Utilities can transform the world’s energy economy.
Michael T. Burr is Fortnightly’s editor-in-chief. Email him at burr@pur.com.
In the earliest written legends of King Arthur and Camelot, Perceval was a knight of the round table. He was one of the grail knights, who quested for the mystical Holy Grail in hopes of returning Britain to a state of grace and prosperity. Perceval’s sagas are largely forgotten today, but at least one of them serves as a useful metaphor for an industry seeking the proverbial Holy Grail of clean-energy technology—specifically, the tale of Perceval and the Fisher King.
While on his quest, in the midst of a barren wasteland, Perceval meets a nobleman called the Fisher King. The king is wounded—just like his domain—yet he invites Perceval to supper at his castle. During the feast, the Fisher King presents Perceval with an engraved sword. Then Perceval witnesses a parade of young people bearing strange relics—including a lance that oozes blood, a candelabrum and a jeweled cup.
Perceval says nothing, because he finds this procession bewildering, and fears to seem discourteous to his host. But after he leaves the castle, Perceval learns the cup was indeed the Holy Grail. If only he had asked a question about it, the grail would have healed the wounded king and restored vitality to the land.