NR | 11 episodes | Drama, Adventure | 2024
In any word association game, when the name St. George pops up, the likely response is “dragon.” In fact, one of St. George’s nicknames is “dragon-slayer.” Now, with the latest audio drama from Coronation Media, he'll also be remembered as the “Firebreaker.”
The legend of St. George and the dragon has been reimagined—and expanded—in this 11-episode podcast, released this past summer. The story of St. George is based on the Medieval-era compendium of saints’ stories called “The Golden Legend,” as well as from available historical information. “Firebreaker” is possibly one of the most comprehensive stories on this legendary figure.
Back Stories
"Saint George and the Dragon," circa 1470, by Paolo Uccello. Oil on canvas. National Gallery, London. Public Domain
The first couple of episodes focus on giving the backstories on George and on the dragons’ arrival in ancient Silene (in present-day Libya). George is celebrating his 10th birthday in his hometown of Cappadocia (a region in present-day Turkey) when a dragon swoops in and sets the town on fire, killing his parents. George escapes on his steed named Michael and ends up in a Roman camp, where he’s taken in as a stable boy.
In the second episode, a dragon in Silene called Kakos has hypnotized the king of Silene’s trusted adviser Plisto, who becomes its mouthpiece. Many Silenians fall under its spell, even the king, leaving his daughter Princess Aia struggling to find a savior who can rid Silene of this beast. The kingdom needs to find one soon as Kakos demands a “tribute,” essentially a sacrifice—and the next one is the princess.
The Medium
As families listen—entranced—to the marvelous and heroic deeds of George as he struggles to find his inner strength, to overcome the temptations of pride and self-glorification, and to uncover the truth of his past, they are reminded of the Golden Age of Radio, when shows like “Little Orphan Annie,” “The Lone Ranger,” and “The Green Hornet” dominated the airwaves. That era saw whole families gathered to listen and be entertained—an aspect of family life that is sadly long erased by the distraction of too many gadgets and options.“Firebreaker” is a refreshing medium for family fun without the use of screens or CGI. It relies instead on the minds of the listeners. As families tune in to George (voiced by David Henrie from Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”) and Princess Aia (voiced by Elizabeth Tabish of “The Chosen”), they follow in the characters’ struggles and rejoice in their triumphs.
David Henrie ("Wizards of Waverly Place" and "How I Met Your Mother") is the voice of George in "Firebreaker." YuhakGuardian/CC BY-SA 3.0
Sound design vividly captures the clip-clopping of horses’ hooves, the ominous chanting of dragon-worshippers, the raspy breathing of the dragon as it burns a stray goat to death, and the cheerful rejoicing of a kingdom that is saved.
The original soundtrack also enhances the scenes as needed: dramatic music during moments of revelations and sweeping music as the resistance fighters travel on horseback.
As such, minds take on a more active role, eschewing the passivity of sitting in front of a screen. Each podcast is around 20 minutes long, an optimal amount of time for holding listeners’ attention.
Why St. George?
In a statement released by the showrunner Gary Gasse, he explains that he wanted to tell stories “that celebrate [his sons’] masculinity, but call them to virtue, love, and sacrifice. It is not enough to have stories where heroism is celebrated: It needs to [be] contextualized in love.”In a few scenes, George is hypnotized by the dragon, which shows him visions of the riches and the glory he could have. With much difficulty, he wrests himself from these tantalizing delusions and remembers that a dragon killed his parents. His love for his parents helps him overcome these temptations.
‘May the Dragon Never Be My Overlord’
George’s story also reminds listeners that we all have our dragons (or demons) that we have to face. These can come in many forms and are essentially anything that destroys the true essence of humanity and what we’re called to be. As Gasse elaborates, “They are the forces that twist truth, distort our priorities, and lead us into toxicity.”Even with the help of the old and mysterious Theodore, young Demetrius of Silene, the unstoppable Michael, and the use of an ancient spear Ascalon, George realizes that he cannot fight the dragon without a little bit of “divine help.” Listeners are taken along in this journey of good versus evil.
Season 1 of “Firebreaker” concluded at the end of September. However, a new season is being ramped up. This is a good time to dim the lights and crank up the volume. The whole family can get swept up in the first season of the epic fantasy that is George as the “Firebreaker.”
“Firebreaker” is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
Trailer cover for "Firebreaker." Coronation Media
‘Firebreaker’
Director: Jim Morlino
Starring: David Henrie, Elizabeth Tabish, John Horton, James Majewski
Not Rated
Episodes: 11
Release Dates: July 10 to Sept. 25, 2024
Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5
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