CORBENIC

 

Enchantment doth reveal the Castle of the Grail.

Due to the Otherworldly nature of the Grail Castle, it has no permanent location. No matter what direction one travels, it will appear to those worthy and destined to witness its marvels. The early versions of the legend refer to the castle as the Castle of the Maimed King-the castle that the young and innocent Percivale encounters, the onset of his career. The castle later takes on the name Corbenic, and with it, its grandeur increases from that of a keep, or modest sanctary of the Grailguardians, to a magificent castle with many inhabitants. Storytellers of the past have envisioned the castle to lie within a wide range of landscapes, from gentle valleys to rugged coastlines. The one feature that remains consistent is the presence of water, whether it be strong seas, calm lakes, or a series of moats.


Though Lancelot did not achieve the Quest, he was permitted to enter Corbenic on two occasions. The first of which was when he had lost his sanity, was found by Elaine, and healed by the power of the grail. Lancelot's second visit was during the time of the quest, when all of Arthur's knights sought the castle of the Grail. Lancelot had been considered the best, or "Flower of Knights," and yet his sinful affiar with the queen prevented him from achieving the Grail, leaving the role of hero to be fulfilled by his virtuous son. Lancelot did, however, come to understand that the search for the Grail cAstle was a spiritual journey. This revelation led the knight to give up his futile wandering and turn to the lifestyle of a hermit.



One night, a mysterious, unmanned ship appeared out of the darkness. Lancelot boarded the vessel, which carrie dhim to the towering Castle of Corbenic. As the anxious knight stood before the castle, a voice broke the silence and bade him enter. Once he waas within its walls, the air filled with divine music. The door before him opneed, releasing the brilliant light and revealing the high mass. The voice forbid Lancelot to enter the chamber on account o fhis sin, but the knight could not help but step forward. At once he was struck down by a bolt of lightning and leftr stranded between life and death. Four-and-twenty days passed before Lancelot regained consciousness. On waking he remembered the vision with which he had been blessed. Knowing now that he would not be the one to achieve the Quest, Lancelot left Corbenic, never to return.



Ferguson, Anna-Marie. Keeper of Words. 1995 Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, Minnesota.

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