Arthurian LegendsKnights of the Round Table

Sir Galahad and the Siege Perilous

The world's purest knight claims his destiny at the Round Table and begins the Grail quest.

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Illustration for Sir Galahad and the Siege Perilous - a knights of the round table Arthurian Legends story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the legend of Sir Galahad and the Siege Perilous. Witness the arrival of the chosen knight who survived the seat of death to begin the Holy Grail quest.

In the grand hall of Camelot, on the feast of Pentecost, an empty seat remained at the Round Table. It was the Siege Perilous, a chair Merlin had prophesied could only be filled by the purest knight in the world; any other who dared sit there would face instant death. As King Arthur and his knights watched in awe, an old hermit led a young man clad in red armor into the court. This was Galahad, the son of Sir Lancelot. With unwavering calm, Galahad approached the forbidden seat. To the shock of all present, the silk covering the chair was lifted to reveal gold lettering: 'This is the seat of Galahad, the high prince.' He sat down, remaining unharmed and radiant. Following this feat, Galahad proved his worth further by drawing a sword from a block of red marble floating on the river, a task even Lancelot and Gawain had failed. Having filled the seat and claimed the blade, the Holy Grail appeared in a vision, signaling the start of the ultimate quest for the purest of knights.

The Moral

True greatness is born of purity of heart and a selfless spirit. One's destiny is fulfilled through virtue, faith, and moral integrity rather than physical strength alone.

“This is the seat of Galahad, the high prince, for whom this place was destined.”

Fun Fact

The Siege Perilous is believed to be inspired by the 'Empty Chair' at the Last Supper, representing the space vacated by Judas Iscariot that must be filled by a worthy successor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Sir Galahad and the Siege Perilous?

The story emphasizes that spiritual purity and moral integrity are the highest forms of knightly virtue. It suggests that destiny favors those who remain untainted by worldly corruption and pride.

Why was the seat called the Siege Perilous?

Merlin created it to be reserved for the knight who would find the Holy Grail. Any unworthy person who sat in it was struck down by divine power, making it a perilous seat for all but the chosen one.

Who is Sir Galahad's father?

Sir Galahad is the son of Sir Lancelot and Elaine of Corbenic. While Lancelot was considered the greatest earthly knight, Galahad represented a spiritual perfection his father could never achieve.

What happened when Galahad sat in the Siege Perilous?

Instead of being destroyed, Galahad sat safely as golden letters appeared on the chair naming him as the rightful occupant. This event confirmed to King Arthur that the most holy knight had finally arrived.

Is Sir Galahad related to the Holy Grail?

Yes, Galahad is the central hero of the Grail Quest. His absolute purity allowed him to see the Holy Grail clearly and eventually achieve it before being taken up to heaven.

How does Galahad differ from other knights?

Unlike other knights who are motivated by earthly glory or romantic love, Galahad is entirely focused on spiritual devotion. He represents the transition from chivalry as combat to chivalry as a divine calling.