The Medieval Latin word gradale translates in Old French to graal, or greal, or greel, hence the English grail. Others derive the word from
garalis or from cratalis (crater, a large bowl), but it most certainly means a dish. The derivation from grata in the latter part of the passage cited
above or from agréer (to please) in the French romances is secondary. The explanation of San greal as sang real (kingly blood) did not occur until
the later Middle Ages.
I got this from the Catholic Encyclopedia, and yes, I believe the grail is a literal dish, probably akin to the Seder plates used during Passover. It
can't be a chalis Jeus drank from, since passages concerning The Last Supper in Matthew, Mark, and Luke ALL have Jesus refusing to drink with his
deciples until they reunite in Heaven.
As to the location of the Grail, check this out.
I got this from a book called The Kolbrin:
The heart of Britain is the moon chalice which was brought here by the hands of
the Chief of the Kasini. He came shipborne to Rafinia, which is by the Mount of
Lud, against Ardmoal. Passing Insdruk, he came to Itene where he hid the
treasure in Trebethew. It was not captured, as men say, nor could it decay. In
the fullness of time it came to Kargwen. There it was kept secure with the Grail
stone and the ever-virgin vessel which was brought down the rays of the sun.
Thus it was that these treasures of Egypt came to Britain. This was the secret
of Britain.
With a little research, I found out that Kargwin is misspelled. The correct spelling is Caer Gwintiquic, and is now called Winchester in Hampshire.
Hmm....maybe the Grail is somewhere on the grounds of Winchester Cathedral.
[edit on 12-2-2006 by Toelint]
