The origin of St George and the Dragon is debated but the story is consistent. When a Libyan community was plagued by a dragon, the residents agreed to sacrifice children chosen by lottery. When the king’s daughter was selected, Saint George charged the beast on horseback and speared it with his lance. In gratitude, the townspeople converted to Christianity. In 1889, this moment of inspirational bravery was captured in this bronze sculpture by Joseph Edgar Boehm and erected on the Forecourt of the State Library of Victoria.