A LMOST ALL OF

th th
our understanding of the Holy Grail
is derived from romantic Arthurian tales of the 12 and 13 centuries. However, there are some
generally accepted details. The Grail is believed to be the chalice of the Eucharist or Dish of the
Pascal lamb used by Christ at the Last Supper.

Joseph of Arimathea, who used it to collect blood from the crucified body of Christ, took this
vessel. An alternative theory is that it was a chalice given to Joseph by Christ in a vision this
vessel’s holy powers sustained Joseph for 42years during his incarceration by the Jews. In either
case, Joseph brought the holy chalice to Britain, thus beginning the true legend.

Some people believe the Holy Grail was secretly passed down through generations of Joseph’s
descendants. Others believe it is buried in the Chalice Well at Britain’s oldest holy city,
Glastonbury, which indicates a connection to Arthurian legend. Romantic tales say that Arthur
and his Knights of the Round Table set off on a holy quest to find the Grail.

More reliable legend says the Cathars had possession of the Grail and hide it in the Pyrenees
before they were over-run. It has been suggested that they may have kept it at their stronghold
of Montségur,which was actually searched by Nazi forces looking for the Grail during the Second
World War. Others believe the Cathars hide it at Rennes-le-Château, or gave the chalice to the
Knights Templar for safe-keeping.

Some researchers believe a field in Shropshire hides the Grail under its surface, and another
tradition states that a wooden cup in a Welsh country house is the true artifact.

The organised church does not credit any legend of its existence, although that should not be seen as any
indication that it is purely a myth.

SOURCE: 100 STRANGEST MYSTERIES

By: Matt Lamy

KAPLAN ABATE