700-year-old King Arthur manuscript with Merlin legends going to auction for 2M

A remarkable medieval manuscript containing early versions of the Merlin and Holy Grail legends has remained in private hands for 700 years. The rare text is now heading to auction, where it is expected to fetch over two million euros.

A stunning medieval manuscript featuring some of the earliest known versions of the King Arthur legends — including tales of Merlin and the Holy Grail — is set to go under the hammer after spending approximately 700 years in private ownership. Experts predict the rare text could sell for more than two million euros.

The manuscript is considered an extraordinary survival from the medieval period, preserving legendary Arthurian narratives in a form that predates many of the more widely known later retellings. Its long period in private hands has kept it largely out of public view and academic scrutiny, making its appearance at auction all the more significant for historians and collectors alike.

Arthurian literature, which traces its origins to early Welsh and Latin texts before flourishing in French and English traditions during the 12th to 15th centuries, has captivated readers for generations. Works featuring Merlin, the wizard advisor to King Arthur, and the quest for the Holy Grail represent some of the most enduring narratives in Western culture. Early manuscript versions of these stories are exceptionally rare and command extraordinary prices on the rare books market.

The auction is expected to draw serious interest from major libraries, museums, and private collectors worldwide, all eager to secure what specialists are calling one of the most significant medieval manuscript discoveries to come to market in recent years. The final sale price will depend heavily on the condition of the parchment and the completeness of the text.