Gwion-Taliesin received three drops on his fingers from Cerridwen's cauldron, which gave him knowledge of all time and poetic inspiration. On the Blessed Island there was a cauldron that could predict future events and it was fanned by nine oracular maidens. The earliest Arthurian legends come from Celtic sources, and it can be seen how the Grail symbolism has been strongly influenced by Celtic tradition. In Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach the Fisher King, keeper of the Grail's secret, has been struck down by a mysterious illness and the countryside has turned into a wasteland. Parzival then becomes King, and custodian of the Grail.
Some legends abscribe Christian symbolism to the Grail.
Thus the Holy Grail is a rich and complex symbol whose origins can be traced to different sources. However, common threads can be discerned from among the various interpretations. To obtain the benefits of the Grail a quest is involved, and the quester must be worthy. Once achieved the Grail confers great benefits, such as regeneration, abundance, and spiritual well-being.