ABSTRACT
Vellay is clearly of opinion that, at a certain stage of development, the Adonis ritual assumed the character of a mystery. The basis of instruction was of course the outward ritual, in which all the worshippers unite, the central feature of which is the sacramental meal of which all alike partake. Regarded, then, from the ritual point of view, it seems clear that the Grail Quest should be viewed primarily as an initiation story, as a search into the secret and mystery of life; it is the record of an initiation manque. Sir Gawain had passed this test satisfactorily before his arrival at the Grail Castle, and is congratulated by the King on the valour which has enabled him to reach that goal. The title of ‘Fisher’ King, as applied to the Guardian of the Grail, is a somewhat perplexing element in the tradition.
