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The Apple and the Thorn
Second Edition This story is not true in the sense that most people use that word. It emerges out of the mists of time, rooted deep in the heritage of Britain and western spirituality. It is a weave of mythologies, theologies, traditions, and histories. The story stands upon the traditions of two mythical characters: the Lady of Avalon, and Joseph of Arimathea. But the land is itself a living character in the tale, as is the surrounding marsh, the invading Roman legion, and a very special cup of blue glass that unites them all. The legend of the Lady emerges from the great body of Arthurian literature, but predates and underlies the story of Arthur by some four hundred years. Vivian is a Lady who is already the stuff of myth by the time Arthur meets the Lady of the Lake. She is the sovereignty of the land itself, the spirit of the mud and dark water of the marshes, seer of an ancient people, priestess of the Isle of Mist, and keeper of the apples. She clings to the ancient earth for her people at a time when the old Druids are finding new connections to a Roman culture they are no longer able to defeat. At the time of the tale, which we would today name as circa 45 CE, the Roman invasion under Emperor Claudius is two years old. Vespasian is leading the II Augusta Legion across the southwest of Britain, fast approaching the great inland sea, which is the realm of Avalon. Ancient Britain will soon be Roman. Into this ferment comes Joseph of Arimathea, great-uncle of Jesus of Nazareth. Traditions of Joseph abound in the Cornwall and Somerset regions of England; Joseph, the Cornish tin and lead merchant, mine owner and supplier of metals to the Roman military across the Empire. In this tale we make use of one particular tradition that says Joseph was indeed born in Cornwall, a Jew of the Diaspora, and only later went to Palestine in his capacity of trader in tin. There he became Minister of Mines for the Roman army, a worldly-wise merchant who knew the Mediterranean world, and much of the Roman leadership. In this tale, he is known by a Cornish-inspired name, Eosaidh (Yaw'-sheh) of Cornualle, or Eos (Yawsh). According to tradition, Eosaidh made many trips from Palestine to the mines of Cornwall and the Mendip hills north of Avalon, and on some occasions brought his nephew with him. Eosaidh, Vivian, and "the lad" have all met before, years before this tale begins. And Vivian has already had profound, but different, influence upon them both. The underlying images in the tale are the Cup of Life, later to become known as the "Holy Grail," the Apple trees of sacred and fertile Avalon, and the Hawthorn staff of Eosaidh's tradition. It is a tale of the coming of the Jesus tradition to the ancient world of Avalon, and what happens when these worlds collide. But there is unexpected conflict, too, when Eosaidh is confronted with the new "church," bringing a cult of Jesus that even he cannot accept. In the end, Eosaidh must chose between Avalon and Jerusalem, between two loves. And this is truly a love story, for the worldviews that meet, and clash, and dance and clash again do not do so in the abstract. Eosaidh and Vivian are flesh and blood. Their struggle to understand one another, and indeed themselves, takes them out of the realm of theological debate into the whirlwind of human emotion. What would be a work of theology becomes instead the most powerful of love stories. And this is as it should be. This second edition contains no changes in the story line. But numerous typographical and formatting problems in the original have been corrected. The reader will find this edition an easier read, especially in discerning the shifts in time and space. The original edition contained an epilogue, which does not appear here. Upon consideration, we felt the epilogue did not add to the original tale, and indeed tended to detract from it. In this edition, the tale ends where it should.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Walter William Melnyk
21 books4 followersWalter William Melnyk is a novelist, poet, violinist and weaver. He lives in a small log cabin atop a wooded mountain in Tennessee. Melnyk now plays the actual "Pavel's Violin," which he received from his Czech teacher, who is a member of Pavel's family. The experience of researching and writing the novel moved him to adopt Judaism, as a member of the Society for Humanistic Judaism. He is donating all his royalties from the book to the United States Holocaust Museum, and other Holocaust Memorials.
Formerly, Melnyk was a priest in the Episcopal Church. He is the author of of two novels and works of spirituality emerging from his long spiritual journey.
Formerly, Melnyk was a priest in the Episcopal Church. He is the author of of two novels and works of spirituality emerging from his long spiritual journey.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 13, 2012
It’s hard to put into words just how this book feels. It truly is an experience to read – the narrative voices seem to whisper in your ear, telling their story from the mists of the past, compelling you to listen.
The richness wetness of the marshes, the barren sands of the desert, the sensation of heartbreak, the closeness of death… all are described so simply and yet so powerfully that you, as reader, are drawn in.
It’s not an easy read, however. This books demands attention, presenting the experiences and various controversial ideas in such a way that you question your own beliefs, what you ‘know’ to be true. ‘It’s just a story’ doesn’t cut it here. You’re taking part, questioning what decisions you would take as the characters do. Life is reflected in the tale, beliefs and feelings, far more than just the usual ‘he did this’ or ‘she said that’.
As you invest, though, so you are rewarded. The story may be an old one, but it becomes so new, is made so real, that it’s not even vaguely a ‘fantasy’. Instead it holds a light up to a dark time, highlighting common lived human experience throughout history (and story), and creating a truly memorable book.
This has stayed with me, and I’ve already started reading it again.
The richness wetness of the marshes, the barren sands of the desert, the sensation of heartbreak, the closeness of death… all are described so simply and yet so powerfully that you, as reader, are drawn in.
It’s not an easy read, however. This books demands attention, presenting the experiences and various controversial ideas in such a way that you question your own beliefs, what you ‘know’ to be true. ‘It’s just a story’ doesn’t cut it here. You’re taking part, questioning what decisions you would take as the characters do. Life is reflected in the tale, beliefs and feelings, far more than just the usual ‘he did this’ or ‘she said that’.
As you invest, though, so you are rewarded. The story may be an old one, but it becomes so new, is made so real, that it’s not even vaguely a ‘fantasy’. Instead it holds a light up to a dark time, highlighting common lived human experience throughout history (and story), and creating a truly memorable book.
This has stayed with me, and I’ve already started reading it again.
February 4, 2008
Exploring some of the Glastonbury myths in a ficitonal way, this is an emotionally intense book, with compelling characters and a lot to think about. It made me cry, which is not the easiest thing to do. The writing style is beautiful. Highly recomended.
April 24, 2018
I read this book due to being in a book club. Unfortunately I couldn't get into it. I think what I struggled with was I'm not familiar with any of the existing Legends. I'm just learning about Avalon now and I don't even know any King Arthur stores. So with out that context I was a bit lost. Perhaps I will go back and read again.
August 24, 2013
This is a wonderful book and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys Arthurian myths and tales of Avalon. It weaves the tale of a possible love affair between Vivian, the Lady of Avalon and Joseph of Arimathea (great uncle of Jesus) circa 45 CD, a time when the Romans are well into their invasion of Britain. Each chapter alternates between the voices of Joseph and Vivian.
The Apple and the Thorn is a simple, beautifully-told story about two very complex mythologies at a point when one religion might have emerged from a blending of both. My own religious sympathies are earth-based and I found the book very inspiring and affirmed my own spirituality. It is however more than a bit critical of Christianity and I suspect that Christian readers may not find it as rewarding.
The Apple and the Thorn is a simple, beautifully-told story about two very complex mythologies at a point when one religion might have emerged from a blending of both. My own religious sympathies are earth-based and I found the book very inspiring and affirmed my own spirituality. It is however more than a bit critical of Christianity and I suspect that Christian readers may not find it as rewarding.
September 6, 2020
very different
I am not fond of 1st person narratives. Having two, intertwined 1st person narratives, made this a hard start. But half way through chapter 3 everything clicked. It was still a slow and intense read. The words and scenes are vibrant and full of depth. The two clashing viewpoints each merit time to sink in and make sense. It forms an eye opening back story for the myth of Joseph of Aramathea's sojourn in Albion. It also turns the tales of Avalon and Viviene on their ear. The slow progression from uneasy friends to potential enemies, the unveiling of their beliefs, the ageless but still aged links between them really make the story flow. I am going to have read this again to truly delve into its mythic lore and its mysticism
I am not fond of 1st person narratives. Having two, intertwined 1st person narratives, made this a hard start. But half way through chapter 3 everything clicked. It was still a slow and intense read. The words and scenes are vibrant and full of depth. The two clashing viewpoints each merit time to sink in and make sense. It forms an eye opening back story for the myth of Joseph of Aramathea's sojourn in Albion. It also turns the tales of Avalon and Viviene on their ear. The slow progression from uneasy friends to potential enemies, the unveiling of their beliefs, the ageless but still aged links between them really make the story flow. I am going to have read this again to truly delve into its mythic lore and its mysticism
February 21, 2020
Dnf at 64%. I kept waiting for more depth and more about the Goddess, but I just got bored.
February 22, 2020
This story successfully combines a Christian theology with the folk wisdom of the isles. It is a love story.
September 13, 2012
It’s hard to put into words just how this book feels. It truly is an experience to read – the narrative voices seem to whisper in your ear, telling their story from the mists of the past, compelling you to listen.
The richness wetness of the marshes, the barren sands of the desert, the sensation of heartbreak, the closeness of death… all are described so simply and yet so powerfully that you, as reader, are drawn in.
It’s not an easy read, however. This books demands attention, presenting the experiences and various controversial ideas in such a way that you question your own beliefs, what you ‘know’ to be true. ‘It’s just a story’ doesn’t cut it here. You’re taking part, questioning what decisions you would take as the characters do. Life is reflected in the tale, beliefs and feelings, far more than just the usual ‘he did this’ or ‘she said that’.
As you invest, though, so you are rewarded. The story may be an old one, but it becomes so new, is made so real, that it’s not even vaguely a ‘fantasy’. Instead it holds a light up to a dark time, highlighting common lived human experience throughout history (and story), and creating a truly memorable book.
This has stayed with me, and I’ve already started reading it again.
The richness wetness of the marshes, the barren sands of the desert, the sensation of heartbreak, the closeness of death… all are described so simply and yet so powerfully that you, as reader, are drawn in.
It’s not an easy read, however. This books demands attention, presenting the experiences and various controversial ideas in such a way that you question your own beliefs, what you ‘know’ to be true. ‘It’s just a story’ doesn’t cut it here. You’re taking part, questioning what decisions you would take as the characters do. Life is reflected in the tale, beliefs and feelings, far more than just the usual ‘he did this’ or ‘she said that’.
As you invest, though, so you are rewarded. The story may be an old one, but it becomes so new, is made so real, that it’s not even vaguely a ‘fantasy’. Instead it holds a light up to a dark time, highlighting common lived human experience throughout history (and story), and creating a truly memorable book.
This has stayed with me, and I’ve already started reading it again.
March 7, 2015
This is a wonderful book and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys Arthurian myths and tales of Avalon. It weaves the tale of a possible love affair between Vivian, the Lady of Avalon and Joseph of Arimathea (great uncle of Jesus) circa 45 CD, a time when the Romans are well into their invasion of Britain. Each chapter alternates between the voices of Joseph and Vivian.
The Apple and the Thorn is a simple, beautifully-told story about two very complex mythologies at a point when one religion might have emerged from a blending of both. My own religious sympathies are earth-based and I found the book very inspiring and affirmed my own spirituality. It is however more than a bit critical of Christianity and I suspect that Christian readers may not find it as rewarding.
The Apple and the Thorn is a simple, beautifully-told story about two very complex mythologies at a point when one religion might have emerged from a blending of both. My own religious sympathies are earth-based and I found the book very inspiring and affirmed my own spirituality. It is however more than a bit critical of Christianity and I suspect that Christian readers may not find it as rewarding.
October 26, 2012
What an amazing book! The words draw you into the shelter of the Mists as they tell you some part of the story of Vivian and Eosaidh. You will feel the words transform the story into a living being, told around the hearth fire by a Master Storyteller. The description of the Fires of Bel was oustanding. I was pulled into this and even now I can feel the words and ways in my soul. Put the effort in, read the book. You will be richly rewarded.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
"In water and mud and bark, in cloud and tree not yet clothed in leaves, I saw before me the flesh of my gods. Every whisper was a note in the songs of my ancestors, a part of their stories which must ever be told."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
"In water and mud and bark, in cloud and tree not yet clothed in leaves, I saw before me the flesh of my gods. Every whisper was a note in the songs of my ancestors, a part of their stories which must ever be told."
April 15, 2013
This tale brings together the Lady of the Lake and Joseph of Arimathea, entwined with the legend of the holy grail, the fall of the ancient Britains to the Romans, and the dawning of Christianity in a far flung country. It's a simple, yet enchanting tale of love slowly recaptured between the two main characters, and about how these other events has brought them together.
I'm not really sure how to sum up this book. I enjoyed it, that's for certain. But having finished it, I wasn't left with a feeling of elation, yet I wasn't left with a feeling of disappointment. It was more a feeling of, "that was nice".... Which is not a bad feeling to have at the end of a book.
I'm not really sure how to sum up this book. I enjoyed it, that's for certain. But having finished it, I wasn't left with a feeling of elation, yet I wasn't left with a feeling of disappointment. It was more a feeling of, "that was nice".... Which is not a bad feeling to have at the end of a book.
May 31, 2016
This is a mystical & magical story. It challenges the reader to set aside any number of preconceptions & to learn new ways of looking at reality. It raises questions about many deep subjects: the person of Jesus of Nazareth; the origins of belief; Judaism; growing up & maturity; how Christianity began; the tensions which pull one in different directions; relationship; the endurance of love; loneliness, both exterior & interior. It's a fascinating novel!
June 12, 2012
This was a well written story which I loved. Anyone who loves the Avalon stories will love this one as well. The way she hints at the connection between Joseph of Arathema and the holy grail is fun. Loved it.
February 16, 2014
WOW.....
I have loved Emma's writing of Druidry and now this story she's woven is truly moving and breathtaking! Anyone looking to read this magickal journey.....should! :-)
I have loved Emma's writing of Druidry and now this story she's woven is truly moving and breathtaking! Anyone looking to read this magickal journey.....should! :-)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews