According to the legend it was in the time of the wise King Solomon that a ship of mysterious and wonderful workmanship had been built. Just as King Solomon was about to go on board strange letters of fire, written in the air by an angel, warned him not to enter. As he stepped back, the ship suddenly started off by itself and disappeared out to sea. In some miraculous way it had been kept all these years to fulfill its destiny and bring Sir Galahad to Sarras, where he should achieve the Grail. And so, coming to the shore of the sea, he finds there the ship waiting for him. Little is known of the city of Sarras, except that it is supposed to have been in the Holy Land, and that this was the place where the Holy Grail was to be found.
In the picture is represented the voyage to Sarras on King Solomon’s ship. It is a frail-looking ship, guided by the Angel of the Grail, guarding her treasure. Two knights, Percival and Bors, have been permitted to go with Sir Galahad on this journey. They cannot see the Grail itself, having sinned once, yet their faith and persistent search have made it possible for them to go with him.
“THE CITY OF SARRAS”
When they arrived at the city of Sarras, Sir Galahad’s shield was at once recognized, and the voyagers were treated as holy men. The knights went about doing good, and through the power given them by their purity they were enabled to heal the sick and the crippled.
The news of their good works aroused the jealousy and anger of the wicked king of that country, who cast the three knights into prison. Here they were fed by the Holy Grail. The wicked king grew very ill and at last sent for them, begging their mercy. Scarcely had they granted it when the king died. The whole city proclaimed Galahad king.
So here in this picture we see Galahad’s sword and shield laid aside, his adventures over. Three ships are anchored in the bay of the quiet city, and the tall buildings with their stately towers are surrounded by a great red wall.
“THE GOLDEN TREE AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE GRAIL”
Galahad had been king of Sarras over a year when sailing one day, in his ship, he prayed that “when he might ask it, he should pass out of this world.” He is promised that his request will be granted and that then he shall see the Holy Grail unveiled.
In this picture the Golden Tree signifies his work on earth completed. As he kneels and makes his request, his sword and shield, now useless, fall from him and the Grail is revealed to his sight. Seven angels with wings of crimson surround him. The Grail is borne heavenward, never to be seen again on earth. Divine wisdom has been attained.
Questions to help the pupil understand the picture. Where are the original paintings? Why did Mr. Abbey choose this subject? What preparation did he make before he painted these pictures? What was the legend of the Holy Grail? What power did the Holy Grail not have? What happened to King Amfortas? Why did Sir Galahad wish to find the Grail? What was required of the knight who should find it? What preparation did Sir Galahad make? What strange events made the other knights decide to follow Sir Galahad? Why did Sir Galahad fail when he reached the Castle of the Grail? How did his failure affect the people about him? Tell about the conquest of the Seven Deadly Sins. What became of the seven sins, and what does that signify? Tell about Sir Galahad’s final success.