Graal, The Lost Book of the
The alleged origin of the Christian form of the Graal (Holy
Grail) legend. Seven ancient books are cited as being the possible
source of the story, but not one has been so proven. The
Huth Merlin refers to a Book of the Sanctuary, but this volume
is a book of records, not containing any special spiritual
allusion. If the lost book of the Graal ever existed it may have
been a mass book used about 1100. Its contents would have related
to a mass following the Last Supper.
The mystery of the Graal is threefold (1) its origin, which
is part of the mystery of the Incarnation; (2) its manifestation,
which would have taken place had the world been worthy; and
(3) its removalthis world being unworthy, the Graal was said
to be removed, yet not hidden, for it is always discernible by
anyone worthy of seeing it.
It seems unlikely that such a mass book ever existed.
Sources
Waite, Arthur E. The Holy Grail The Galahad Quest in the Arthurian
Literature. London J. M. Watkins, 1921. Reprint, New
Hyde Park, N.Y. University Books, 1961.
