Modern researchers of the Cathar heresy that arose in the Languedoc region of France in the thirteenth century have had the benefit of extensive writings recorded by the warriors who waged the Albigensian Crusade and meticulous records kept by the subsequent inquisition supervised by the Church. These sources provide an overall but incomplete portrait of the Cathars. Records portraying the view of the Church, combined with the lack of Cathar primary sources to provide a balanced view, have led to the development of various historical perversions and myths. Some of the most popular published discussions of this heresy are grounded in legend and supposition. This paper will illustrate aspects of myths concerning the religion of the Cathars, in particular their supposed ties to solar worship, their alleged connection with Waldensianism. and their legendary association with the Holy Grail. Each section will describe the content of the myth and, when possible, the origin. This will be followed by an evaluation of the myth's veracity when compared to primary sources and relevant secondary scholarly works.
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