The Quest of the Holy Grail, P. M. Matarasso, trans.
Penguin Books, 2005, 304 pgs.
Summary: An extended Christian critique of the secular forms of the code chivalry through a popular fable written in about 1200 AD. The knights of King Arthur’s Round Table are joined by Lancelot’s illegitimate son Galahad and set out on the quest for the holy grail. The story follows Lancelot’s discovery that he is not a true knight of Jesus Christ but rather a servant of the devil because of his mortal sin with Guinevere. It chronicles his conviction, repentance, and restoration to the faith.
The three knights who discover the grail are Galahad, Perceval, and Bors. Galahad serves as the holy foil to Lancelot in the quest. All the strange adventures and visions of the knights are interpreted by monks, priests, and an angel. The adventure is a spiritual journey, so the fisticuffs and jousts are minimal.
Perhaps the most edifying quote in the books occurs in an exchange between Galahad and Lancelot:
Lancelot said, ‘Son, since it is for ever that I leave you, do you beseech the Master in my name not to let me quit His service, but so to keep me close that I may be His servant in this life and the next.’ And Galahad answered him: ‘Sir, there is no prayer so efficacious as your own. Be therefore mindful of yourself’ (259).
The book also contains one of the most helpful footnotes I’ve read:
In a general way the adventure represents the random, the gratuitous, the unpredictable elements in life; often it is a challenge which causes a man to measure himself against standards more than human, to gamble life for honour or both for love. To this the author of the Quest adds a further dimension. For him the adventure is above all God working and manifesting Himself in the physical world. To accept an adventure is to accept an encounter with a force which is in the proper sense of the word supernatural, an encounter which is always perilous for the sinner or the man of little faith and much presumption. To the faithful it implies submission to God’s providence (293-294).
Benefits/Detriments: The theology of the Quest is an interesting mix of late medieval theology. There is a manly respect for the sovereignty of God and human responsibility in salvation and daily life, regardless of the comments of the translator (cf. fn. 20). The cult of Mary is mentioned but is not at the center of the spirituality of the tale. Transubstantiation is assumed and illustrated by miraculous visions. Marriage is not presented as the Christian ideal, but virginity and constancy are heavily extolled. The temptation scenes and discussion of virginity are not erotic, but they are likely best left to more mature audiences. The footnotes should be perused with theological care but are generally very helpful.
The Quest is obviously the source of much of Tolkien and C. S. Lewis’ symbolism. Recommended for mature high school students and avid readers of Christian literature. Should be read by all thoughtful Christian young men who hope for adventure.