RAVEN'S GRAIL, etching, 5 inch x 7 inch

RAVEN'S GRAIL, etching, 5 inch x 7 inch

According to medieval legend, the Holy Grail was the vessel that Jesus Christ used at the Last Supper, his final meal with his followers. The Grail was believed to have sacred and mysterious powers. After the Last Supper, the Grail came into the possession of Joseph of Arimathea, who caught Christ's blood in it at the crucifixion. Joseph went to prison, but the Grail kept him alive by supplying daily sustenance. The word is probably derived from the Old French word “graal” meaning a "broad and capacious dish or salver" and also an ancient French /Frankish translation of the word Crow or Raven.

Raven discovered the Holy Grail by accident. Raven had just instigated the Battle of Agincourt and he had satiated himself on the victims. With a gorged stomach, Raven had difficulty flying and injured his wing, then took refuge in a shattered castle. There he discovered the Grail! It was not a golden jewel-encrusted chalice but a simple imperfect terracotta bowl with a thumb impression left by the potter. It was full of rainwater and Raven drank; miraculously his wing was repaired. This was the most sought-after relic in Christendom, Judaism, and Islam. The owner of the Grail possesses eternal life and the power of God.

Raven keeps it well hidden and drinks from it every day.

(inspired by the work of Bernard Cornwell: http://www.bernardcornwell.net/)