The archangel Saint Michael and the dragon (or sometimes satan) is an allegory to the struggle between the good and the evil. The legend tells us that Saint Michael became the patron saint of Brussels in the 11th century. When the governor of Brussels could escape from a death penalty after praying to Saint Michael. Grateful, he erected a church to the archangel, which became the nowadays known Saint Michael cathedral. The city of Brussels offers medals with the effigy of Saint Michael as a token of gratitude on special occasions.