“This is a story of the ultimate treasure quest, the ultimate obsession - the legendary quest for the grail has become the ultimate treasure hunt”

The legend of the Holy Grail, written in 1185 by the French poet Chrétien de Troyes, seized the European imagination and maintains its hold to the present day.

Perceval, a knight at King Arthur’s court is one of the keepers of the Holy Grail. The Grail originated in pre-Christian folklore and became the most sacred of relics.

In Christian mythology, the Holy Grail was the dish, plate, or cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. The vessel is also alleged to have held the blood of the crucified Christ and is said to possess miraculous powers.

This priceless object was surrounded by danger but on those who could penetrate its mysteries, it would shower divine grace, healing and happiness.

Richard the Lionheart, King of England, and 700 years later, a 20th century German, Otto Rahn, were just two figures in history who became swept up in the quest.

More recent books portray the sect of the Cathars as the protectors of the Grail. The fort at the French village of Montségur was one of their last strongholds and it is here that 20th century treasure seekers were expecting to find the hidden Grail.

In the heydays of National Socialism in Germany, the Nazi Party became interested in the legend. Heinrich Himmler himself sought to use the mysticism of the story for Nazi purposes. Many of the rituals of the Nazis were founded on the Occult and pagan rituals.

Quest for the Grail is the story of the fine line between heavenly inspiration and real horror. It is a story of the ultimate treasure quest – the ultimate obsession.

This documentary is part of the highly acclaimed ‘Treasure Seekers’ series, produced for National Geographic.