The grail castle and its mysteries

The Grail Castle and its mysteries. The Grail episodes in Chretien's 'Conte del Graal': The Grail procession and the banquet of the Fisher King; Perceval's confession and conversion

'This monograph, originally published in Italian, develops a new and interesting explanation of the significance of the Holy Grail as it appears in the Conte del Graal of Chretien de Troyes, the earliest known form of the Grail legend. According to the late Professor Olschki, the ceremonies in the Grail castle presuppose the rites and beliefs of the Catharii and related heretical sects. The Conte del Graal does, however, represent orthodox Christianity, being the story of the religious education of the hero, whose initiation into the heretical cult of the Grail is later corrected by instruction in the beliefs of the Catholic Church. This challenging thesis is worked out with great ingenuity....'

Hardcover