Studies on the Legend of the Holy Grail. By Alfred
Nutt. (David Nutt.)—This is one of the books which, unfortunately for their chance of due appreciation, very few persons besides the author are competent to review. Mr. Nutt has given to his researches a " special reference to the hypothesis of the Celtic origin " of the legend. This is the view which naturally com- mends itself to the unlearned in such matters. Mr. J. F. Camp- bell, quoted on the title-page, writes :—" In all the Fenian stories
mention is made of Fionn's healing-cup it is the same as the Holy Grail, of course." It is to the Irish section of the Celtic race, therefore, that we are to look for the development of the legend ; and, again, the outside reader who knows anything of the characteristics of Irish folk-lore will find himself in accord with the view of the expert. We may quote part of the eloquent passage with which Mr. Nutt sums up his " Studies." He traces back these lattef to a period of culture "well-nigh pre-historic." Their " Celtic setting " endowed them " with a charm that commended them to the romantic spirit of the Middle Ages, and made them fit vehicles for the embodiment of mediaeval ideas. Quickened by Christian symbolism, they came to express and typify the noblest and most mystic sayings of man. The legend, as the poets and thinkers of the twelfth century fashioned it, has still a lesson and a meaning for us. It may be likened to one of the divine maidens of Irish tradition. She lives across the Western sea. Ever and again, heroes, filled with mysterious yearnings for the truth and beauty of the infinite and undying, make sail to join her if they may. They pass away and others succeed them, but she remains ever young and fair. So long as the thirst of man for the ideal endures, her spell will not be weakened, her charm will not be lessened." We offer to Mr. Nutt's learning and industry our tribute of respectful praise.
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