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Monday 10 June 2019

Ancient And Modern Holy Grail Books

By Maria Peterson


As far as spanning the course of history, one of the most famous conquests of all time is the search for a religious object. In fact, the numerous holy grail books now on the market often focus on this search. Whereas, there have also been a number of comedic and dramatic films approach the topic.

In the beginning, a wafer like those used in Mass was believed to have provided healing and potentially eternal life after the Fisher King had been healed from a long injury. After which, the story having been handed down through the ages changed over time. Whereas, now the chalice or cup which held the wafer is believed to be the sacred relic so many archeologists, scientists, theologians and others have been searching for since disappearing over 900 years ago.

Whether The Da Vinci Code, Indiana Jones or Monty Python, the cup holds a spectacular narrative in relation to Christ. For, the narrative related to the search has now spanned over nine-hundred years. In one case, believing immortal life will come to all those whom drink from the goblet.

The all-encompassing attraction to the chalice has expanded throughout Western literature and art, all of which were inspired by the legend. In addition, Joseph of Arimathea's trek to the British Isles inspired King Arthur and the round table knights to search for the object. While this is interesting, more so is the story of the object being shared with the disciples at the Last Supper and having captured Christ's blood during he crucifixion, for these stories are often long, fantastical and full of adventure.

Today, when discussing the object, most people describe the grail as being some type of vessel from which one eats or drinks. In most cases, the description being based on the individual telling the story. While this is the case, most do refer to the holy relic as either a dish, chalice or stone.

In Arthurian literature, the story tends to change over the course of time. In fact, there have been so many translations and adaptations, it can sometimes be difficult to know whether the story being told is even about the chalice. Whereas, the stories of a stone falling from the sky or a cup which held Christ's blood seemed to have been the most prominent among King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

The first text to be discovered about the object appeared in the Conte de Graal, or the Story of the Grail which was written by Chretien de Troyes. The text, a French verse, illustrates the story of the Holy Grail from the time of Christ on the cross up to King Arthur's death.

The Conte da Graal, which could in fact itself be the only Holy Grail was written based on the claims that Count Phillip of Flanders had provided the original verse. In fact, it is in this original text that the object is defined as being a bowl or dish rather than a cup. As such, many believe the grail was a magnificent object presented during a procession which Perceval attended.




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