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The Mystery of the Grail: Initiation and Magic in the Quest for the Spirit
In this important study of the meaning of the Grail, one of Europe's greatest esoteric philosophers discloses the pre-Christian and initiatic sources of this symbolic motif that is so central to Western mythology and culture. He demonstrates how the main features of the legend are from an older tradition analogous to the great heroic sagas and cycles of the North, and that the Grail itself is a symbol of initiation. Evola uncovers the hidden meaning in the often surreal adventures of the knights who searched for the Grail, interpreting them as inner experiences and tests for the seeker. He also explores the history of the myth in the Middle Ages, its use by the Knights Templar and the Cathars, its legacy during the decline of the Holy Roman Empire, and its links with Rosicrucianism, alchemy, and Masonry.
This excursion into the realm of the Grail throws new light on an endlessly fascinating subject.
This excursion into the realm of the Grail throws new light on an endlessly fascinating subject.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1937
71 people are currently reading
1547 people want to read
About the author
Julius Evola
211 books1,036 followersJulius Evola, born Giulio Cesare Andrea Evola, was an Italian philosopher and esoteric scholar. Born in Rome to a family of the Sicilian landed gentry, Evola was raised a strict Catholic. Despite this, his life was characterised by 'an anti-bourgeois approach' hostile to both 'the dominant tradition of the West—Christianity and Catholicism—and to contemporary civilization—the 'modern world' of democracy and materialism'.
By turns 'engineering student, artillery officer, Dadaist poet and painter, journalist, alpinist, scholar, linguist, Orientalist, and political commentator', he has been described as a 'rare example of universality in an age of specialization'. Yet behind it all lay a singular emphasis on, and pursuit of, a 'direct relationship to the Absolute'. For Evola, 'the center of all things was not man, but rather the Transcendent.' This metaphysical conviction can be seen to have determined both Evola's stance on socio-political issues, and his antipathetic attitude towards 'all professional, sentimental and family routines'.
The author of many books on esoteric, political and religious topics (including The Hermetic Tradition, The Doctrine of Awakening and Eros and the Mysteries of Love), his best-known work remains Revolt Against the Modern World, a trenchant critique of modern civilisation that has been described as 'the gateway to his thought'. Since his death, also in Rome, his writings have influenced right-wing, reactionary and conservative political thought not only in his native Italy, but throughout continental Europe and, increasingly, the English-speaking world. Nevertheless, he should not be considered primarily as a political thinker, but rather as an exponent of the wider Traditionalist School that encompasses the work of such individuals as René Guénon, Titus Burckhardt and Frithjof Schuon.
By turns 'engineering student, artillery officer, Dadaist poet and painter, journalist, alpinist, scholar, linguist, Orientalist, and political commentator', he has been described as a 'rare example of universality in an age of specialization'. Yet behind it all lay a singular emphasis on, and pursuit of, a 'direct relationship to the Absolute'. For Evola, 'the center of all things was not man, but rather the Transcendent.' This metaphysical conviction can be seen to have determined both Evola's stance on socio-political issues, and his antipathetic attitude towards 'all professional, sentimental and family routines'.
The author of many books on esoteric, political and religious topics (including The Hermetic Tradition, The Doctrine of Awakening and Eros and the Mysteries of Love), his best-known work remains Revolt Against the Modern World, a trenchant critique of modern civilisation that has been described as 'the gateway to his thought'. Since his death, also in Rome, his writings have influenced right-wing, reactionary and conservative political thought not only in his native Italy, but throughout continental Europe and, increasingly, the English-speaking world. Nevertheless, he should not be considered primarily as a political thinker, but rather as an exponent of the wider Traditionalist School that encompasses the work of such individuals as René Guénon, Titus Burckhardt and Frithjof Schuon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 3, 2020
I must say that I'm not a big fan of evola, he tries to push his political ideas upon collective archetypes that often possess no connection.
January 10, 2024
Вернусь после прочтения десятков классических европейских текстов, символизм которых разбирает Барон
February 11, 2021
Knjiga me privukla prvo, zbog naslova, drugo zbog kontroverzne prirode autora, i treće, zbog mješavine ova prva dva razloga. Fašista koji piše o gralu - dovoljno primamljivo.
No, ono što sam našla u knjizi nije me toliko očaralo. Okej, saznala sam nešto više o Arturu i gralu, masonima, templarima... Nekako mi se čini da je knjiga samo zbir već poznatih priča.
Ah da, ima i mizoginije na pretek - žena u muškarcu ZAPRAVO budi seksualnu energiju. Još gore: muškarac zbog žene postaje žena...
(ako se uzme kao veliki meme, onda knjiga može itekako proći!)
No, ono što sam našla u knjizi nije me toliko očaralo. Okej, saznala sam nešto više o Arturu i gralu, masonima, templarima... Nekako mi se čini da je knjiga samo zbir već poznatih priča.
Ah da, ima i mizoginije na pretek - žena u muškarcu ZAPRAVO budi seksualnu energiju. Još gore: muškarac zbog žene postaje žena...
(ako se uzme kao veliki meme, onda knjiga može itekako proći!)
August 8, 2023
Despite being a profoundly anti-Christian thinker, much is to be learned from Evola, especially because suprahistory and traditional knowledge (in the true meaning of the word) need not be seen through the lens of a pre-Christian Aryan paganism. After all, Guénon, Evola's teacher in many senses, holds that Catholicism is the only institution which still contains a remnant of Tradition.
Read Evola with a healthy dose of skepticism, because some of his comparisons are slightly far-fetched, and in conjunction with Guénon, but knowing that you are reading a master. Great first book to start on the Evola journey.
Read Evola with a healthy dose of skepticism, because some of his comparisons are slightly far-fetched, and in conjunction with Guénon, but knowing that you are reading a master. Great first book to start on the Evola journey.
July 15, 2025
This book was….interesting to say at least. Julius Evola presents how every old mythology, especially of the manner of Grail are all interconnected into one single ‘Hyperboreia’ myth. His perspective on mythology itself is intriguing and controversial. In this book, he connects the dots between the Arthurian Mythology, Kali Yuga, and many other symbolism to introduce the idea of one overarching archetype of Hyperboreia.
My favorite chapter was about how Evola talks about the Templars that they were inherently Pagan Anti-Christian despite representing Christianity. He also clarified the matter regarding Rosicrucianism and its original purpose of representing the Grail Knights and how Enlightenment movement co-opted this concept to corrupt the spiritual essence of the people.
I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone outside of this specific flavor of niche literature.
My favorite chapter was about how Evola talks about the Templars that they were inherently Pagan Anti-Christian despite representing Christianity. He also clarified the matter regarding Rosicrucianism and its original purpose of representing the Grail Knights and how Enlightenment movement co-opted this concept to corrupt the spiritual essence of the people.
I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone outside of this specific flavor of niche literature.
August 29, 2021
Interesting introduction to the esoteric, Evola makes connections to historical traditions and concepts which builds to an analysis of culture and spiritual thought.
March 25, 2024
Julius Evola's 'The Mystery of the Grail' presents itself as an enigmatic dive into the murky waters of medieval symbolism, focusing on the quest for the Holy Grail. Rated a middling 3 out of 5, the book challenges with its lack of didactic clarity and fragmented prose, resembling more a patchwork of symbols than a cohesive narrative or in-depth study. True to his style, Evola prioritizes a purely symbolic approach, comparing myths and symbols from various traditions without delving into the philosophical or metaphysical depths such symbols might suggest. This method becomes both the book’s strength and its weakness, as while it may intrigue those fascinated by mystification, it suffers from the ailment so common among occultists: a fondness for obscurity without cause. For readers seeking clarity or substantial philosophical insights, 'The Mystery of the Grail' may prove to be a frustrating read, though for enthusiasts of symbols and myths, it might offer fertile ground for speculation.
February 27, 2019
Overall, this book was a captivating, inspiring and potentially transformative read. I'm certainly planning to investigate some of the topics raised further and will be seeking out more of Evola's work.
I would have liked to give it 5 stars but didn't for two main reasons:
- It could have been organized better. The so-called chapters seem to bleed into each other heavily at times and the linear chapter structure doesn't match the twisting, looping journey through the actual content.
- Some parts of it were beyond my experience and knowledge, therefore I can't offer an opinion on their quality or credibility.
The historical and mythological aspects were often quite dense, although interesting. What really enamored me was the deeply transcendental ethos that underlies the entire character of the writing. The best way I could describe this work is as being "charged with meaning" and potentially of conferring a greatly charging effect on the reader.
I would have liked to give it 5 stars but didn't for two main reasons:
- It could have been organized better. The so-called chapters seem to bleed into each other heavily at times and the linear chapter structure doesn't match the twisting, looping journey through the actual content.
- Some parts of it were beyond my experience and knowledge, therefore I can't offer an opinion on their quality or credibility.
The historical and mythological aspects were often quite dense, although interesting. What really enamored me was the deeply transcendental ethos that underlies the entire character of the writing. The best way I could describe this work is as being "charged with meaning" and potentially of conferring a greatly charging effect on the reader.
June 2, 2024
Great book. Fit for anyone interested in mythology and its symbolism. Reserch is in depth and amazingly detailed. Evola shows his huge commitment and respect for the topic he is working on. Variety of texts is covered from a lot of diffrent cultures, that lets the reader grasp connections between them. Myth as a universal story and life as an ethernal reenactment.
February 4, 2021
Mandatory reading for anybody interested in Grail legends, secret societies and initiation. Evola is among the best at this sort of thing, his superiority humiliates so many of the clowns in these fields.
February 10, 2023
En intressant bok där Evola tolkar Graalens myter och dess symbolism genom en traditionalistisk lens. Enligt Evola pekar myten mot ett sätt att åter realisera en regal och heroisk spiritualitet som förenar "krigaren" och "prästen" och en återfödelse av ett traditionalistiskt imperium.
December 1, 2021
The Baron does it again, another keenly insightful illumination of the Mystery from the higher plane proper to it rather than yet another profane vanity.
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August 3, 2025O Mistério do Graal de Evola se destaca como uma profunda exploração que conecta temas mitológicos, espirituais e sociopolíticos para elucidar a relevância e o significado duradouros do Graal no discurso contemporâneo. A defesa de Evola por um método tradicional na interpretação da lenda do Graal levanta questões significativas sobre a validade da erudição empírica moderna na compreensão de narrativas simbólicas. Ele argumenta que interpretações tradicionais priorizam a essência e a universalidade dos símbolos, mas essa perspectiva pode romantizar excessivamente os mitos ao mesmo tempo em que negligencia as nuances históricas que podem carregar.
A Idade Dourada simboliza um estado primordial e espiritual. A Idade Prateada introduz uma espiritualidade lunar, caracterizada por uma inclinação sacerdotal e feminina. A Idade do Bronze marca uma revolta contra a liderança espiritual, favorecendo guerras e materialismo, simbolizada por mitos titânicos. A Idade do Ferro, ou Kali Yuga, representa o secularismo completo e a perda de valores espirituais. Os Cavaleiros da Mesa Redonda representam uma mistura de virtudes marciais e espirituais, enfatizando uma busca por um propósito mais elevado além da mera guerra. O conceito do Graal incorpora esse ideal transcendente, servindo como um objetivo tangível para os cavaleiros e um símbolo de suas aspirações. O estudo do Graal sob uma perspectiva histórica revela uma tradição efêmera, mas significativa, que emergiu durante um curto período entre o final do século XII e o início do século XIII. Essa era marcou o auge da tradição medieval, da cavalaria, das Cruzadas e da influência do tomismo em meio a ideologias pré-cristãs. A proliferação de romances do Graal foi abruptamente seguida por uma queda de interesse, coincidindo com os esforços da Igreja para suprimir o que considerava herético. Um ressurgimento do interesse pelo Graal ocorreu nos séculos XIV e XV, embora em formas alteradas após a queda dos Cavaleiros Templários. A busca pelo Graal é descrita como uma jornada interior e uma iniciação em estados mais elevados de ser. Várias lendas conectam o Graal tanto a origens celestiais quanto à história de Lúcifer, sugerindo seu profundo significado simbólico e as provações enfrentadas por aqueles que o buscam. O Graal está associado a uma pedra celestial ligada a um legado misterioso e a um estado ancestral que foi mantido durante o exílio. A menção de Lúcifer significa uma tentativa distorcida de reaver essa condição primordial. Existem paralelos com os Tuatha de Danaan, uma raça divina que desceu à Irlanda trazendo objetos significativos, incluindo uma pedra dos reis, semelhante aos itens do Graal. Evola conclui que a verdadeira maestria sobre desejos e orgulho é essencial para se tornar digno do Graal. O capítulo encapsula a jornada espiritual, contrastando os destinos de Gawain e Amfortas para elucidar o caminho em direção ao ascetismo, à identidade e à verdadeira essência da virilidade. O Rei Pescador serve como uma figura multifacetada que busca revitalizar as tradições primordiais e sagradas incorporadas no Graal. Seu simbolismo reflete uma profunda busca por conhecimento e renovação, sinalizando a necessidade de um herói digno para cumprir esses antigos mistérios. Os ricos símbolos e as profundas bases filosóficas tanto do cátaro quanto dos Vassalos do Amor indicam interações complexas com a lenda do Graal. Cada tradição, embora distinta, contribui para a exploração mais ampla da espiritualidade, do amor e do heroísmo na cultura medieval. Os Vassalos do Amor mantinham uma aparência de conhecimento elevado e uma essência imaterial em sua interpretação do amor e da iniciação. Apesar de sua decadência ao longo do tempo em significados alegóricos e traços humanísticos, seu legado influenciou figuras posteriores por aspectos de suas práticas espirituais e esotéricas que persistiram mesmo à medida que se transformavam. O Rosacrucianismo reflete uma tradição enraizada no conhecimento esotérico e na realização espiritual, contrastando com interpretações superficiais modernas que desviam de suas origens profundas. A verdadeira essência dos ensinamentos rosacruzes enfatiza a transformação interior, a experiência mística e uma busca duradoura pela verdade espiritual.
A Idade Dourada simboliza um estado primordial e espiritual. A Idade Prateada introduz uma espiritualidade lunar, caracterizada por uma inclinação sacerdotal e feminina. A Idade do Bronze marca uma revolta contra a liderança espiritual, favorecendo guerras e materialismo, simbolizada por mitos titânicos. A Idade do Ferro, ou Kali Yuga, representa o secularismo completo e a perda de valores espirituais. Os Cavaleiros da Mesa Redonda representam uma mistura de virtudes marciais e espirituais, enfatizando uma busca por um propósito mais elevado além da mera guerra. O conceito do Graal incorpora esse ideal transcendente, servindo como um objetivo tangível para os cavaleiros e um símbolo de suas aspirações. O estudo do Graal sob uma perspectiva histórica revela uma tradição efêmera, mas significativa, que emergiu durante um curto período entre o final do século XII e o início do século XIII. Essa era marcou o auge da tradição medieval, da cavalaria, das Cruzadas e da influência do tomismo em meio a ideologias pré-cristãs. A proliferação de romances do Graal foi abruptamente seguida por uma queda de interesse, coincidindo com os esforços da Igreja para suprimir o que considerava herético. Um ressurgimento do interesse pelo Graal ocorreu nos séculos XIV e XV, embora em formas alteradas após a queda dos Cavaleiros Templários. A busca pelo Graal é descrita como uma jornada interior e uma iniciação em estados mais elevados de ser. Várias lendas conectam o Graal tanto a origens celestiais quanto à história de Lúcifer, sugerindo seu profundo significado simbólico e as provações enfrentadas por aqueles que o buscam. O Graal está associado a uma pedra celestial ligada a um legado misterioso e a um estado ancestral que foi mantido durante o exílio. A menção de Lúcifer significa uma tentativa distorcida de reaver essa condição primordial. Existem paralelos com os Tuatha de Danaan, uma raça divina que desceu à Irlanda trazendo objetos significativos, incluindo uma pedra dos reis, semelhante aos itens do Graal. Evola conclui que a verdadeira maestria sobre desejos e orgulho é essencial para se tornar digno do Graal. O capítulo encapsula a jornada espiritual, contrastando os destinos de Gawain e Amfortas para elucidar o caminho em direção ao ascetismo, à identidade e à verdadeira essência da virilidade. O Rei Pescador serve como uma figura multifacetada que busca revitalizar as tradições primordiais e sagradas incorporadas no Graal. Seu simbolismo reflete uma profunda busca por conhecimento e renovação, sinalizando a necessidade de um herói digno para cumprir esses antigos mistérios. Os ricos símbolos e as profundas bases filosóficas tanto do cátaro quanto dos Vassalos do Amor indicam interações complexas com a lenda do Graal. Cada tradição, embora distinta, contribui para a exploração mais ampla da espiritualidade, do amor e do heroísmo na cultura medieval. Os Vassalos do Amor mantinham uma aparência de conhecimento elevado e uma essência imaterial em sua interpretação do amor e da iniciação. Apesar de sua decadência ao longo do tempo em significados alegóricos e traços humanísticos, seu legado influenciou figuras posteriores por aspectos de suas práticas espirituais e esotéricas que persistiram mesmo à medida que se transformavam. O Rosacrucianismo reflete uma tradição enraizada no conhecimento esotérico e na realização espiritual, contrastando com interpretações superficiais modernas que desviam de suas origens profundas. A verdadeira essência dos ensinamentos rosacruzes enfatiza a transformação interior, a experiência mística e uma busca duradoura pela verdade espiritual.
November 6, 2025
In the same vein as Metaphysics of War, Evola offers us his interpretation of the importance and real essence of the Grail myth, and the unconscious symbolic influence it holds over history and our cultures. While in the previous book such anti-Christian bias was not really apparent, here Evola fully displays that he has a serious (politically influenced) biased view against Christianity. In short, for Evola, most of what we attribute as Christian symbolism and essence is actually a bastardization of original pagan roots and, as such, a vilification and corruption of its powerful nature. Evola, for example (if I understood his point rightly), uses the example of original chivalry and its Templar Order incarnation, which according to him are in truth the heritage of the pagan warrior freeman that then became corrupted and decadent with the spreading of Church control and corruption.
Nevertheless, as far as myth interpretation goes, Evola is still strong. He offers a very compelling analysis of the symbolic importance of the "virility" of male characters and how losing that virility—through actions or symbolic evil seduction (feminine)—was one of the greatest tragedies in chivalric literature. Gaining the lady is one thing; being corrupted by the malevolent female spirit is another. To be blunt, Evola has a very clear and absolute interpretation of his own equivalent of "Jungian archetypes" (he does mention him actually) in which the nature of the feminine (and by that he means biological sex, not anything else or more) is absolute acceptance of male "rule" and acceptance of a position of submission. There is a clear and clean balance: strength, boldness, bravery, control, and leadership paired with submission, deep caring, loyalty, and overall the spiritual essence of motherhood in a very traditional way. Evola does not only take this interpretation as what it means in the actual myth, but as what the world's essence is and must return to. Evola believes that these absolute concepts and symbols are something to strive for, and he deeply rejects modernism and anything close to feminist waves.
In short, Evola overall argues in this book that since the end of paganism, we have been in a constant and deepening state of terrible decadence, which totally exploded with the "modern world," and that if we want to save ourselves and reconnect with what he defines as "superhistory" (as in symbolism transcending physical matter), we must absolutely oppose those social and ideological changes.
I don't agree with Evola's extremism or with his extreme takes on symbolism, but he still can be very insightful.
Nevertheless, as far as myth interpretation goes, Evola is still strong. He offers a very compelling analysis of the symbolic importance of the "virility" of male characters and how losing that virility—through actions or symbolic evil seduction (feminine)—was one of the greatest tragedies in chivalric literature. Gaining the lady is one thing; being corrupted by the malevolent female spirit is another. To be blunt, Evola has a very clear and absolute interpretation of his own equivalent of "Jungian archetypes" (he does mention him actually) in which the nature of the feminine (and by that he means biological sex, not anything else or more) is absolute acceptance of male "rule" and acceptance of a position of submission. There is a clear and clean balance: strength, boldness, bravery, control, and leadership paired with submission, deep caring, loyalty, and overall the spiritual essence of motherhood in a very traditional way. Evola does not only take this interpretation as what it means in the actual myth, but as what the world's essence is and must return to. Evola believes that these absolute concepts and symbols are something to strive for, and he deeply rejects modernism and anything close to feminist waves.
In short, Evola overall argues in this book that since the end of paganism, we have been in a constant and deepening state of terrible decadence, which totally exploded with the "modern world," and that if we want to save ourselves and reconnect with what he defines as "superhistory" (as in symbolism transcending physical matter), we must absolutely oppose those social and ideological changes.
I don't agree with Evola's extremism or with his extreme takes on symbolism, but he still can be very insightful.
April 2, 2020
Out of all of the books Julius Evola wrote this book has to be the easiest of his to read and assimilate... though this might in part be because of the subject matter addressed in the book.
The story of King Arthur and the search for the Holy Grail is a story we've all heard at least in passing throughout out lives and Evola takes the time to explore the common trends found in these various surrounding it, as well as in part the secret societies that surrounded the search for the Holy Grail before tying it all together with how the mythos shaped the spirit of European culture and had caused the state of global politics at the time of his having written the book.
The idea of viewing the holy grail as a symbol of the desire for transcendence was a very interesting take and one that I imagine will help with understanding Evola's other more difficult works involving the esoteric.
The story of King Arthur and the search for the Holy Grail is a story we've all heard at least in passing throughout out lives and Evola takes the time to explore the common trends found in these various surrounding it, as well as in part the secret societies that surrounded the search for the Holy Grail before tying it all together with how the mythos shaped the spirit of European culture and had caused the state of global politics at the time of his having written the book.
The idea of viewing the holy grail as a symbol of the desire for transcendence was a very interesting take and one that I imagine will help with understanding Evola's other more difficult works involving the esoteric.
October 26, 2025
This 'appendix' to his magnum opus Revolt Against the Modern World sees Evola apply the Traditional method to the Grail mythos. Using his erudite knowledge of Hermetic symbolism and several traditional texts, he identifies the origin of the Grail to be pre-Christian and symbolic of initiatic realization. From a metaphysical point of view, Evola makes a very strong argument, and it is hard to discredit it even on the grounds of his 'personal' view of metahistory.
The epilogue of the book is of special interest to me. Not only does Evola launch into a credible critique of Masonry, even going as far as to directly challenge the perspectives of his 'master' Guenon, but he also evaluates a particular controversial book of 'protocols' from a metahistorical reference point.
The epilogue of the book is of special interest to me. Not only does Evola launch into a credible critique of Masonry, even going as far as to directly challenge the perspectives of his 'master' Guenon, but he also evaluates a particular controversial book of 'protocols' from a metahistorical reference point.
May 8, 2022
This book is very interesting and illuminating regarding the perennial elements found within the Grail Cycle and how these myths show up across cultures and time.
This is my first book from Evola based on a recommendation from a friend. The issue I had is that the text (and my friend) seem to assume that you are already familiar with a number of other works by Evola, various mythology and the Grail legend in general.
Because of this, I have now bought Le Morte d'Arthur and The Divine Comedy to read - which are heavily referenced throughout. I will also likely read more Evola in the future.
Books lead to more books!
This is my first book from Evola based on a recommendation from a friend. The issue I had is that the text (and my friend) seem to assume that you are already familiar with a number of other works by Evola, various mythology and the Grail legend in general.
Because of this, I have now bought Le Morte d'Arthur and The Divine Comedy to read - which are heavily referenced throughout. I will also likely read more Evola in the future.
Books lead to more books!
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December 27, 2023This book was an interesting examination of different Holy Grail stories, how they've changed, and their shared elements. The author claims that, while most versions of the quest for the grail contain many Christian elements, that the myth itself has much older roots.
I listened to an audio book version of it and the narration was decent.
I listened to an audio book version of it and the narration was decent.
March 20, 2022
Aunque le da vueltas a cosas que me parecieron irrelevantes me gustó bastante. Aprendí bastantes cosas. Está bien si tienes curiosidad sobre el tema y las antiguas leyendas populares. Me gustó sobre todo la parte en la que habla de los Rosacruz y su influencia en la masonería posterior.
August 14, 2023
Evola tries to place the grail myth in the evolution of initiatory mysteries, tying it to its pre-Christian predecessors and the alchemists, Templars, and Dante as successors. The Arthurian grail legends are analyzed from the standpoint that they contain coded “suprahistorical” information that would allow those who understood to envision a future goal for society, a spiritual, caste-based empire.
He views the grail myth as having a much more objective and practical value, dismissing Jung and Freud and their psychological interpretations. He sees them as the spiritual warrior ideal. He goes in great depth discussing the the different varieties of the myth and stories, giving particular attention to their origins.
He views the grail myth as having a much more objective and practical value, dismissing Jung and Freud and their psychological interpretations. He sees them as the spiritual warrior ideal. He goes in great depth discussing the the different varieties of the myth and stories, giving particular attention to their origins.
February 2, 2024
Sicuramente non un libro per neofiti: occorrerebbero svariate letture per poter apprezzare e tentare di capire il punto di vista dell’autore ma la stesura del testo non gioca esattamente a favore rendendo difficoltosa la comprensione di un argomento già di per sé complicato.
January 27, 2025
A good anthology and introduction to Arthurian legend--but from the perspective of Julius Evola. There is a long of commentary on Arthurian legend as a shared legacy from Indo-European mythology that was syncretized with the Bible.
September 23, 2017
Outstanding analysis of Hermeticism and the idea of the Grail and it's pre-Christian gnostic origins.
May 17, 2020
Interesting, but found it harder to read than some of his other stuff as I am not very familiar with the story of the grail
January 30, 2022
Says that it isn't going to be a typical literary analysis of the Grail legend and then promptly launches off into his whole thing about Celts and Hyperborea, which is basically the take on the Grail these days. Though it was interesting in terms of there being sources older than Eschenbach, like de Borron.
August 10, 2022
An excellent book on Grail myth and my recommended place to begin reading Evola
August 18, 2024
Studio approfondito sul motivo del Graal osservato da un punto di vista non-cristiano. Molto interessante. Inutile sottolineare l'erudizione di Evola. Consigliato.
December 18, 2025
Excellent
January 19, 2026
interesting though scattered tidbits regarding the pagan origins of the mythology surrounding the grail.
February 21, 2024
"What is the purpose of the Grail?"
This is the all-important question that the Grail Knight must ask the Wounded King.
In this book, Evola seeks to answer this question and to elucidate the meaning of the Grail and it's mysterious symbology.
Unlike other authors, who try to find the Grail in a specific time and place (notably Otto Rahn, who placed it with the Cathars in the 12th-13th centuries) or analyze the anthropology of the Grail myth (such as Jesse L. Weston), Evola delves deep into the rich symbolism and myths of the Grail to explain and clarify their esoteric meaning. As always, Evola is thinking in terms of the Traditionalist school of philosophy, and as such refers often to his other works that explore this school.
An important thing to note is the political aspect of Evola and his works. He is "right-wing", but his political thought is separate from the ideology of Fascism. His political thought is inherently Historical and Traditional, with the states that align closest with his beliefs being the Holy Roman Empire during the Ghibelline era, the Ancient Egyptian Empire, and Ancient Mesopotamia. It is also crucial to note that his conceptions of how a state should be are deeply connected to Spirituality; Fascism is fundamentally anti-spiritual and concerned with devotion to/worship of the State.
Overall, this is a great work of spirituality. Evola's prose is lively and concise, and he dexterously handles deep and complex topics. This piece makes a great companion piece to works such as Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival.
This is the all-important question that the Grail Knight must ask the Wounded King.
In this book, Evola seeks to answer this question and to elucidate the meaning of the Grail and it's mysterious symbology.
Unlike other authors, who try to find the Grail in a specific time and place (notably Otto Rahn, who placed it with the Cathars in the 12th-13th centuries) or analyze the anthropology of the Grail myth (such as Jesse L. Weston), Evola delves deep into the rich symbolism and myths of the Grail to explain and clarify their esoteric meaning. As always, Evola is thinking in terms of the Traditionalist school of philosophy, and as such refers often to his other works that explore this school.
An important thing to note is the political aspect of Evola and his works. He is "right-wing", but his political thought is separate from the ideology of Fascism. His political thought is inherently Historical and Traditional, with the states that align closest with his beliefs being the Holy Roman Empire during the Ghibelline era, the Ancient Egyptian Empire, and Ancient Mesopotamia. It is also crucial to note that his conceptions of how a state should be are deeply connected to Spirituality; Fascism is fundamentally anti-spiritual and concerned with devotion to/worship of the State.
Overall, this is a great work of spirituality. Evola's prose is lively and concise, and he dexterously handles deep and complex topics. This piece makes a great companion piece to works such as Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival.
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