The Quest
This is the specific object of Sir Galaad's quest.
The Holy Grail (or Sangrail).
What is the Holy Grail?
This object, which Mrs. Whitaker cleaned with metal polish, is the central focus of the story.
Who is Marie?
This is the name of the volunteer at the Oxfam shop who thought Galaad was "really dreamy."
What is an Oxfam Shop?
This type of second-hand shop (charity shop/thrift store), where the Grail is discovered, donates its profits to charity.
What is 30 pence?
This is how much Mrs. Whitaker paid for the Grail at the Oxfam shop.
What is the Philosopher's Stone?
This gift could transform base metals into gold and provided light in Noah's Ark.
Who is Mrs. Greenberg?
This character visits Mrs. Whitaker every other Friday, brings macaroons, and has a son named Myron.
What is the mantelpiece?
Mrs. Whitaker displays the Grail on this household feature, between a china dog and a photo of Henry.
What is Balmung?
Before offering the final three gifts, Galaad first offered this legendary, unconquerable sword.
What is the Apple of the Hesperides (or the Apple of Life)?
A bite of this ruby fruit could heal any wound, restore youth, and grant eternal life.
Who is Lancelot du Lac?
Galaad reveals that this "Chevalier Mal Fet," his more-or-less completely mad father, was in reality the greatest of knights.
What is the Castle of Bliant?
Galaad spent his youth in this location, known as the "Joyous Isle."
What two items did Mrs. Whitaker keep?
the Philosopher's Stone and the Egg of the Phoenix. The final trade is described as "two for one's fair."
What is the Egg of the Phoenix?
This black, mottled egg made Mrs. Whitaker feel a sensation of incredible heat and freedom, as if flying on wings of flame.
Who are Clarissa and Dillian?
Mrs. Whitaker takes the bus to visit these relatives, her nephew's family — nephew Ronald, his wife Euphonia, and their daughters — and brings them a currant cake.
What is a lamp in the end of the story?
The story ends with Mrs. Whitaker finding another magical object in the shop but leaving it behind. This object was tied to a metal ring. It's a magic lamp, implied to be from the Arabian Nights.