Saint Sebastian
Patron of archers
Saint Sebastian is a Christian martyr from the third century, executed by Roman archers for his faith.
He is typically depicted in art tied to a post or tree, his body pierced by arrows—an image that has made him an enduring symbol of suffering, endurance, and homoerotic beauty.
He is the patron saint of soldiers, athletes, and plague victims.
- arrowPointed shaft for shooting
- Catholic martyrOne killed for Catholicism
- painBodily or emotional distress
- ropeThick twisted fibers
- tied upSecured or unavailable
blood · hagiography · martyr · tree · flesh · Christian soldier · wound · early church · catacombs · sanctuary · pilgrimage destination · suffering · agony · torment · gay icon · skin · archers · bare
- SaintsJoan of Arc, Virgin Mary, Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, Thomas More
- Patron Saints
- Christian LegendsHoly Grail, True Cross, Shroud of Turin, Spear of Destiny, stigmata
- Early SaintsAgatha, Apollonia, Valentine, Damian, Cornelius
- martyrdommartyrs, martyr, Christian martyrs, Catholic martyrs, Stephen
- MartyrsJoan of Arc, Thomas Becket, Thomas More, Felicity, Ignatius of Antioch
martyrdom method
Saint SebastianSaint Lawrence
Major northeastern river-seaway
Saint Peter · John the Baptist · Saint Stephen · Saint Bartholomew