The spelling of the word "Saint Graal" is not straightforward. The first word, "saint," is commonly pronounced as [seɪnt] in English, with the sound represented by the letter "a" pronounced as a diphthong. The second word, "Graal," is derived from Old French and refers to the Holy Grail. It is often pronounced as [ɡreɪl] in English, with the double vowel sound represented by the letters "aa" pronounced as a diphthong. The spelling of this word is not phonetically obvious, which can cause confusion for learners of English.
Saint Graal, also known as the Holy Grail, is a revered and mythical object of great significance in various mythologies, particularly in Christian traditions, Arthurian legends, and medieval literature.
The term "Saint Graal" originates from the combination of the Old French words "graal" and "saint," which can be roughly translated as "holy dish" or "holy vessel." The Saint Graal is often depicted as a cup, bowl, or dish, typically made of precious materials such as gold or adorned with precious gems.
According to medieval legends, the Saint Graal was believed to be the dish used by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper, before being used to collect his blood during the crucifixion. It gained much significance due to its connection to Jesus and was said to possess miraculous powers, including the ability to provide eternal youth, heal the sick, or grant endless abundance.
The quest for the Saint Graal became a central theme in Arthurian legends, as knights embarked on a search to find the legendary object, often symbolizing spiritual enlightenment or divine redemption. The quest for the Saint Graal was thought to be not only a physical journey but also a metaphorical one, representing the individual's pursuit of spiritual growth and transcendence.
While different interpretations exist, the Saint Graal remains a powerful symbol representing purity, divine grace, and mystical experience. Its symbolism has permeated art, literature, and popular culture, capturing the imagination of generations as a potent emblem of divine transcendence and human aspiration.
In legendary hist., a sacred relic, the true blood of Christ preserved in an emerald cup, or, according to others, "the cup used at the Last Supper," said to have been brought to England by Joseph of Arimathaea, "the quest of the St Graal" being narrated at great length in the romantic story of King Arthur.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Saint Graal" or "Saint Grail" is derived from Old French and Middle English. The term "graal" was originally used in Old French to refer to a wide, shallow dish or bowl. It was believed to be derived from Late Latin "gradalis", meaning "dish".
The word "saint" is added to Graal to specify that it refers to the Holy Grail, a Christian relic associated with the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. The Holy Grail is believed to be the cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper, and later used by Joseph of Arimathea to catch his blood during the crucifixion.
Over time, the two words, "saint" and "graal" were combined to form the term "Saint Graal" or "Saint Grail", representing the sacred dish or cup associated with Christian mythology and legends.