Robert Langdon, #2
The Da Vinci Code
by Dan Brown
Contents
CHAPTER 38
Overview
Langdon begins revealing the Priory’s radical interpretation of the Holy Grail: not a literal cup, but an allegory tied to the sacred feminine and to the hidden Sangreal documents. A flashback shows that Langdon’s theory is controversial but supported by a body of historical writing.
The fugitives’ brief safety ends when the taxi driver’s radio identifies them, forcing Sophie to act decisively. She commandeers the taxi at gunpoint, putting Langdon behind the wheel and deepening their flight from the police.
Summary
In the taxi, Sophie questions Langdon’s claim that the Sangreal is the Holy Grail. Langdon explains that Sangreal linguistically became San Greal, and that the Priory of Sion believes the familiar chalice legend is an allegory rather than a literal cup.
Langdon clarifies that the Sangreal documents are only part of the Grail treasure and that they reveal the Grail’s true nature. Sophie remains skeptical because she knows the traditional story of the Cup of Christ, but Langdon connects the hidden meaning to Saunière’s repeated references to the sacred feminine.
The narrative shifts to Langdon’s memory of discussing his manuscript with his editor, Jonas Faukman. Faukman initially thinks Langdon’s Grail theory is too controversial and dangerous to publish, but Langdon shows him a bibliography of credible historians who have advanced similar ideas, including Sir Leigh Teabing. Langdon argues that the Grail’s unique power in history suggests it must be more than a simple relic.
Sophie abruptly notices the taxi driver using his radio as a dispatcher broadcasts descriptions of Agent Sophie Neveu and Robert Langdon. Realizing the police have already traced them, Sophie pulls Langdon’s pistol from his jacket, points it at the driver, and orders the taxi stopped.
Sophie forces the driver out and tells Langdon to drive. Langdon takes the wheel despite being unfamiliar with a manual transmission, and the taxi lurches forward wildly, scattering bystanders as they flee the area.
Who Appears
- Sophie NeveuQuestions Langdon’s Grail claims, spots the radio alert, and commandeers the taxi at gunpoint.
- Robert LangdonExplains the Priory’s Grail theory and reluctantly drives the stolen taxi.
- Taxi driverAttempts to report Sophie and Langdon after hearing the dispatcher’s alert.
- Jonas FaukmanLangdon’s editor in flashback, skeptical of publishing Langdon’s controversial Grail manuscript.
- Sir Leigh TeabingMentioned as a respected historian whose Grail research influenced Langdon’s manuscript.