Illuminated scripts were not just a remnant of the Holy Isle, of monks toiling in scriptoria. In the Middle Ages, hundreds of illuminated manuscripts were created about Arthurian legend.

One of the most famous stories from Arthurian lore is that of the Holy Grail. As such, many stories exist about the Grail's origins and its healing powers.

The most common story goes something like this:

The Holy Grail has long been known as a mysterious, powerful artefact. Some two thousand years ago, the man named Jesus Christ drank from the cup at his last supper with his most loyal supporters. When he was crucified the next day, his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, used that same cup to catch Christ's blood as he hung from the cross.

Knowing the immense value of the undoubtedly holy cup he now possessed, Joseph fled. In England, he traveled to Glastonbury - which is usually equated with the Arthurian Avalon, home to Morgan le Fay and the site of the forging of Excalibur - and there he buried the Grail.

Where he buried the Grail, a spring now runs red. Called Chalice Well, the red is said to be a reminder of Christ's blood that was shed.

On to Sir Guy's Grail Quest