References to the Arthurian Legend abound in everyday life. Have you listened to a sportscast recently? read the sports pages? There's always a reference to "the Holy Grail" of something or other.
In July, 2000, on the front page of the Circuits section of the New York Times, there was the following lead-in to an article: On-Line Shopper: A site promises to deliver the Holy Grail of all weary shoppers: a pair of jeans that actually fit.

Below are images of some of the ads we looked at in class. See if you can find others over the course of the semester (or references in the media). I will post them (with attributions to you, of course!) to the website.

Click on the thumbnails to get a larger version of the image.

A statue of young Arthur pulling the sword from the stone--for $145.00!

Your very own Excalibur--for only $395.00!!

Yet another Excalibur, this time for $675.00 (the 1993 price...).

Merlin's Cup? I didn't know he even drank! This one's available for $195.00.

Merlin's Dagger. Here is one prophet who comes very well equipped! He's also well-paid. This one is a pricey $1,950!!

"Perfect for the man who would rule his own destiny." That's what the ad says, folks. You can't make this stuff up. Price? $650.

I think it's clear by now that Excalibur is the most popular item for reproductions. This one is from the Steuben Glass Company--"Timeless, elegant, American." American?? Arthur and that sword seem to get around! Price: $3400.00

For those who might want to have more than one character from the legend, perhaps the chess set will be a choice! Go for the whole set: it's only $175.

This little green fellow was a stamp given to me by one of my students, Dina Prestigiacamo. He's not for sale, however!

Here is Guenevere's necklace. The guys get the Pendragon ring, the ladies get the necklace... It's only $24.95 (and it comes in a gift box, too!)

And the Arthurian Legend branches out into kitchen equipment as well. This knife was featured in the New York Times on February 7, 2001. The writer was doing a test of these new knives and said: "I wanted to think of the Global knives as the Excaliburs of the kitchen..."

As you learn through your readings, the legend of Arthur has a lot to do with all sorts of sins. Though they are quite "altered" in the Quest of the Holy Grail, you might want to have a complete set of the "original" ones for your very own! They cost only $175. Cheap for seven sins...

Since Lust is the biggie in the Arthurian Legend, it's fitting to get a close-up view of it.

There is just no end to references to the Arthurian Legend. Since Excalibur is such a popular theme, here's a tin with Excalibur tobacco. This is another contribution from my student Dina.

It was probably just a question of time until Las Vegas got into the Arthurian act. Here are a couple of pictures of the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. This place has "Royal Meeting and Banquet Facilities." You can go to the "Tournament of Kings Dinner Show." There are several restaurants: eat prime rib at Sir Galahad's; have steak at Camelot; find Italian food at Regale; and indulge in all-around variety at the Sherwood Forest Café. . . . In case you decide to get married, you can do so at th Canterbury Wedding Chapels. The source of all the images from Excalibur Hotel and Casino shall remain nameless--to protect her professional reputation.

Of course, no trip to the Excalibur Hotel and Casino would be complete without the possibility of shopping. And where else would you do this other than in The Merlin Shoppes?!!

Before we leave beautiful downtown Las Vegas, if you have a case of the munchies while shopping or doing other activities, you can always eat a genuine Excalibur Candy Bar!!

More toys in store for you. Here is your very own Guinevere doll--complete with a wardrobe change for those excursions out of the castle to meet with who knows what sort of adventure.

  An image of the Lady of Shallot, who died of unrequited love for Lancelot.