Source: “The Holy Grail: The History Of A Legend”, By Richard Barber, Published in Penguin Books, 2005.
The High Book Of The Grail.wav
This podcast provides a detailed overview of Perlesvaus, also known as The High Book of the Grail, a significant medieval romance. It highlights that the work likely originated in prose, potentially from a Latin source, and was commissioned by Jean de Nesle, a prominent Flemish political figure and crusader.
Unlike earlier Grail narratives, Perlesvaus immediately proclaims the Grail's purpose as the vessel holding Christ's blood, emphasizing the "New Law of Christ" against the Old Law from its very beginning. The text follows the intertwined quests of Gawain and Perlesvaus, with events often carrying spiritual and symbolic meaning, rather than mere chivalric adventure, a key innovation of this anonymous author. The narrative culminates in Perlesvaus's triumph over evil, the re-establishment of the Holy Grail, and Arthur's pilgrimage, ultimately cementing Perlesvaus as a "highly dramatic rethinking of the whole Arthurian scenario, suffused with a fierce and elemental Christianity."
Topic 1: The Literary Work Perlesvaus (The High Book of the Grail) Perlesvaus, also known as The High Book of the Grail, is presented as a prose romance. It is suggested that it may not have had a verse predecessor, though the author claims there might have been a Latin original. The work's intentions are proclaimed from its very first sentence, defining its image of the Grail and its context. Unlike some other Grail romances, Perlesvaus is characterized by its bold and direct approach, with no gradual revelations or subtle unfolding of mysteries. Instead, its themes are clearly set out at once, and the narrative unfolds through a series of dramatic and visually imaginative scenes. The work is described as a highly dramatic reinterpretation of the entire Arthurian narrative, deeply imbued with a fervent and fundamental Christian ethos.
Topic 2: Jean de Nesle, Patron of Perlesvaus The creation of Perlesvaus is linked to Jean de Nesle, who commissioned the work at the request of the lord of Cambrin. Jean de Nesle was a significant historical figure, serving as castellan of Bruges, a crucial city in Flanders, and playing a leading role in Flemish political life. He was also a prominent participant in the Fourth Crusade in 1204, having founded a Cistercian monastery before his departure. Notably, Jean de Nesle, along with Thierry of Flanders, led a group of Flemish crusaders who sailed directly to the Frankish kingdom in Syria, refusing to join the main crusader force that diverted to attack Christians at Zadar and Constantinople. After spending about three years in the Holy Land with limited action, he returned home in 1206. His strong connections with France led to his forced departure from Flanders in 1212. He fought on the French side at the Battle of Bouvines in 1214, after which he regained influence, particularly during the minority of Jeanne of Flanders, until falling into disfavor around 1222. In 1226, he was involved as a leader in the crusade against the Albigensians, and he passed away at the end of 1239.
Topic 3: The Grail's Nature and the Theme of the New Law Perlesvaus explicitly defines the Grail as the holy vessel that collected the precious blood of the Savior on the day of His crucifixion, serving to redeem mankind from Hell. The narrative emphasizes that Josephus recorded its story at the behest of an angel, ensuring that the truth of how knights and worthy men suffered to exalt the Law of Jesus Christ, which He intended to renew by His death, would be known. A central theme of the romance is the stark contrast between the New Law of Christ and the Old Law of pagans and Jews. This theme is boldly established from the outset, rather than being gradually revealed, underscoring the work's direct and forceful spiritual message. The guardianship of the Grail is traced through Joseph of Arimathea's family down to King Arthur's time, though the identity of the "Good Knight" who is a descendant of Joseph remains an initial mystery.
Topic 4: The Decline of Arthur's Court and the Fisher King's Affliction The story commences with a depiction of King Arthur's court, where the king has seemingly lost his former enthusiasm for great deeds. This decline is highlighted when the queen reproaches him, prompting him to seek adventures. During his quest, a girl confronts him, further chastising him for his lack of zeal in chivalry, and it is from her that he first learns of Perlesvaus. Upon his dejected return, a voice commands Arthur to convene a great court, promising the restoration of his fame. At this assembly, a girl arrives with a cart carrying the heads of 150 knights, explaining that their deaths are due to a knight who visited the Fisher King's house but failed "to ask the question." This failure has also caused the Fisher King to fall into a "grievous languor," setting the stage for the central quest.
Topic 5: Gawain's Quest and the Symbolic Interpretation of Events Sir Gawain's journey to the Grail castle is a significant part of the early narrative. He is initially told that finding the Fisher King's castle depends on God's will. When he eventually reaches the castle gate, he encounters formidable obstacles: a chained lion and two ghastly copper figures capable of firing crossbow bolts with immense force. He observes people of holy life on the walls, including priests and knights dressed like monks, kneeling towards a chapel. A priest informs Gawain that he cannot enter the castle or approach the Grail unless he brings the sword with which Saint John was beheaded. Gawain undertakes a series of adventures to acquire this sword. Importantly, the author innovates by imbuing these chivalric events with deeper spiritual and symbolic meaning. When Gawain arrives at the Castle of Enquiry, he learns that his experiences are to be interpreted as a medieval theologian might read the Old Testament, where apparent chivalric actions hold profound spiritual significance, an interpretation that is periodically expounded throughout the narrative.
Topic 6: Gawain's Experience and Failure at the Grail Castle Having successfully obtained the sword of Saint John, Gawain is permitted to enter the Grail castle. He is welcomed by the Fisher King and invited to dine. During the feast, two maidens appear from a chapel, one carrying the Holy Grail and the other the lance with the bleeding head. A sweet and holy fragrance fills the hall. Gawain gazes at the Grail, perceiving a chalice, and sees the bleeding lance point, along with what he believes to be two angels bearing candlesticks. The maidens pass by him, and he is deeply absorbed in joyful thoughts of God. Upon their second pass, Gawain believes he sees three angels and the shape of a child in the center of the Grail. A knight prompts him to speak, but Gawain is captivated by three drops of blood that drip onto the table. When he tries to touch them, they move away, causing him deep sorrow. On their third pass, he sees three maidens, and the Grail appears suspended in the air. Above it, he envisions a crowned king nailed to a cross with a spear in his side, filling him with sorrow for the king's suffering. Despite further prompts, Gawain remains silent, lost in his vision. Consequently, the maidens disappear with the Grail and lance, and Gawain is left alone, shut out of the Grail service.
Topic 7: Lancelot's Unworthiness and the Rise of Perlesvaus Following Gawain's failure, the narrative shifts focus, first to Lancelot's exploits, and then finally introducing Perlesvaus. When Lancelot later comes to the Grail castle, the story explicitly states that the Grail does not appear during his feast. This is attributed to Lancelot's unworthiness; he is not considered one of the three finest knights in the world due to his sin with the queen. His unrepentant love for her, prioritizing her above all else, prevents him from witnessing the Grail. This contrasts sharply with Perlesvaus, who is established as the "Good Knight" and the true destined hero. The story then pivots to Perlesvaus's pursuit by his sister, who seeks Gawain's help to find him, as Perlesvaus is engaged in a conflict with the evil King of Castle Mortal, his uncle and brother of the Fisher King, who has been attacking the Grail castle.
Topic 8: Perlesvaus's Victory and the Restoration of the Grail Perlesvaus ultimately defeats the King of Castle Mortal, who flees in a ship. Before Perlesvaus can rescue his mother, his sister experiences a terrifying vigil in a cemetery where evil spirits battle, and a voice declares the Fisher King's death, the King of Castle Mortal's seizure of the Grail stronghold, and the Grail's disappearance, stating only Perlesvaus can help. Perlesvaus's sister conveys this news, and he proceeds to rescue his mother before returning to Arthur's court. He is then summoned to the Grail castle by the girl with the cart of heads. On his journey, his uncle, a hermit king, explains the meaning of his past experiences and guides him on how to capture the castle. Aided by a friendly lion and a former knight named Joseus, Perlesvaus overcomes the knights guarding the seven bridges to the castle's center. Witnessing the demise of his defenders, the King of Castle Mortal commits suicide. With the castle conquered, the narrative states that the Saviour of the world rejoiced. The Holy Grail, the bleeding lance, and Saint John's sword all reappear in the chapel. Perlesvaus then undertakes the task of enforcing the New Law, killing those who would not believe, thereby ruling and protecting the country and exalting the Law of Our Lord.
Topic 9: Arthur's Pilgrimage and the Grail's Manifestations The romance continues beyond Perlesvaus's initial triumph, focusing on King Arthur's efforts to maintain his rule and uphold the New Law amidst a rebellion. Soon after these new adventures begin, Arthur embarks on a pilgrimage to the Grail castle and stays with Perlesvaus. One day, Arthur observes a procession of people dressed in white, singing as they approach the castle. These are identified as hermits from the forest, coming to worship the Holy Grail. Arthur and Perlesvaus greet them and lead them to the Grail chapel. During the holy service, the story notes that at that time there was no chalice in King Arthur's land. The Grail itself miraculously appears at the consecration in five different forms, though these forms are described as secrets that should not be revealed to those without divine grace. King Arthur, however, witnesses all these transformations, with the chalice appearing last. The hermit conducting the mass finds a memorandum stating God's desire for His body to be sacrificed in such a vessel in remembrance of Him. While not stating it was the only chalice anywhere, the text emphasizes its uniqueness in Britain and neighboring kingdoms. King Arthur is deeply moved and filled with joy by what he has seen, retaining the memory of the holy chalice's name and form in his heart.