“It is old Titurel’s daughter Carrier of the Grail, who lives in eternal youth… Until the daughter of a new king Takes on the burden and the dignity.” - Hannah Closs (trans.), Der Jüngere Titurel
“the Grail Maiden, the only one able to handle the blessed object. Whether she is Pagan or Christian is of little consequence – what matters is that she is the one who is carrying it forth into the world.”
The Grail Maidens
Sacred feminine figures, bearers of the Grail’s mysteries.
“The Knights of King Arthur’s court see a vision of the Grail, carried through his Great Hall by a Great Lady – some say Morgan herself, others the Lady of the Lake, or an angel. This sends them into a frenzied search for the Grail “
Only a young woman may carry the Grail
“why is it that a woman can only carry this vessel? Many will say that women are natural vessels of the Goddess, and this rings true enough. In Arthurian tales, women are also the bearers of Sovereignty, also reflected in other tales from the land, such as the Welsh Mabinogian. The vessel is the source of the Divine Feminine, therefore it is fitting that is it borne by a woman. Women bear children, bringing new life into the world (with the help of men, of course). There are certain things that only women can understand through shared stories and life experiences – moon bleedings, bearing children, social and cultural successes and struggles. The knights on quest are seeking this source of the Divine Feminine, lacking it in their own souls, longing to reach out to the Goddess but unable within the constraints of their religion and their faith.”
The Guardian of Sacred Mysteries
Other Connections
“ the female bodhisattva Kuan Yin, who is often depicted holding a vessel containing amrita, a mysterious elixir that holds the key to enlightenment. Similar vessels are found in the Buddhist Tantric tradition. As in the story of Cerridwen and Taliesin, it seems that the contents of the vessel are very significant. In each case it is the divine female who bestows it.”