the trope of magical cauldrons from Celtic mythology and later Welsh mythology, combined with Christian legend surrounding the Eucharist,
Loomis traced a number of parallels between medieval Welsh literature and Irish material, and the Grail romances, including similarities between the Mabinogion's Bran the Blessed and the Arthurian Fisher King, and between Bran's life-restoring cauldron and the Grail.
The Philosopher's Stone: In alchemical symbolism, the Philosopher's Stone is often depicted as a vessel or container that transforms base metals into gold and grants immortality and spiritual enlightenment to the alchemist who discovers it.
The Cup of Jamshid: In Persian mythology, the Cup of Jamshid, also known as the Jam-e Jam, is a magical cup that grants wisdom and immortality to those who drink from it. It symbolizes enlightenment and divine knowledge.
The Cup of Soma: In ancient Indian texts, such as the Rigveda, Soma is a sacred ritual drink associated with divine insight, immortality, and enlightenment. It is often described as a cup or vessel containing the elixir of life.
The Cup of Christ: In Christian tradition, the cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper is known as the Holy Chalice or the Holy Grail. It symbolizes the blood of Christ and the promise of salvation and spiritual renewal.
The Fountain of Youth: While not explicitly a cup or chalice, the Fountain of Youth from various mythologies and folktales is often associated with a magical source of water that grants eternal youth and vitality to those who drink from it.
The Cauldron of Dagda: In Celtic mythology, the Cauldron of Dagda is a magical cauldron that provides an endless supply of food and healing to those who partake of it. It symbolizes abundance, nourishment, and spiritual regeneration.
The Cup of Hermes Trismegistus: In Hermeticism, a cup or vessel is often associated with Hermes Trismegistus, the legendary figure credited with founding alchemy and Hermetic philosophy. The cup symbolizes the transformative power of spiritual wisdom and the quest for divine illumination.
The Cup of Dionysus: In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy, is often depicted holding a cup or goblet symbolizing the intoxicating and revelatory nature of divine ecstasy and spiritual liberation.
The Cup of Apollo: In Greek mythology, Apollo, the god of prophecy and healing, is sometimes associated with a sacred cup or vessel containing the waters of inspiration and enlightenment. It represents the gift of divine insight and the pursuit of truth.
The Cup of Odin: In Norse mythology, Odin, the All-Father and god of wisdom, is said to have gained knowledge of the runes by drinking from the Well of Urd. While not explicitly a cup, the well serves as a vessel of mystical wisdom and enlightenment.
The Cup of the Magi: In Persian mythology and Zoroastrian tradition, the Magi are said to possess a sacred cup or vessel containing the elixir of immortality and divine wisdom. It symbolizes the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and the quest for divine truth.
The Cup of the Goddess: In various pagan traditions, the cup or chalice is associated with the divine feminine and the sacred mysteries of creation and fertility. It symbolizes the nurturing and life-giving aspects of the goddess.