Primary Sources: Le Morte D’Arthur, Book XVII, Chapter 21
After Jesus leaves, Galahad heals Evelake, pretty much as an afterthought. Evelake goes off to join Nacien’s religious order, become one of the white monks. The various knights might compare notes at this point, except an angelic voice commands them to quit screwing around get moving.
The three French knights touch base with Galahad before they go. They’re headed to Camelot, to tell everybody there about the Grail! Malory suddenly remembers that one of the three French knights is Sir Claudine, son of wicked King Claudas who has been mentioned very, very occasionally ever since Book I. So that happens.
Then Bors, Percivale, and Galahad get back on board their magic ship, which someone has loaded up with the Grail while they weren’t looking. “Sweet!” says Galahad. “We got the Grail. I win! I’m ready to die now.”
Galahad looks expectantly at Bors and Percivale, like they’re supposed to slice his head off or something? The two knights exchange baffled glances, but before they can ask any questions yet another angelic voice tells Galahad that yes, he can die. He just has to say the word, and boom, soul out of body, life over. Galahad looks super smug about this.
“So, call me thickheaded,” says Percivale, “but why are you so eager to die?”
Galahad grins, because he’s in an incredibly chipper mood. “That I shall tell you: the other day when we saw a part of the adventures of the Grail I was in such a joy of heart, that I trow never man was that was earthly. And therefore I wot well, when my body is dead my soul shall be in great joy to see the blessed Trinity every day, and the majesty of Our Lord, Jesu Christ.”
“What?”
“Basically on the one hand nothing in this world could ever top the events of the last chapter, and on the other hand when I die I get to go to heaven, which will be awesome! I’m really looking forward to it.”
Bors does not completely buy this. “Maybe you should lie down. Sir, in this bed ought ye to lie.”
“So saith the scripture!” lies Percivale.
“That may be smart,” says Galahad. “I’m not sure I’ve actually slept in days.”
And so, concerned about Galahad’s safety and sanity, Percivale and Bors put him in a bed. He passes out immediately and doesn’t wake until the ship has docked at Sarras.
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Primary Sources: Le Morte D’Arthur, Book XVII, Chapter 21 — No Comments
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