The real truth about the Grail, as this entertaining and informative book makes clear, is more exciting than the most fantastic adventure novel. Tracing the Grail's story from its earliest appearance in myth through history, literature, and popular entertainment, this comprehensive illustrated book explores the Grail's secret history and reveals why it continues to fascinate us today. The book unearths the earliest versions of the Grail in myth, examines the part the Grail plays in the events of Christ's Passion, and reveals the truth about the secret societies that "guard" the Grail mysteries. As readers will discover, the Grail also made a mysterious appearance in Arthur's Camelot and disguised itself as the holy bloodline of Jesus and Mary Magdalen, as the philosopher's stone, and as a touchstone of transformation for Jungian psychologists. The book also introduces us to modern Grail seekers and reveals why even the Nazis sought the Grail. This riviting account sets readers straight about the mysterious relic's meaning and purpose.As we discover what the Grail has meant to the men and women of the past, we come to understand the power of this ancient idea in our own life and why we continue to seek it.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The Mythic Grail: In Greek and Ved e myth; Chapter 2: The Celtic Grail: Tales of the magic cauldrons; Chapter 3: Christ's Cup: The medieval troubadours, Joseph of Arimathaea and the Last Supper; Chapter 4: The Arthurian Quest: At Camelot and the adventures of the Grail quest knights.; Chapter 5: The Eastern Grail: In alchemy and the secret teachings of adepts from the East; Chapter 6: The Secret Societies: The Templars and Cathars; Chapter 7: The Family of the Grail: The Virgin Mary as a living Grail and Mary Magdalen as the Bride of Christ; Chapter 8: Wasteland and Wounded King: Contemporary understanding as a Jungian symbol of transpersonal healing; Chapter 9: The Living Hallows and Knighthood Today. In film and popular literature, including The Da Vinci Code.
Author Biography
John Matthews is author or compiler of over sixty books on Grail studies, Arthurian legends, Celtic and world folklore, and ancient wisdom: traditions, including The Winter Solstice, Wizards, and Merlin. Recently, he served as historical advisor to the film King Arthur, released in Summer 2004, and appears on the movies DVD in a specially filmed featurette.
