The Quest of the Holy Grail: Analysis of Setting
The Quest of the Holy Grail is a legendary narrative centered around the pursuit of the Holy Grail, a symbolic chalice linked to Christ. The analysis of its setting reveals a rich tapestry of locations that enhance the quest’s spiritual and heroic themes. Camelot, the legendary castle home of King Arthur, serves as the starting point for the knights' adventures, characterized by its separate palace and chapel, and a courtyard that encapsulates the communal spirit of the Round Table. In contrast, Logres represents a barren wasteland, symbolizing a land in need of healing, where the Holy Grail's restorative powers are sought.
The Median River divides the earthly from the spiritual realm, highlighting the challenges faced by the knights on their journey. Churches and abbeys dot the landscape, serving as spiritual havens for recluses who interpret the knights' quests in profound ways. Castles are portrayed as formidable strongholds, essential to the narrative's conflict and resolution. Notable locations include Corbenic Castle, where the Holy Grail is revealed, and Percival's Island, a remote crag symbolizing temptation. Ultimately, the journey culminates in Sarras, the heavenly destination, where the Grail is taken, embodying the ultimate spiritual aspiration. This exploration of setting emphasizes how these environments shape the characters' experiences and underscore the quest's deeper meanings.
The Quest of the Holy Grail: Analysis of Setting
First published: c. 1300
Type of work: Fiction
Type of plot: Arthurian romance
Time of work: Early eighth century
Places Discussed
Camelot
Camelot. Castle home of the legendary English king Arthur and the base from which the knights of his Round Table ride out on adventures, including quests for the Holy Grail—the chalice that Christ used at the Last Supper. Camelot’s palace and chapel are separate buildings within the castle walls. There is a courtyard outside the palace, and the upper hall, where the Round Table may be found, is within the palace. A floating stone bearing Galahad’s sword is discovered on the bank of a river running below the castle’s outside wall. Below the castle hill is a town.
Logres
Logres. Wasteland where corn does not sprout, trees bear no fruit, and in whose waters fish do not swim. Logres represents a Briton whose sins can be healed only by water from the Holy Grail. On a lonely heath is a stone cross beside which is a block of marble stone. Nearby stands an ancient, abandoned chapel. In the porch is an iron grill through which Lancelot sees an altar covered with silk cloths, illuminated by a silver candlestick bearing six candles. It is from this chapel that Lancelot sees the Holy Grail emerge to heal a knight. Logres also contains the Perilous Forest, in which a spring seethes with giant bubbles.
Median River
Median River. Deep and dangerous stream that flows through the wasteland, dividing it in two, symbolically separating the earthly from the spiritual. When Lancelot reaches the river, he is hemmed in on both sides by steep cliffs.
Churches
Churches. Scattered throughout the landscape are hermitages, chapels, and abbeys, typically inhabited by hermits and recluses who interpret the adventures of the questing knights in spiritual terms. Most of these places have dwellings and chapels and are in remote places, such as deep forests and mountainsides. A woman recluse (anchoress) whom Lancelot encounters sees the world only through a small embrasure facing the altar of her church.
Abbeys, such as the one at which Percival stays, typically have guest houses, chapels, and stables within and encircling walls and deep moats without.
Abbeys, such as one near Castle Vagan, where Galahad finds his shield, are often close to the castles. Castle Tubele, at which Bors quarrels with Lionel, has a hermitage close by.
Castles
Castles. Strongholds of kings and knights that usually have stout outer walls and central palaces (keeps) that are often approached up hills. Their main halls are usually on upper floors, which contains guest rooms. Dungeons are also usually part of these strongholds. The castles have courtyards in front and stables nearby and always have chapels. They tend to be situated in valleys, surrounded by meadows on which tournaments are held when questers such as Lancelot arrive. Towers, such as the one at which Bors fights for the heiress of King Love, usually resemble the central structures of castles but lack nearby towns and surrounding walls.
Corbenic Castle
Corbenic Castle. King Pellés’s castle in Logres. Its rear wall has a gate opening seaward that is never shut; instead, it is guarded by two lions. A road leads up to its central fortress, and steps lead up to its great hall. Within its palace is the chamber in which Lancelot sees the Holy Grail, which is standing on a silver table and covered by a red silk cloth interwoven with gold. Galahad and his men remove the Grail to Sarras.
Percival’s Island
Percival’s Island. High crag surrounded by sea, out of sight of the shore, where Percival is tempted. It shows no signs of human habitation but is populated with such wild beasts as lions and bears.
Sarras
Sarras. Heavenly Jerusalem to which Galahad takes the Holy Grail. The road from the shore to the spiritual palace rises to the location where the throne of Josephus is situated.
Bibliography
Nutt, Alfred. Studies on the Legend of the Holy Grail. New York: Cooper Square, 1965. Focuses on the Celtic origins of the tale. A good starting text for the serious student.
Waite, Arthur Edward. The Holy Grail: The Galahad Quest in the Arthurian Literature. New York: University Books, 1961. Approaches the mystical side of the tale, providing new insight.
Weston, Jessie L. The Quest of the Holy Grail. New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 1964. This classic on the subject of the Grail was first published in 1913, but remains one of the clearest descriptions of the Grail cycle.
Wilhelm, James J., ed. The Romance of Arthur: An Anthology of Medieval Texts in Translation. New York: Garland, 1994. Critical edition of some of the best translations of early Arthurian literature.