Jessie Laidlay Weston's From Ritual to Romance delves into the fascinating connections between ancient myths and rituals and how they influenced medieval literature and the Arthurian legends. Weston's exploration of the Grail legend as a symbol of fertility rituals and the dying and rebirth of vegetation is both thorough and enlightening.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Weston uncovers the deep-rooted symbolism behind the Grail quest, shedding light on its ties to pagan traditions and the Christian appropriation of these rituals. Her examination of the similarities between ancient fertility rites and the Arthurian romances highlights the enduring power of myth and ritual in shaping cultural narratives.

While the book is dense with scholarly references and may be challenging for readers unfamiliar with medieval literature or comparative mythology, Weston's writing is clear and engaging, making the complex subject matter accessible to a wider audience. Overall, From Ritual to Romance is a thought-provoking study that sheds new light on the enduring significance of ancient rituals in shaping the literary traditions of the Western world. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the intersection of myth, ritual, and literature.

Book Description:
From Ritual to Romance is a 1920 book written by Jessie L. Weston. Weston's book is an examination of the roots of the King Arthur legends and seeks to make connections between the early pagan elements and the later Christian influences. The book's main focus is on the Holy Grail tradition and its influence, particularly the Wasteland motif. The origins of Weston's book are in James George Frazer's seminal work on folklore, magic and religion, The Golden Bough , and in the works of Jane Ellen Harrison. The work is mentioned by T. S. Eliot in the notes to his poem, The Waste Land. - Summary by Wikipedia