St. Christopher

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MadmaxofDerry

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Jan 31, 2018
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I have just finished 'Salem's Lot and the mention of a St. Christopher medal is mentioned around 3 times. I just started the short story One for the Road and the medal is mentioned once more. From my understanding St. Christopher is the protector of travelers, I don't understand why it's him. The church is St. Andrew, in town. Does anyone have any ideas why St. Christopher was a leading factor, so to speak?
 

Doc Creed

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I have just finished 'Salem's Lot and the mention of a St. Christopher medal is mentioned around 3 times. I just started the short story One for the Road and the medal is mentioned once more. From my understanding St. Christopher is the protector of travelers, I don't understand why it's him. The church is St. Andrew, in town. Does anyone have any ideas why St. Christopher was a leading factor, so to speak?
There are some practicing Catholics on this board who'd be better equipped to answer your question but l'd say the St. Christopher medal is the most common symbol, besides the crucifix, used to ward off evil and invite God's protection. I'm guessing King chose it because it is so common. Not sure. I'm curious, too, to know the answer.
 

MadmaxofDerry

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Jan 31, 2018
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I don't know how Saint Christopher became the protector of travelers but I have a few friends who hang a Saint Christopher pendant from their rear view mirror.
I did a little crash course research and what I read is that Christopher carried an infant child on his back across a river and the child grew up to be Jesus. I guess one reason is that he'll watch over them as they transition from a simple, normal lives to the wretched ones they'll have to live out. I just thought of that, no evidence to support.
 

not_nadine

Comfortably Roont
Nov 19, 2011
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I don't know how Saint Christopher became the protector of travelers but I have a few friends who hang a Saint Christopher pendant from their rear view mirror.

Sure HollyGolightly will know more.

The Story and History of Saint Christopher
The story and history of Saint Christopher. He was originally called Offero, a pagan. Offero was a well-built, strong man and so tall that was sometimes referred to as a giant. On his travels he met a hermit who guided travellers to the safe points where they could cross a dangerous river. Christopher took the place of the hermit but instead of just guiding travellers to safe places, he would often carry them across the river, especially any small children. Legend re-tells the story so that one of these children was the infant Jesus. He converted to Christianity, through the teachings of the hermit, and he changed his name to Christoffero which led to the name Christopher. Early in AD250 the Roman Emperor Decius (reigned 249–251) issued an edict for the suppression of Christianity in the Roman Empire and Christopher is listed as a martyr killed during these persecutions of 3rd century Rome

My guy was St. Francis.
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
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I have just finished 'Salem's Lot and the mention of a St. Christopher medal is mentioned around 3 times. I just started the short story One for the Road and the medal is mentioned once more. From my understanding St. Christopher is the protector of travelers, I don't understand why it's him. The church is St. Andrew, in town. Does anyone have any ideas why St. Christopher was a leading factor, so to speak?
Maybe because Stephen King is married to a Catholic? Perhaps he heard something about St. Christopher in passing and it stuck in his brain.

I'm reading Bag of Bones and while he may not be talking about himself in that book, Mike Noonan will do some research to fill out a story but he never really goes in depth (or words to that effect).

Which reminds me - I need to go pick that book up again!
 

Moderator

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Maybe because Stephen King is married to a Catholic? Perhaps he heard something about St. Christopher in passing and it stuck in his brain.

I'm reading Bag of Bones and while he may not be talking about himself in that book, Mike Noonan will do some research to fill out a story but he never really goes in depth (or words to that effect).

Which reminds me - I need to go pick that book up again!
St. Christopher medals were really popular in the '60s, at least where I was living but that may have been because there was a large Catholic population. dunno.gif
 

MadmaxofDerry

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Jan 31, 2018
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I assume you're asking why SK used St Christopher's emblems in 'Salem's Lot. I would have thought it's because of the constant travelling Ben and Mark have to do after what happens in the novel.
That is a good point, they did leave town after the final battle. Cross country and borders. The whole group went through a transition. Jimmy, Ben, Matt, Susan, and Mark. I thought it was funny how easily they jumped on board of the idea of vampires in town. I read mine on the kindle as well, I prefer actual books. Able to flip back and forth.
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
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skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
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St. Christopher is the patron of travelers and of people who carry things (like truckers). He's a biggie because he is not just venerated in the Roman Catholic church, but also by Greek Orthodox, Eastern Rite Catholics, Lutherans, and I think Episcopalians/Anglicans (could be wrong there). I suspect Mr. King chose that piece of jewelry because it is a readily recognizable and familiar symbol of Catholicism, without being as hard core as a rosary (which no one should wear, BTW). Many people who are not even Catholic might wear a St. Christopher medal for protection, because why not cover all your bases(lol).
 

champ1966

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Dec 3, 2011
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That is a good point, they did leave town after the final battle. Cross country and borders. The whole group went through a transition. Jimmy, Ben, Matt, Susan, and Mark. I thought it was funny how easily they jumped on board of the idea of vampires in town. I read mine on the kindle as well, I prefer actual books. Able to flip back and forth.
I have everyone of his books on my bookcase. I find the kindle great for looking things up. I've only read one book on it, a non SK, it's actually my 13 year old daughter's.
 

MadmaxofDerry

Well-Known Member
Jan 31, 2018
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I have everyone of his books on my bookcase. I find the kindle great for looking things up. I've only read one book on it, a non SK, it's actually my 13 year old daughter's.
I like it because I travel for work and it's compact. Love the feel actual pages turning. I love the abundance of knowledge, so every little not to a character or place I like to go over a flip pages to see.