St. James the Great

Christianity is a very popular tradition practiced all over the world. No matter what culture one is a part of, Christianity has universal ideas and principles. For example, St. James is known to Christian people in America and in Spain. This well- known saint’s tale is admired because of his remains founded in the city of Compostela, where he now has a shrine. People today still accomplish the “Camino de Compostela” to honor him. The incredible feat of the legend of St. James was and still is unforgettable. Starting with the potential of St. James to accomplish great things, a legend was believed by many when he died and soon was carried out through a walk of his remembrance that effected all people.

To begin, St. James, son of Zebedee was born in the 1st century AD in Bethsaida, Judaea; also known as the Roman Empire. Sadly, his life ended in 44 AD in Jerusalem, Judaea. Because of his pilgrimages he made later in his life, he is usually pictured with a scallop shell on his shoulder and a pilgrim’s hat. He is often referred to as James the Greater, James the Great, or Santiago de Compostela. St. James was born and raised in a fortunate family. His father, Zebedee, was a successful fisherman, his mother, Salome, was a very pious women, and his brother was one of Jesus’s apostles, John. Since his family was so wealthy and high in social rank, St. James received ordinary education. More importantly, James was one of the first disciples to join Jesus. Jesus chose him to witness great things like the Transfiguration because he was such a good samaritan. He was believed to be the first of the twelve apostles martyred for his faith. Overall, St. James was seen to have the potential to accomplish great things.

Even though St. James was a remarkable person, the legends that he lived out were more impactful than him as a person. St. James traveled the Iberian Peninsula spreading Christianity to the Celtic peoples. The legend of St. James reveals the years of him...