he Holy Grail is a symbol most sacred amongst the elements of European spirituality. This powerful image resonates vibrantly within the Western soul, with cultural roots dating back into obscured history. Through the years, vibrant debates have centered around the physical reality of the object. To literary scholars, the Grail is a pure symbol device with variants evidenced in several branches of legend and mythology. For traditional Christians, there are no doubts, the Grail is the 'Cup of Christ,' the selfsame receptacle of the Savior's blood which fell at his sacrifice upon the cross.

The word grail is descended from the elder French: greal, which translates as platter or plate. Variations of the translation include container or dish. However, this leads us only as far back as the romantic verse of Chrétien de Troyes in the twelfth century. Within 'Conte del Graal,' and nearly all the early texts, there exists an obvious obscurity surrounding the details of the object itself. It is not until the later versions of the Arthurian cycles that the Grail becomes defined specifically as a cup or goblet.

The Holy Grail in Literature

Chrétien de Troyes

Sir Thomas Malory

Poetry, Compositions, Novels,

(Nineteenth-Twentieth Centuries)
Tennyson, Wagner, Scott, C. S. Lewis
and others.

The grail concept familiar to us today has evolved through the centuries within the Arthurian story cycles. The legends of the questing knights risking all to attain the Grail gathered increasing embellishments through the writings of Chrétien, Wolfram von Eschenbach and later Thomas Malory. Original elements from Welsh and Irish lore blended with French and German motifs, while later Christian aspects transformed nearly all obvious pagan references.

The earliest written account of the Grail is accepted as the French verse of Chrétien de Troyes, entitled 'Conte del Graal', translated literally as: 'The Story of the Grail'. Chrétien's version was completed in the late twelfth century. Over the next several decades variations of the original tale appeared throughout the region. The most prominent of these is the German 'Parzifal' by Wolfram von Eschenbach, completed around 1220. More than two centuries later Sir Thomas Malory's 'Morte d'Arthur,' 'The Death of Arthur,' focused upon the deeds of the Arthurian knights. This vivid collection of tales would serve as the primary source of later nineteenth century writers.

Despite the naturally diverse interpretations of its aspect and nature, what remains constant is the power of renewal inherent within the Grail. In the early texts, the 'greal' (as a platter) is a provider of food and nourishment in appropriate need to each individual. To those who reside within its presence, the grail traditionally provides healing and sustenance. The constant allure is its promise of renewal, a transformative renewal, often perceived as a means of attaining immortality. Equally constant in the tales is the question of worthiness. Even the finest and most courageous of Arthur's knights proved unworthy and were denied communion. A valuable literary lesson for contemporary seekers.

Bibliography

 W. A. Nutt, London

  David Nutt, London

  Dorothy Kempe, London

  Columbia University Press, NY  (1927)