Chapter 58 Chapter fifty-six

Sophie stared at Teabing for a moment, then turned to Langdon and asked, "Is the Holy Grail a person?" Langdon nodded. "It's actually a woman." Langdon knew from Sophie's blank expression that she had been confused.He remembered the same reaction he had when he first heard this statement.It wasn't until he understood the symbolic meaning of the Holy Grail that he figured out the connection between the Holy Grail and women. Teabing apparently thought so too. "Robert, maybe it's time for you, an expert in symbolism, to explain things clearly." He walked to the end of the table, found a piece of paper, and placed it in front of Langdon.

Langdon took a pen from his pocket and said, "Sophie, are you familiar with the icons representing women and men?" As he spoke, he drew on the paper a very common icon representing men and a Icons representing women are early. "Of course," said Sophie. Langdon said calmly: "But this is not the earliest icon representing men and women. Many people mistakenly believe that the icon representing men originated from shields and spears, while the icon representing women originated from the ability to illuminate Mirrors showing their beautiful features. These symbols are actually derived from those used in ancient astronomy to represent the planets, the god Mars and the goddess Venus. The original symbols were simpler." Langdon drew another diagram on the paper .

/＼ He continued: "This is the earliest representation of the male. The basic shape of the male genitalia." Sophie said, "It's really similar." Teabing added, "That's what it was." Langdon went on, "The official name of this icon is 'Blade,' and it represents aggression and masculinity. In fact, to this day, this icon is still used on military uniforms to indicate rank." Teabing laughed He said: "It is true. The more genitals you have, the higher your military rank. Men are really hard to change." Langdon couldn't help frowning. "Let's go ahead. As you can imagine, the symbol for women goes in the exact opposite direction." He drew another diagram on the paper. "This is called a chalice."

＼／ Sophie looked up at him, surprised. Langdon could see that she was beginning to associate.He said, "The chalice is like a goblet or vessel. But more importantly, it's like a woman's womb." Langdon stared at her and said, "Sophie, according to legend, the chalice is a chalice, a A wine glass. However, such a description hides the essence of the Holy Grail. In other words, the legend is just a metaphor for the Holy Grail as an important thing." "Woman," Sophie said. Langdon smiled and said, "That's right. The cup is actually a symbol representing women in ancient times. Then the Holy Grail represents a holy woman and goddess. She has disappeared without a trace, and was actually destroyed by the Holy See." .Woman's power and ability to create life was miraculous, and this posed a serious threat to the rising male-dominated Holy See.So they called the holy women devils and said they were not holy.According to their It is said that man, not God, created 'original sin', and that Eve tasted the forbidden fruit, bringing about the fall of man. Women, once enshrined as the divine creators of life, are now the enemy."

Teabing echoed: "The idea of ​​women as creators of life was the basis of many ancient religions. Bearing offspring is a very magical and powerful thing to do. Sadly, however, Christian philosophy has decided to The physical characteristics of women are used to obliterate women's creative power, and men are respected as 'creators'. "Genesis" tells the world that Eve was made of Adam's rib. Women have become derivatives of men, and they are also sinners. "Genesis ' ended the worship of the Goddess." Langdon said: "The Holy Grail represents the lost Goddess. When Christianity came into existence, so-called cults did not die out easily. The legends about the knights looking for the Holy Grail are actually stories about finding the Holy Lady. Those who claim to 'find the Holy Grail' The knights used this to cover up the truth, so as not to be persecuted by the Holy See. At that time, the Holy See oppressed women, expelled the goddess, burned those who did not believe in Christianity, and prohibited pagans from worshiping the saint.”

Sophie shook her head and said, "Sorry, when you said the Holy Grail was a person, I thought it was a real person." Langdon said, "It's a real person." Teabing stood up excitedly, and blurted out, "But it doesn't mean everyone. That special woman carries a big secret. Once the secret is revealed, it will shake the foundation of Christianity!" Sophie asked excitedly, "Is this woman famous in history?" "Very famous." Teabing picked up his crutches and walked towards the corridor: "My friends, go to my study to continue the discussion. I will be honored to show you a portrait of her painted by Leonardo da Vinci."

In the kitchen, Remi Legrud, the servant, stood silently in front of the TV.A picture of a man and a woman was playing on the news... Remy had just delivered tea to both of them.