Final answer:
St. Göran and the Dragon is a tale where St. George slays a dragon, symbolizing the victory over evil. It's referenced in various artworks, like Harald's runestone, and connected to broader themes of divine triumph and the conversion of the Danes to Christianity.
Step-by-step explanation:
St. Göran and the Dragon is a narrative that depicts St. George as a salvationist figure who slays cosmic evil, symbolized by a serpent-dragon. This act of violence is considered justifiable due to its sacred and salvific character. The story of St. George slaying the dragon has been referenced and symbolized in various works of art and inscriptions, including the Jelling Stones, where the conversion of the Danes to Christianity is documented alongside a serpent entwined with a lion, possibly symbolizing the triumph of Christian forces over pagan beliefs. Such themes echo in other historic narratives and artworks, including the depiction of saints as protectors and victors in battles, and the use of dragons and serpents as symbols of evil forces to be defeated by righteous heroes or divine figures.
One particularly significant piece is Harald's Stone, which has been deemed as Denmark's "baptismal certificate" due to its inscription and depiction of Christ. This carving on Harald's runestone may symbolize the replacement of the Norse god Odin with the Christian figure of Christ. Additionally, the use of dragon imagery across different cultures, such as the dragon motif found in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, serves a symbolic purpose, in this case representing the emperors' auspicious powers in Imperial China.