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Channel of the Grail: A Novel of Cathars, Templars, and a Nazi Grail Hunter
Even death cannot stop two hearts that beat as one.
In May 1939, German newspapers announced the untimely death of 35-year-old author Otto Rahn, applauding him as "comrade, decent SS-man and creator of outstanding historical-scholarly works." But his Swiss lover Raymond knew that Otto had neither died accidentally nor as a member of the infamous SS.
Before the Nazis, Rahn had researched the medieval French Cathars, a heretical sect exterminated by war and the Inquisition, and he published his account of this tragedy as Crusade against the Grail.
His book fascinated ReichsfUhrer-SS Heinrich Himmler, an occult fanatic, who then enticed Otto into the SS as a historical researcher. Gambling that Otto's psychic talents might lead to the recovery of the coveted Holy Grail for the Nazis, Himmler coddled the writer, even condoning his illegal homosexuality. Then Rahn came to discover that the SS and its operations were far from benign.
After Otto's demise, Raymond knew that his partner's work deserved recognition, but as a genuine Grail bearer and not as a member of the SS. To do this, Raymond had to recover his own unique gift: a phenomenal memory that took him back to the Cathar era where the men's mutual mission, which could only be carried out with them riding two to a horse in the way of the Knights Templar, was first entrusted to them.
Channel of the Grail is a visionary novel, historically based on the medieval Cathar persecutions and the 20th century life and times of Otto Rahn.
In May 1939, German newspapers announced the untimely death of 35-year-old author Otto Rahn, applauding him as "comrade, decent SS-man and creator of outstanding historical-scholarly works." But his Swiss lover Raymond knew that Otto had neither died accidentally nor as a member of the infamous SS.
Before the Nazis, Rahn had researched the medieval French Cathars, a heretical sect exterminated by war and the Inquisition, and he published his account of this tragedy as Crusade against the Grail.
His book fascinated ReichsfUhrer-SS Heinrich Himmler, an occult fanatic, who then enticed Otto into the SS as a historical researcher. Gambling that Otto's psychic talents might lead to the recovery of the coveted Holy Grail for the Nazis, Himmler coddled the writer, even condoning his illegal homosexuality. Then Rahn came to discover that the SS and its operations were far from benign.
After Otto's demise, Raymond knew that his partner's work deserved recognition, but as a genuine Grail bearer and not as a member of the SS. To do this, Raymond had to recover his own unique gift: a phenomenal memory that took him back to the Cathar era where the men's mutual mission, which could only be carried out with them riding two to a horse in the way of the Knights Templar, was first entrusted to them.
Channel of the Grail is a visionary novel, historically based on the medieval Cathar persecutions and the 20th century life and times of Otto Rahn.
530 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2016
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Victor E. Smith
2 books18 followersVictor E. Smith became a generalist, as opposed to a specialist, seemingly by fate. From childhood on a Pennsylvania communal farm, to adolescence in a Catholic seminary, then into adulthood with occupations that ranged from counselor and teacher to printing entrepreneur and corporate computer trainer, all while parenting three children, Vic remains astounded, often stunned, by the variety, both wonderful and terrible, inherent in human life. Such awe has always compelled him to write. From his first “book” of poems as a teenager; through experimental plays, poetry, and short stories in his twenties; with volumes of educational and technical writing throughout his work career, he finally settled on the novel as his writing mode of choice.
A lifelong proponent of the human urge for spiritual evolution, he has focused on phenomena “just over the edge”: reincarnation, the paranormal, parapsychology, and alternative history, especially in the spiritual/religious sphere. Gnostic (based on direct perception rather than authority) in his approach, he aims to live an idea first and then write from personal experience. A tall order for someone supposedly writing fiction. Traveling to the places he writes about, developing relationships with those intimate with his subject, and “grokking the fullness” of his material through reflection and extensive personal journalling are to his research what clues are to a detective. THE ANATHEMAS, a Novel of Reincarnation and Restitution, ripened over decades, was his first novel. His second, THE PERFECT, about the medieval Cathars of southern France and Nazi interest in their obscure religion, is scheduled for publication in 2013.
A lifelong proponent of the human urge for spiritual evolution, he has focused on phenomena “just over the edge”: reincarnation, the paranormal, parapsychology, and alternative history, especially in the spiritual/religious sphere. Gnostic (based on direct perception rather than authority) in his approach, he aims to live an idea first and then write from personal experience. A tall order for someone supposedly writing fiction. Traveling to the places he writes about, developing relationships with those intimate with his subject, and “grokking the fullness” of his material through reflection and extensive personal journalling are to his research what clues are to a detective. THE ANATHEMAS, a Novel of Reincarnation and Restitution, ripened over decades, was his first novel. His second, THE PERFECT, about the medieval Cathars of southern France and Nazi interest in their obscure religion, is scheduled for publication in 2013.
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May 12, 2016
‘Every act has both good and evil results.'
In CHANNEL OF THE GRAIL, Victor Smith has woven a fascinating tale, blending elements of Gnosticism, and Wolfram von Eschenbach's PARZIVAL, with a healthy dose of reincarnation or continued incarnation. Relying heavily upon two seemingly concurring stories; one a century after the fall of Montsegur, and 20th century Nazi Germany, we follow the lives of two men and their quest for protecting the most hallowed object of supernatural grace – the holy grail. In the age-old battle of the church of AMOR vs. the church of ROMA, the keys of the true faith can only be found in one vessel – a vessel which transcends time itself. It's a fresh and inspired take on a dearly cherished story, and an excellent one at that!
In CHANNEL OF THE GRAIL, Victor Smith has woven a fascinating tale, blending elements of Gnosticism, and Wolfram von Eschenbach's PARZIVAL, with a healthy dose of reincarnation or continued incarnation. Relying heavily upon two seemingly concurring stories; one a century after the fall of Montsegur, and 20th century Nazi Germany, we follow the lives of two men and their quest for protecting the most hallowed object of supernatural grace – the holy grail. In the age-old battle of the church of AMOR vs. the church of ROMA, the keys of the true faith can only be found in one vessel – a vessel which transcends time itself. It's a fresh and inspired take on a dearly cherished story, and an excellent one at that!
Displaying 1 of 1 review