holy grail?

[redwing00]

I missed the history channel show on the topic and was just curious as to what the holy grail was supposed to do? I know it was the grail at the last supper that was lost. But why go on crusades looking for it? What was it's mysterious power?

 

[Agback]

I missed the history channel show on the topic and was just curious as to what the holy grail was supposed to do? I know it was the grail at the last supper that was lost. But why go on crusades looking for it? What was it's mysterious power?

Well, the Grail was connected more than any other object with the institutioin of the Eucharist, which conveys perfect physical and spiritual health and effects union of the worshipper with God. It 'nourishes unto immortality'.

Mind you, a christian friend of mine (I have religious friends, you know) pointed out while we were watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade that the Christian concept of everlasting life is not what you might naively think. It comes (I think, though perhaps there are some Christians among the readers, who might care to clarify if I have got something wrong), after death.

Regards,


Agback

 

[jester47]

Didn't see the show but as a medievalist, I do know some stuff about the "Holy Grail" and as a christian, I can vouch for the after death bit. The concept is that you are going to die. From there there seems to be two parts. I am no theologian of strong stature so I dont know how these are reconciled. I would say that one come from the Worship of Mithras where you pas into a paradise like heaven. But also, there is supposed to be a big ol ressurection where everyone that was cool in life gets brought back. So for christians you get a perfect resurrection at sometime in the future, or access to heaven, or possibly, both. But I am not sure.

Now, as for the holy grail. If one looks back far enough into Arthurian Legend, it starts off as a platter. In fact its supposed to be more a casserole dish than a cup and has about as much to do with Jesus of Nazzareth as mashed potatoes have to do with nuclear physics. Its a classic mixing of legends. The original celtic relic was a graal (plate for serving food) that when one partook from it was granted physical imortality or health or whatever. It is closely related to the Cauldron in celtic myth.

Aaron.

 

[Bloodstone Press]

Some folks say that the grail was not only used at the last supper but was also used to catch Christ's blood when he was on the cross.

 

[RangerWickett]

Immortality? Dangit, I knew I should've asked more than $1.50 for it in the garage sale.