Holy Grail

6 Pages 1512 Words

Since the beginning of time man has searched for a source of immortality or some form of fountain of youth. Many cultures have developed myths and stories telling great tales of immortality and ways to achieve everlasting life. One of these myths associated with Christianity is the myth of the holy grail of Jesus Christ. If acquired it is foretold that the gift of immortality will be granted to anyone who drinks from the cup of Christ. How did this myth come into existence and does the holy grail of Jesus Christ really exist?
It is fair to say that to most people in the western world the Holy Grail is a cup or goblet associated with Jesus Christ. This image was popularized by such writers as Sir Thomas Malory in his ``Morte D'Arthur''. It is however not the only object that has been linked to the Grail. Indeed, it has been claimed that the Grail is not a physical object of any type but is a blood line or even a spiritual ideal presented in metaphor. One thing is certain, despite, its elusive qualities; the Grail has continued to hold a great fascination in the minds of many. The Grail promises mystery, secrecy, adventure and the obtaining of a prize or knowledge available to all but found by no man.

The Cup was the cup used at the last supper from which wine was drunk as a symbol of Jesus' blood. It is also the cup which Joseph of Arimathea used to collect the actual blood of Jesus after his crucifixion while preparing the body for burial. The legend then follows many differing stories about Joseph and the Cup. The most well known is that Joseph and his sister and her husband left Jerusalem and sailed to France. Here Joseph left his sister and his brother-in-law and sailed to England where he set up the first Christian church at Glastonbury. Some legends claim that he left the cup in the care of his brother-in-law in France while most stories tell of him bringing the Cup to Glastonbury which to this day is still associated with...