protector of Israel.
© Shutterstock
4 / 32 Fotos
Guardian angel
- Michael is often depicted as a warrior with a sword and shield. He is is considered to be the guardian angel of the Church and the protector of Christians.
© Shutterstock
5 / 32 Fotos
Judgement
- He is sometimes depicted as holding a scale, symbolizing his role on Judgement Day where he will weigh people's merits.
© Shutterstock
6 / 32 Fotos
Healing
- Archangel Michael is associated with healing and he is invoked for matters of spiritual guidance.
© Shutterstock
7 / 32 Fotos
Warrior
- As previously mentioned, as a warrior of God, Michael is often depicted as holding a sword and shield. He was considered the patron saint of the Holy Roman Empire.
© Shutterstock
8 / 32 Fotos
Book of Revelation
- In the book of Revelation, Michael is depicted as leading the armies of God against Satan.
© Shutterstock
9 / 32 Fotos
Slaying the dragon
- Archangel Michael is often depicted slaying a dragon, which is supposed to represent Satan.
© Shutterstock
10 / 32 Fotos
Iconography
- The iconography of St. Michael as a warrior slaying the dragon is ubiquitous, but in Byzantine art he was frequently depicted as a princely court dignitary.
© Shutterstock
11 / 32 Fotos
Eastern Orthodox Church
- Most of the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Michaelmas on November 8.
© Shutterstock
12 / 32 Fotos
Qur'an
- Michael is one of four archangels mentioned in the Qur'an. In Islamic tradition, Michael is known as Mika'il and is considered to be the angel of mercy.
© Shutterstock
13 / 32 Fotos
Michaelmas
- In Western Christianity, Michaelmas is historically celebrated on September 29 every year. It is also known as the Feast of Michael and All Angels.
© Shutterstock
14 / 32 Fotos
Michaelmas
- As Michaelmas coincides with the harvest season, in the Middle Ages it was a time of feasting and popular traditions.
© Shutterstock
15 / 32 Fotos
Winter protection
- Around Michaelmas, darker nights and colder temperatures begin. Michaelmas celebrations encouraged his protection in the darker, winter months when it would be needed more.
© Shutterstock
16 / 32 Fotos
Duties
- In the Catholic tradition, Archangel Michael has four distinct duties to perform.
© Shutterstock
17 / 32 Fotos
Battle
- Archangel Michael has a duty to wage battle against Satan and other fallen angels.
© Shutterstock
18 / 32 Fotos
Save souls
- He saves the souls of the faithful at the hour of death from the power of Satan.
© Shutterstock
19 / 32 Fotos
Protection
- He is the divine protector of the People of God, both the Jews of the Old Covenant and the Christians of the New Covenant.
© Shutterstock
20 / 32 Fotos
The departed
- He has a duty to lead the souls of the departed from this life. Archangel Michael is said to present the departed souls to the Lord upon death, and again at the end of time for final judgement.
© Shutterstock
21 / 32 Fotos
Exorcism
- Traditionally, Archangel Michael is called upon to free those possessed in bondage to evil spirits. For example, during an exorcism.
© Shutterstock
22 / 32 Fotos
Patron saint
- Michael is the patron saint of the military, police officers, firefighters, death, and those who work in dangerous conditions.
© Shutterstock
23 / 32 Fotos
"The Sword of St. Michael"
- Seven geographical locations in Europe have sanctuaries to St. Michael, which form the shape of a sword when linked together on a map.
© Shutterstock
24 / 32 Fotos
Skellig Michael, Co. Cork, Ireland
- This rugged, remote island rock is thought to have been dedicated to Archangel Michael as early as 950 CE. It's where the Sword of St. Michael begins.
© Shutterstock
25 / 32 Fotos
St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall, UK
- Thought to have been built by Benedictine monks in 495 CE, the monastery on the site in Cornwall was an important place of worship to Saint Michael.
© Shutterstock
26 / 32 Fotos
Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
- According to legend, Archangel Michael appeared to the bishop of Avranches, instructing him to build a church where Mont-Saint Michel is situated today.
© Shutterstock
27 / 32 Fotos
Sacra di San Michele (Saint Michael’s Abbey), Val di Susa, Italy
- A majestic monastery to Archangel Michael sits perched at the base of the Alps in Val di Susa.
© Shutterstock
28 / 32 Fotos
The Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, Apulia, Italy
- According to legend, there have been three apparitions of Archangel Michael at the Sanctuary in Foggia.
© Shutterstock
29 / 32 Fotos
Panormitis Monastery, Symi Island, Greece
- Devout pilgrims leave gifts in return for asking something of Archangel Michael at the monastery in Symi.
© Shutterstock
30 / 32 Fotos
Stella Maris Monastery, Haifa, Israel
- The sacred site in Haifa, close to Nazareth, is the endpoint of the Sword of Saint Michael. Sources: (Britannica) (Aleteia) (Historic UK) (The Catholic Travel Guide) (Catholic Straight Answers) (Sanctoral) (Catholic Online) See also: Eerie crypts and their spooky secrets
© Shutterstock
31 / 32 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 32 Fotos
Seven archangels
- Saint Michael is one of the seven archangels in the Christian tradition. This is a special rank of higher angels, who have been entrusted with specific tasks.
© Shutterstock
1 / 32 Fotos
Chief angels
- The English word “angel” comes from the Latin angelus, meaning “messenger of God.” The term “archangel” denotes an angel as 'chief' or 'principal.' These angels are higher in rank than guardian angels.
© Shutterstock
2 / 32 Fotos
God-like
- Archangel Michael's name means "who is like God." He is described as a "special protector of the children of Israel" in the Holy Scriptures.
© Shutterstock
3 / 32 Fotos
Bible
- Michael is mentioned in the Bible in the books of Daniel, Jude, and Revelation. In the book of Daniel, Michael is described as a protector of Israel.
© Shutterstock
4 / 32 Fotos
Guardian angel
- Michael is often depicted as a warrior with a sword and shield. He is is considered to be the guardian angel of the Church and the protector of Christians.
© Shutterstock
5 / 32 Fotos
Judgement
- He is sometimes depicted as holding a scale, symbolizing his role on Judgement Day where he will weigh people's merits.
© Shutterstock
6 / 32 Fotos
Healing
- Archangel Michael is associated with healing and he is invoked for matters of spiritual guidance.
© Shutterstock
7 / 32 Fotos
Warrior
- As previously mentioned, as a warrior of God, Michael is often depicted as holding a sword and shield. He was considered the patron saint of the Holy Roman Empire.
© Shutterstock
8 / 32 Fotos
Book of Revelation
- In the book of Revelation, Michael is depicted as leading the armies of God against Satan.
© Shutterstock
9 / 32 Fotos
Slaying the dragon
- Archangel Michael is often depicted slaying a dragon, which is supposed to represent Satan.
© Shutterstock
10 / 32 Fotos
Iconography
- The iconography of St. Michael as a warrior slaying the dragon is ubiquitous, but in Byzantine art he was frequently depicted as a princely court dignitary.
© Shutterstock
11 / 32 Fotos
Eastern Orthodox Church
- Most of the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Michaelmas on November 8.
© Shutterstock
12 / 32 Fotos
Qur'an
- Michael is one of four archangels mentioned in the Qur'an. In Islamic tradition, Michael is known as Mika'il and is considered to be the angel of mercy.
© Shutterstock
13 / 32 Fotos
Michaelmas
- In Western Christianity, Michaelmas is historically celebrated on September 29 every year. It is also known as the Feast of Michael and All Angels.
© Shutterstock
14 / 32 Fotos
Michaelmas
- As Michaelmas coincides with the harvest season, in the Middle Ages it was a time of feasting and popular traditions.
© Shutterstock
15 / 32 Fotos
Winter protection
- Around Michaelmas, darker nights and colder temperatures begin. Michaelmas celebrations encouraged his protection in the darker, winter months when it would be needed more.
© Shutterstock
16 / 32 Fotos
Duties
- In the Catholic tradition, Archangel Michael has four distinct duties to perform.
© Shutterstock
17 / 32 Fotos
Battle
- Archangel Michael has a duty to wage battle against Satan and other fallen angels.
© Shutterstock
18 / 32 Fotos
Save souls
- He saves the souls of the faithful at the hour of death from the power of Satan.
© Shutterstock
19 / 32 Fotos
Protection
- He is the divine protector of the People of God, both the Jews of the Old Covenant and the Christians of the New Covenant.
© Shutterstock
20 / 32 Fotos
The departed
- He has a duty to lead the souls of the departed from this life. Archangel Michael is said to present the departed souls to the Lord upon death, and again at the end of time for final judgement.
© Shutterstock
21 / 32 Fotos
Exorcism
- Traditionally, Archangel Michael is called upon to free those possessed in bondage to evil spirits. For example, during an exorcism.
© Shutterstock
22 / 32 Fotos
Patron saint
- Michael is the patron saint of the military, police officers, firefighters, death, and those who work in dangerous conditions.
© Shutterstock
23 / 32 Fotos
"The Sword of St. Michael"
- Seven geographical locations in Europe have sanctuaries to St. Michael, which form the shape of a sword when linked together on a map.
© Shutterstock
24 / 32 Fotos
Skellig Michael, Co. Cork, Ireland
- This rugged, remote island rock is thought to have been dedicated to Archangel Michael as early as 950 CE. It's where the Sword of St. Michael begins.
© Shutterstock
25 / 32 Fotos
St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall, UK
- Thought to have been built by Benedictine monks in 495 CE, the monastery on the site in Cornwall was an important place of worship to Saint Michael.
© Shutterstock
26 / 32 Fotos
Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
- According to legend, Archangel Michael appeared to the bishop of Avranches, instructing him to build a church where Mont-Saint Michel is situated today.
© Shutterstock
27 / 32 Fotos
Sacra di San Michele (Saint Michael’s Abbey), Val di Susa, Italy
- A majestic monastery to Archangel Michael sits perched at the base of the Alps in Val di Susa.
© Shutterstock
28 / 32 Fotos
The Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, Apulia, Italy
- According to legend, there have been three apparitions of Archangel Michael at the Sanctuary in Foggia.
© Shutterstock
29 / 32 Fotos
Panormitis Monastery, Symi Island, Greece
- Devout pilgrims leave gifts in return for asking something of Archangel Michael at the monastery in Symi.
© Shutterstock
30 / 32 Fotos
Stella Maris Monastery, Haifa, Israel
- The sacred site in Haifa, close to Nazareth, is the endpoint of the Sword of Saint Michael. Sources: (Britannica) (Aleteia) (Historic UK) (The Catholic Travel Guide) (Catholic Straight Answers) (Sanctoral) (Catholic Online) See also: Eerie crypts and their spooky secrets
© Shutterstock
31 / 32 Fotos
Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael
This "saint" is actually an archangel
© Shutterstock
September is the month that Michaelmas takes place, when certain Christian denominations honor the feast of St. Michael. A unique figure in Christianity, St. Michael is neither human nor God, instead being an archangel. His imagery is enduring as a warrior of God, and he makes appearances in both the Bible and the Qur’an.
An enigmatic figure, there are no shortage of statues and artwork depicting him. But just where does the legend of this protector and guardian come from? And did he really slay dragons? Click on the gallery to find out!
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![The angel number of each zodiac sign](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66daea83cf3d5.jpg)
![Do you have a Sunday reset routine?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dabb3c56bfa.jpg)
![Natural spies: Animals used in espionage](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9cea393994.jpg)
![Miracles and a temper? Experts investigate Jesus' childhood](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dafd980019e.jpg)
![Exploring the tree house hotel where Princess Elizabeth learned she'd be Queen](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66daf9f737929.jpg)
![The top 30 most valuable brands of 2024](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d6f050a2e93.jpg)
![Countries where bosses can't contact employees after hours](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dae767723a3.jpg)
![The sad reality of femicide around the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dace5c31b08.jpg)
![Who is the top goal scorer of all time?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66dac9cd5b549.jpg)
![The amazing life of Jane Goodall, the world's most famous primatologist](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9c5a6523fb.jpg)
![What was the Neanderthal diet like?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9c4ba462b7.jpg)
![The greatest surfers of all time](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82a3991191.jpg)
![Fascinating facts you probably didn't know about the Oval Office](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66db0390a5798.jpg)
![How does tennis scoring actually work?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82a540f53f.jpg)
![What would the world look like if mosquitos were eradicated?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d5eac49dc86.jpg)
![Countries that have banned X, TikTok, and Facebook](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d72124468bd.jpg)
![Outdated workplace trends to say goodbye to](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8529e0ac2a.jpg)
![American football players who became coaches](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d59a4ede1a9.jpg)
![Experts predict a tsunami in Europe with 100% probability](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d97aef417a7.jpg)
![The greatest female wrestlers of all time](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d5d7aa902d2.jpg)
![How your zodiac sign influences your personality traits](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d84e22a505a.jpg)
![Unique ways your zodiac sign sabotages romantic relationships](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d84aee582cb.jpg)
![Japan's trick to reverse population collapse](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d719469c392.jpg)
![The terrifying history of the dark web](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d84942d0d7a.jpg)
![The F1 drivers with the most pole positions ever](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d71d2095a6e.jpg)
![The most (and least) intelligent zodiac signs, ranked](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8447cb1c5d.jpg)
![The fascinating spiritual meaning of your animal dreams, revealed](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d83ec1a1923.jpg)
![Are you an introvert? These are the telltale signs](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d840333af90.jpg)
![The sad reasons why some good relationships don't last](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d84195c34c0.jpg)
![Clear signs you've hit a midlife crisis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d83d116bd09.jpg)
![Stunning pictures of the world's strangest and rarest weather phenomena](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d83c14b308e.jpg)
![These zodiac signs are the funniest](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8329f2cd1f.jpg)
![You can live in luxury on a budget in these countries](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82d763b2b6.jpg)
![This is why even the best players miss penalties during a shoot-out](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82c209a643.jpg)
![Which countries have the most bald men?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d838cccf6e9.jpg)
![Decode your pup: strange dog behaviors explained](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d086ddd77a1.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
LIFESTYLE Wealth
-
3
HEALTH Bad habit
-
4
LIFESTYLE History
-
5
FOOD Food storage
-
6
LIFESTYLE Secondhand
-
7
LIFESTYLE Secondhand
-
8
HEALTH Risks
-
9
-
10
LIFESTYLE Politics
Why is the far-right gaining popularity among young people in Europe?