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NY PUBLIC LIBRARY
THE BRANCH LIBRARIES
3 3333 18278 8865
HERZELEIDE AND PARZIVAL
THE STORY OF
PARZIVAL
THE TEMPLAR
RETOLD FROM
WOLFRAM VON ESCHENBACH

N.
BY
MARY BLACKWELL STERLING

ILLUSTRATIONS BY
WILLIAM ERNEST CHAPMAN
N EW YORK
E P BUTTON
&>
COMPANY
31 West Twenty-Third Street
Copyright, 1911
BY E.
P.
BUTTON & COMPANY
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DEDICATE THIS BOOK TO THE MEMORY OF MY FATHER
HENRY SOMERS STERLING KNIGHT TEMPLAR
I-
f
'
.
that ye may "Put on the whole armour of God be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done
. . .
all,
to stand.
"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness "And your feet shod with the preparation of the
;
gospel of peace "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
;
"And
6:11-17.
of the Spirit, which
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword is the word of God." -Ephesians
"Know
Holy Ghost?"
ye not that your body is the Temple of the I Corinthians; 6:19.

in
hearts,
"Grant us faith to rebuild Thy Holy Temple and zeal to animate our lives admit us Immortal Temple not made by hands, eternal
;
our
to the
in the
heavens.'
"Freemasonry is a science of morality, veiled allegory and illustrated by symbols."

" If
in
there
let
is
one among you
who
is
deficient
in
Wisdom,
comes
to
him pray
to the Spirit of Truth,
which
the
upon anyone, and he Franz Hartmann.
simple minded, but does not obtrude will obtain it." Cosmology,
"To know God

power of Death."
is
to have
overcome Death and the
CONTENTS
PAGE
Introduction
The Meaning
To-day
Titurel
of the Story
I
Prologue:
How
Founded
.
the
.
Temple
of the Grail
PART
CHAPTER
I.
I.
ASPIRATION
How
Gamuret Angevin, the King of Zassamank, Took

Part in the Kanvoleis
Tourney
at
21
II.
Of
the
Sorrowful Death of
Gamuret Angevin
III.
...
27
How
Herzeleide Queen Brought Her Child to the

31
Vll
Forest
viii
CHAPTER
CONTENTS
PAGE
IV.
How
Herzeleide's
of
Son
saw
38
Some
King
Arthur's
Knights
V.
How
Herzeleide's
to
Son Rode
45
Forth
VI.
Seek Knighthood
How How
Of
Herzeleide's
Son
met
.
with Jeschute and Sigune

VII.
Parzival
50
Came
King Arthur
VIII.
.... ....
to
Before
56
Parzival's Adventure with
the
Red Knight
Parzival
of
64
IX.
How
Came
the
at
Castle
Gurnemanz
Graharz
X.
69
How
Parzival
Came
City of Pelrapeire
...
to
the
77
XL How
of
Overcame and Klamide, and Kingron

Parzival
How He Wedded
Queen
84
Kondwirarnur of Pelrapeire
CONTENTS
PART
CHAPTER
IX
II.
FAILURE
PAGE
XII.
How
Parzival
Came
to
.
the
.
Temple
XIII.
of the Grail
93
How Parzival was

by Sigune
Reproached
104
XIV.
How How
How
Parzival
Fought with
Orilus
no
was Made a the Round Table 117
XV.
XVI.
Parzival
Knight of
Parzival was
Shamed by
Kondrie and of Gawain's

Pledge to Fight with Kingrimursel
125
XVII.
How
Gawain
Knight of the
Obilot
Became the Little Maiden

133
XVIII.
Of
Gawain's
Adventure
. . .
at
Schamfanzon
.145
XIX.
How
Parzival met Again with

.
Sigune, and of His Adventure with the Templar .151
CONTENTS
PART
CHAPTER
III.
FULFILLMENT
PAGE
. .
XX.
XXI.
How
Of
Parzival Sought Counsel
from Trevrezent
Parzival's
.159
168
the
Remorse and
Confession
XXII.
How How
Gawain met with

.
Lady Orgeluse
XXIII.
.1/7
the
Gawain Achieved
Adventure of the Chateau

Merveil
186
XXIV.
Of Gawain's Adventure
Perilous Ford
....
at the
196
XXV.
Of how Peace was Declared Between Gawain and King

Gramoflaz
209
XXVI.
How
Parzival
Fought with
.
and of the Good Kondrie Tidings Brought 219

Feirefis,
XXVII.
How
tas
Parzival Healed Anfor-
228
CONTENTS
CHAPTER
xi
PAGE
XXVIII.
Of
Meeting and Kondwiramur

Parzival was
of the Grail
the
of
Parzival
.
.
.231
XXIX.
How
Crowned
. .
.
King
235
XXX.
Of Lohengrin,
Parzival
the
Son
of
240
Key
to the Parzival of
Wolfram Von
249
251
Eschenbach
The Six Themes

The
of the Parzival
Ethical Teaching
....
.
253
The The
Relation to Ancient Tradition
258
Grail Stone of the Parzival and

.
.
the Stone of the Philosophers
266
273
Notes on the Story of Parzival
ILLUSTRATIONS
FACING PAGE
Herzeleide and Parzival

Parzival in the Forest
Frontispiece
32
Parzival and Iwanet
66
The Fisher King The Hermitage of Trevrezent The Arrival

at
94
. .
.162
236
Monsalvage
of the Grail
....
(Design on
The Procession
the
End
Paper. )
THE STORY OF PARZIVAL THE TEMPLAR

INTRODUCTION: THE MEANING OF THE STORY TO-DAY
THE
child
who comes under
Arthurian and Grail stories is of enchantment. He is enthralled with the spirit of chivalry and hears the call to knighthood as clearly to-day as if the pageantry with
the spell of the led along a way
glamour were yet among us. He sits with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round
its
Table, imbibes their spirit of reverence, courtesy and justice takes the high vow of knight;
hood, and follows in the footsteps of the Grail heroes, in their Quest to comprehend the spiritual mysteries of life.
The "Story of Parzival" retold from the poem by Wolfram von Eschenbach, is a companion book to 'The Story of Sir Galahad/'
and its purpose is to introduce children to this most interesting story of knighthood and the Grail, and to make Parzival as well-known and
THE STORY OF PARZIVAL

The poem
loved as the other Grail heroes, the two Percevals, Galahad, Parsifal and Lohengrin.
lends itself to adaptation in prose for children, but as a prose narrative can give a suggestion only of the individual style and
beauty of this great mediaeval poem, older readers who are interested in unusual literature, are
urged to enjoy the original, or the admirable translation in verse which has been
teacher
of
made by Miss Jessie L. Weston. The attention of the older reader and
is
directed
to
"A Key
to
the
Parzival
Wolfram von Eschenbach,"
included in the
Notes, which traces the sources of the six themes of the Parzival, outlines the ethical
teaching and the relation to ancient tradition, and suggests a clue to the mystery of the Grail
Faintly suggested in the Galahad story, and in the Perceval of "The High History of the Holy Graal," but forming
a definite part of the Parzival, is to be traced a relation to an ancient tradition, reflected in the
allusions to Kabbalistic Philosophy and MaTo read these passages unsonic Legends.
Stone of the Parzival.
comprehendingly
ing of the
is
to miss
poem;
to study
much of the meanthem brings us into

ture
of
the realm of Magic, which theme Wagner made much of in his Parsifal, giving us a vivid picconflict between White Magic and Black Magic (Klingsor). (Amfortas) The mother to-day will find a lesson in the Parzival, for the poem is a cry to the mother to save her child from ignorance, and a plea to prepare him to take his place in the world, by teaching him the truth of life in relation to Parzival is a youth himself and to his fellows. thrust cruelly into the world without adequate preparation, and the suffering that he brings upon himself and others is brought about through ignorance. The story does not em-
the
phasize the efficacy of suffering as much as it does the tragedy of ignorance it is an allegory of youth face to face with the great Oppor;
tunity he cannot grasp. The author of that remarkable book,
'The
Hidden Church
Parzival stirs
of the
Holy Graal,"
says,
"The
little
enthralls forever."
interest, but the Galahad By many of us the story
of the mystic, Best Knight of the World, is the most loved, but the Parzival will have an interest for the
lacks.
Its
average reader that the Galahad

consecutive and detailed plot,
its
4
ical

teaching; the Templar and Grail themes, it the most complete of any of the stories
sympathetic presentation of the hero; the eth-
make
of Arthurian
is
Knighthood of which the Grail
a part. The religious theme, not Legend related to the Church, is expressed through the
spirit of free
worship and service of a Brother-
hood, whose days spent in the Temple are a fitting preparation for the service in the world
to
which they are called from time to time. Parzival appeals to us because of his human;
ity we have definite pictures of his personality, whereas that of Perceval and Galahad is vague. Galahad the Good Knight is the Ideal of Youth
after
many years of careful preparation spent with the nuns, he goes forth to his mission
flower of his
life is
which he accomplishes unfalteringly; but the

soon spent.
Parzival
is
the
complete man.
We know him as the baby who
cheers his desolated mother; joyful little child of the forest; beloved son, impetuous youth-
who
thrilled
goes forth to seek knighthood and is by its outward glory, though he does
its
not perceive
after
zival
and who Parmakes good. many mistakes, finally is the ideal of constant love, as is Kondinner significance

wiramur, and through the two, parenthood
exalted.
is
Parzival, leaving his wife to seek ad-
venture, is kept from her of his unfulfilled mission.
many
years because
Unlike the knights
of the Galahad story, he does not seek for a vision of the Grail, but strives to reach the
Temple in order to lift the woe from Anfortas and the Templars. The little Kardeiss and Lohengrin, represent the temporal and spiritual
power of
their father; the first
becomes the
ruler of Parzival's lands, the other serves in the Grail Temple, and we assume that he is one
the daughter born to Parzival and Kondwiramur in the Tem-
day
ple
elected
King.
Aribadale,
becomes the Bearer of the
Grail.
The Parzival is a connecting link between the Perceval of Crestien and the Parsifal of Wagner, and a study of the first two gives an additional
appreciation
of
the
music-drama.
terest of the Perceval
Although Wagner's hero lacks the archaic inand the humanity of Parzival, and his plot lacks the simplicity and
sincerity of both of these
showing the
influ-
ence in setting and treatment of the Buddha this musical presentation of the Grail story Legend is a great gift to the world.

We
may
look upon the Grail Legends as the parables that are to teach that life is sustained through spiritual forces as well as physical, and
that often through material symbols we are to be led to spiritual realities. The Grail Stone of the Parzival differs from the Sangreal, the Vessel of The Last Supper, but both typify the
Spiritual Feast to which the Great Host bids us, at which we may eat from The Tree of
Knowledge, and drink of the Water of Life. No written words have yet expressed the whole meaning of the Grail, but in Wagner's Preludes to Lohengrin and Parsifal, we have a The Prelude to Losatisfying interpretation. leads us the to hengrin Temple and brings us
sings to us of the joy of that consecration which those knew who were in the service of the Grail.
into the presence of the Mysteries
;
The Prelude
rial
it
to Parsifal bids us to the
Memo-
Supper, to the Great Feast of the Grail; sings the message of the world's need of
of
Then comes a Faith, of Hope. change into the music; the Holy Grail is no longer in the hands of its earthly wardens we
Love,
;
are beyond the need of a symbol. Angels' flutter and we tremble wings greatly, for we

discern
spiritual
things
and we yearn for
what was granted Galahad, to behold the Mysteries, remembering that thenSuddenly a multitude of angels bore his soul
heaven.
to
PROLOGUE
"Root and blossom of Paradise garden, that thing which men call 'The Grail,' The crown of all earthly wishes, fair fullness that
ne'er shall
fail,
For the Grail was the crown of

of earth's delight,
blessing, the fullness
And
Its joys I right well
may
liken to the glories of
Heaven's height."
"Thus the Grail

But
It
Its
maidens giveth,
in the
day and
the sight of men,
sendeth
Its
Knights in the silence and their
To
So
they counted, Grail servants they all shall be, the will of God standeth written on the Grail for
all
children It claims again, the host of the Grail are
men
to see."
Parzival:
JESSIE L.
WESTON.
10
HOW
TITUREL FOUNDED THE TEMPLE OF THE GRAIL
turisone
in a
once a good man named Tiwho desired greatly to have a son, and after many years of prayer, a voice
THERE was
dream informed him, that if he should journey to Jerusalem and lay a crucifix
of gold
upon the Holy Sepulcher, his prayer would be answered. Joyfully Titurisone and his wife Elizabel set out to follow the bidding of the dream and in Jerusalem a son was born to
they called Titurel. While yet a youth he won renown through his
them
whom
12
noble deeds when warring with the Saracens, and he acquired great wealth bestowing it upon all in need. One day as Titurel was walking in the woods, there appeared before him an angel who said: "Faithful Knight, God hath chosen thee to be the guardian of
a Treasure called the Grail; from Heaven will It come to bring joy to those who are called to serve It. Once before, the
Grail came to earth, but men were not worthy of Its blessings so It was taken
away.
Return now
to thy
it
and
prepare to leave
home, Titurel, never to return."
his household, arranged Titurel, taking with him his sword and shield went again to the woods to await further commands. A white cloud soon
Having
appeared that seemed for his guidance, and following it he was led for many days over land and sea, over mountains covered with forests, and through many valOne leys; but never was he wearied. night on the top of a mountain he beheld
a great
beam
of light
and knew that the

Grail
rested,
13
had appeared
to
him:
there
he
ended. a castle, from which knights clad in silver armor came forth to greet him and hailed
believing that his journey was On the morrow he saw before him
him as their King. Monsalvage was this mountain called and there Titurel dwelt for many years
with these knights, waiting eagerly for the Grail to appear again. Then he decided
to erect a
Temple
that the Grail
when
It
came might be preciously guarded.
Dur-
ing the night he prayed steadfastly for guidance, and in the morning found that a plan of the Temple had been traced,
while rich materials ready for use, lay

near.
With joy
the knights
commenced
the
building, and first, the mountain top which was found to be of solid onyx was leveled and polished for a foundation,
then
the
structure
rose
rapidly.
The
knights
labored upon it were called Templars and while they rested at night, invisible hands continued their work.
who

On
the
day that the Temple was con-
secrated, the Grail floated
down
in a
beam
of light, while an unseen choir was heard. Those who looked upon the Grail daily
knew no sickness, nor sorrow, nor old Often commands for Titurel and
age.
the
Templars appeared on the Grail, in letters of fire, and into the world were the
knights sent to accomplish deeds of mercy.
Every Good Friday a Dove descended from heaven and alighted upon the Grail, when Its blessings seemed greater than
ever.
For four hundred years Titurel guarded the Grail, yet his age appeared to be no more than forty. At first the Templars had to defend the mountain from men who had heard of its treasure; then after
many
years a new enemy threatened, Klingsor, the magician. From Egypt had he come, and near Monsalvage he built
a castle, and with all kinds of sorcery

tried to injure the knights. he subdued to his will a
To
assist
him
maiden named

Kondrie and bade her wander
to lure the Templars. One day there appeared
in the
15
woods
upon the Grail the command for Titurel to marry that he might have a son to succeed him as King.
Hearing of the piety of a Spanish maiden,
named Richoude, messengers were
sent to
her asking her to become the wife of the Grail King, and with joy she consented. Twenty years of happiness they had together, then
Richoude died. Their children were a son called Frimutel and a
daughter named for her mother. Now there came a time when Titurel desired to see his son in his place as King, and in answer to his prayer for guidance, letters upon the Grail announced that Frimutel might be crowned. For some years all went well under the guardianship of the new King, then unwisely he left the Temple to seek adventure in the world, and there, as if in punishment, he
was wounded and met his death. Two sons had Frimutel, Anfortas and
16
Trevrezent. The first was crowned King to succeed his father, the second, after having served some years in the Temple,
woods near Monsalvage. Three daughters had Frimutel Schoysiane, Herzeleide and
went
to dwell as a hermit in the
Repanse de Schoie. Schoysiane married and soon after died, leaving a little daughter named Sigune, who was cared for by
her
Herzeleide served many years in the Temple, then left to marry the Duke Kastis. Repanse de Schoie was chosen to bear the Grail when
it
Aunt Herzeleide.
was carried from the altar to the great Hall, where each day the Templars and all at Monsalvage assembled for the Feast which the Grail bestowed. Now like his father, Anfortas was not willing to serve as faithfully as had Titurel, and taking up arms against Klingsor, the magician, he was wounded with a spear thrust which caused him such pain that he knew no peace, day or night. Before the Grail was he brought, but no healing came; his strength was renewed,

but
also
his
17
suffering.
Everywhere
knights were sent to search for healing herbs, but since the King was not granted
release
from
his
pain by the Grail, there
was no hope from earthly help.

Titurel, who now for the first time seemed to grow old, prayed constantly for
the healing of Anfortas,
and
as if in re-
ward
there
for his holy service, letters of fire
upon the Grail promised that one day,

climb to Monsalvage, a knight, who when he had looked upon the King's suffering would ask the cause, and question concerning the wonders he saw
at
should
the Temple. Through a Question asked in pity should Anfortas be healed.
hope came to Titurel and the Templars, and they prayed steadfastly while they waited for the coming of the
King's deliverer.
New
PART
ASPIRATION
HOW GAMURET ANGEVIN, THE KING

OF ZASSAMANK, TOOK PART IN THE TOURNEY AT KANVOLEIS
HERZELEIDE, the Queen of the Waleis, had proclaimed a great Tourney, promising to the victor her love and her lands. She needed a wise knight to help her rule
her people, for since the death of her husband Kastis, on the very day of their marriage, many cares had come to her from
21
22

and people
left her
the lands
by her
lord.
Now
voleis,
there rode into the city of Kanthe day before the Tourney, a
named Gamuret Angevin, who although born in Anjou, was King of Zasknight
samank, a country in the far East, from where, but lately, he had arrived. Seeing the streets and houses decked with swords,
shields
and pennants, and learning the

he
decided
to
cause,
remain
for
the
Tourney.
From
zeleide
her palace
windows Queen Her-
watched the approach of the stranger; never had she seen a more noblelooking knight, nor one who rode with so Given a place on the plain fine a retinue.
outside the city, the new arrivals soon erected their tents, and these adorned with rich silks and with hundreds of pennants
flying
from them made a

the
plain.
brilliant spot
upon
Already
were
all
many
wondered knights gathered there and from what country this knight had come, for neither he nor his company were attired
as the French people.

When
she had learned his
23
name Oueen rw
Herzeleide sent messengers begging the
King of Zassamank to come to her palace, and Gamuret set out straightway, making a noble entry into the city. Before him went trumpeters and drummers, those who tossed tambourines and those who played the flute; behind came fiddlers. The
King wore a long cloak
of green samite, underneath of a robe with white; he had
no beard, and beneath his helmet his hair hung in sunny curls. Upon cloak and robe an anchor was embroidered in gold and precious stones, and to his helmet was fastened an anchor of gold from which a large diamond shone. As Queen Herzeleide conversed with
Gamuret Angevin, love sprang quickly into her heart, and with joy she heard that he was to take part
in the
Tourney. Knights, both old and young, Gamuret encountered on the morrow, but not one was there who could overcome him and
many
left
the
field
discomfited.
Few
were there who had hoped to win the
24

"Fly! Fly!
cried out
Queen but they had

skill.
desired to try their the Anchor cometh,"
by the squires, and at the day the King of Zassamank was proclaimed victor of the Tourney. That very day sorrowful tidings came
was
close of the
to
Gamuret Angevin, for he learned of the death of his mother, and of his brother the King of Anjou. On the death of his father, King Gandien, some years before,
had succeeded to the crown and Gamuret had set out to win a kingfor himself.
his brother
After many adventures in the East he arrived at the city of Bagdad where he served the ruler who was called the Baruch. It was while there, that at the Baruch' s request he
dom
donned the robes of the East, and since he had journeyed so much by water, the Baruch had had an anchor embroidered upon his robes, and embossed with jewels on his sword, shield and helmet.
Leaving Bagdad, Gamuret' s ships were blown in a great storm into the harbor of Zassamank, where hearing that the Queen

her enemies.
25
Belakane was besieged by a Scottish army he remained to serve her and conquered
Unlike the
fair
women
of
Anjou was
Belakane, for dark as night were her face and hair; yet so pleased was Gamuret with her beauty and goodness that he
Upon him Queen Belakane bestowed many lands and he received the
wedded
title
her.
Zassamank. Always might he have remained with her, but ever she strove to keep him from the Tourney
of
King
of
so longing for adventure, one night he sailed away. For grief at parting with her lord the
and the joust;
Queen Belakane died, and she left a son whom she had named Feirefis Angevin. Strange was the baby to look upon for in
color he
was both black and white. Now was Gamuret Angevin to wed Queen Herzeleide, who offered him her lands, not only because of the Tourney right, but because she loved him and yearned to have him for her lord and as
ruler of her people.
splendid marriage
26
feast
was proclaimed at Kanvoleis and on the day of their wedding, Herzeleide promised her lord never to hold him from the Tourney and the joust, whether it
should be for knightly pleasure, to serve a friend or to punish an enemy.
II
OF THE SORROWFUL DEATH OF GAMURET ANGEVIN
MANY
happy months
Gamuret and
Queen Herzeleide spent together, and Gamuret ruled wisely the three kingdoms of Waleis, Norgals and Anjou. Then there came tidings from Bagdad saying
that the Baruch was besieged by his enemies and implored the help of his friend
Gamuret Angevin.
great calmness, Herzeleide received the news of her husband's intended departure; she allowed
With
none
to see her grief

27
and Gamuret and
28

people praised her.
all the
Nor
did she
she bade her lord farewell, heart came the great fear, into her though that never again might she see his look
weep when
of love, never feel his strong touch, nor hear his voice of love and comfort.
When
two months had gone by Her-
zeleide looked forward to hearing tidings of her lord. One day at noon she was
awakened from sleep by the terror of a dreadful dream in which she saw Gamuret slain. Rising, she paced to and fro, a
great fear in her heart. Then as she looked from the window she saw approach-
ing some of the knights who had set out with Gamuret. Before they reached the
palace, she guessed their message
and
fell
unconscious.
his
the brave, the mighty, had met death in a joust, while serving the Baruch. In Bagdad the mourning was as great as that which took place in Kanvoleis, where with weeping the people
listened
to
Gamuret
the
recital
of
their
lord's
valorous deeds.
The Baruch had given

him
rich burial;
29
stones
was the
hero's
with gold and precious tomb adorned and
they placed a cross

it.
made
of emeralds,
upon
was the Lady Herzeleide, of her sorrow took all her agony strength from her. Again and again she called out for Gamuret, but there was no
to death
Near
for the
answering voice. But one day, into the darkness of her sorrow came a little light
of joy, and the Queen remembered what she had almost forgotten in her distress. Clothed in her fairest robes she began to spend many hours in her gardens, and there as she walked with her ladies she
spoke to them of her coming joy when a child should be born to her. "No more will I shut myself up with
sorrow/' she said, "I will walk in the sunshine and listen to the sweet sound of the
birds
and wander among the

if
flowers.
ye will teach me how to fashion little robes, the hours of occupation will speed the days, till he who lieth near my heart shall cry with voice sweeter than that
Then
30

;
of a bird then
I shall see
a face fairer than
will give me a son, I the flowers. know, to take his father's place/'
Love
Soon Gamuret's knights returned from

the East bringing back the hero's spear and shield. With one of the Queen's
robes
had the shield been covered and
fastened with gold mountings. Greatly had Gamuret loved it, and now would Herzeleide have kept it near her that she might pray before it; but the people begged the shield and spear from her and
buried them as richly as if they had been honoring the hero's body. A strong and lovely boy was born to Queen Herzeleide. Now once more she knew happiness and smiled often, and laughed also in pure joy at her son's baby
ways.
She had no name for him but
called him,
"Good
the
son,"
or
sometimes,
"Dear son,"
voice
filled
or "Beautiful son."
Now his
and her
great
silence
lonely arms found comfort in holding him.
Ill
HOW QUEEN HERZELEIDE BROUGHT

HER CHILD TO THE FOREST
might not know of knightly warfare, and that she might be spared the grief of having him leave her, Queen Herzeleide made a home for him in a forest. She bade her servants if they loved her, never, when the boy was truly
her
THAT
son
grown old enough to understand, to speak to him of the world outside, nor of knighthood; never to tell him of the great resi
32

of his father.
nown
Her kingdoms
she
in
left in the care of noble princes
and those
who brought messages came always
simple attire. Reluctantly her people obeyed her, for they thought that the forest was not a fitting home for the son of so mighty a man as Gamuret, and they sorrowed that the child should be shut from the world and miss the glories of the life his father
knew.
In the forest home the years went by quickly, and the baby grew into a boy of
great strength and joyous spirit. There was always something of interest for him
in the woods, and as his mother watched him at his play, she felt a great happiness,
believing that she might keep him with her always in this sweet companionship, where no sorrow of the world entered to
disturb them.
Often she would leave her
occupation to join
him
in his play; or she
would watch him unperceived, and observe with pride and joy, his beauty and strength. The sun was not more golden,
PARZIVAL IN THE FOREST

"More than
33
she thought, than the mass of curls which made the boy so resemble his father.
I
can teach him, he learns
from the forest,' she said to her people. "Heard ye ever so sweet a laugh, or voice?
Tell
me
is
lovelier than
there a flower in the gardens my son's face? As I watch
him looking up
at the sky, I think he is listening to secrets which the wind and trees whisper to him. But not in any-
thing in the world have I seen such light

as is in his eyes; it came there through Love. Call ye not such work of Love a miracle? lord and I followed Love with all faithfulness and reverence and
My
this is the gift
aught in the
Love gave us. Is there world can match the beauty

like
and sweetness of a child
this?"
Queen Herzeleide's thoughts concerning her son were those of her people also, and they devised ways to amuse the boy that he might not yearn for other children.
Often would the mother look forward with sadness to the years when her son would be a tall youth, and not the little
34
child whose dependence on her brought her such joy; and she wondered how long he would be satisfied to stay with her.
The boy found great pleasure in discovering new sports for himself; he fashioned a bow and arrows and used the trees for targets. One day he sent up an arrow
toward a white bird that flew near, and
pierced the bird's breast. It fluttered weakly, then fell lifeless to the ground.
it
The boy looked with

form and
surprise at the still touched the soft plumage, then
realizing that he had brought death to the bird, he ran quickly to obtain comfort
from
his mother.
As Herzeleide saw him
coming
she
said:
"What
aileth
thee,
Child, thy face is sad? thou wert so joyful."
A moment
ago
face in her lap he sobbed: "Oh, Mother, I have been cruel to one of my dear birds and killed him; I did it with
his
With
my arrow,
but I did not mean to harm him. Now I shall not hear him sing again, and we cannot spare even one song, can we?'' Herzeleide held her son tenderly and
35
soothed him; this was the first sorrow that had come to them. She talked long with him about the animals in the forest, of the birds that men kill to eat, of the deer that
he might go out to hunt some day. The boy was perplexed, for the sport called him, but the thought of bringing pain and death to the animals, made him wish never
to
hunt them. "This is thy

said
first
lesson in pain, dear
"and although I is some pain we must forget, would not lessen thy grief now, because
son," there
Herzeleide,
thy careless play hath hurt the bird that gave thee such joy." Some time after this, Herzeleide her-
was cruel to the birds, for one day as she watched her son's face upturned with such eagerness and love, to listen to
self
althe singing of his feathery friends most he had feared that they would
punish him and cease to sing she felt a jealous pang, and grieved, thinking that her son loved his forest companions more than herself. In this moment of jeal-
36
ousy, she bade the servants lay snares to catch the birds. This was done, but they m
escaped and sang out as sweetly as before. When the bov discovered what his ^ mother had planned, his sorrow was so great and he pleaded with her so earnestly to torment the birds no more, that Herzeleide was ashamed of her weakness. "Nay," she promised him, "such wrong will I never do again, good son. God gave the birds for our joy, I will not bring
them
pain.'
is
"Mother," asked the boy in wonder,
"who
I tell thee, dear son," Herzeleide replied, "since there is no one who knows; nor can we understand save as we feel God within us He, the Crea-
God?" "Now how shall
tor
I
who made everything
in the world.
If
say to thee that God is all the Good in the world, canst understand? Or if I say
to thee that
He is all Light? My words may not reveal Him to thee, but thy heart will. When thou art in trouble and no
earthly help
is
nigh, call
upon God and

He
will not fail thee
:
37
help will
He will hear and come to thee. Turn thy mind away from darkness and evil and think of God, the Light beyond Light; of
Goodness, the glory of the world; so perchance evil will not come near thee. Now child, dost thou understand the poor words of thy mother?"
IV
HOW
HERZELEIDE'S SON SAW SOME OF KING ARTHUR'S KNIGHTS

forest, the
IN the seclusion of the
boy
grew into a stalwart youth, and one day the call came to him to go out into the
was hunting in the woods, and lured by a deer that ran from him, he went farther from home than he had
world.
He
been before. Suddenly, his trained ears heard an unusual sound, the tread of
horses' feet,
and
bells jingling sweetly.

38

He
39
listened with surprise; and then in alarm, half expecting that this was some
evil thing that was entering the forest, he grasped his javelin tightly, ready to
defend himself. Peering through the bushes he beheld three men on horseback, but they were different from any the boy had seen, for they were clad in shining silver; saddles and harness were decked with brilliant colors, while from the trappings on their steeds,
little
silver bells
swung, and made music as the horses moved along. As the three came close to view, the boy's heart leaped, he seemed to remember a dream long forgotten. This was no evil but good; these men were sent from God, for did they not shine
as brightly as the light?
He
ran out to
meet them, and kneeling down in the pathway, offered up a prayer that he might become like them and ride in such
glory.
curiously at the kneeling boy with the look of wonder in As they were about to address his eyes.
three
The
men gazed
40
him, a fourth rode up quickly, who was appareled more richly than the others for he was their prince. The boy rose as he
approached, and the prince said to him: 'Lad, hast thou seen pass this way two men who were carrying off a maiden; or didst hear her cries?" Not at once could the boy answer. "I have seen no one/' said he, and he knelt before the prince. "Art thou God?" he u asked reverently. So bright thou art, so noble, and like what my Mother has told
me
of
Him."
"Nay, Lad," said the prince gently, "I am only a humble knight who rides to serve God."
the boy repeated in wonder, "I pray thee tell me what is a knight?" "Go thou to King Arthur," said the
prince, "and he will show thee what it is to be a knight; then wilt thou ride as
"A knight,"
we
ride to save
maidens
in distress.
If
thou dost go, I think the King will be well pleased to bestow knighthood upon thee;

few
are there
41
who have
rose
as noble a face
as thine."
Then
the
boy
and began
to
examine
the trappings on the horses, to touch the silver armor and the bells, and his questions made the knights laugh at his igno'Lad, rance, but the prince said gently: thou knowest little of the world, but I
thou knowest much. To thou wilt bring honor, not knighthood shame, as those two wicked knights we pursue. But we must ride on; God's blessing upon thee; may thy life be
think of
God
happy."
rode off
So the prince and his knights and left the boy gazing after
them, longing to follow. As they rode, they came to where some of Queen Herzeleide's people were tilling the fields in a clearing of the forest.
When
the strangers questioned them, they told the knights that but lately men who
maiden had ridden by swiftly, and they had heard her weeping. At this the prince and the three knights rode off
carried a
42
in haste, nor did they ride in vain, for at nightfall they had rescued the maiden and punished those who had carried her
away.
will our poor Lady do, if her son has seen these knights ?" Herzeleide's
4
"What
people asked each other in fear. "Not long would he tarry here if he knew of knighthood, but would ride forth as did his father to seek adventure.
5
'
Already, the boy was hastening home to find his mother, and seeing her walking beneath the trees, he called out her name with a voice that trembled with excitement and new joy. But he said no more, for Herzeleide, who had turned to greet him, saw in his face what smote her heart and she sank unconscious to the ground. With tender words and caresses, her son helped the servants to restore her, then while she was resting he spoke of his adventure in the woods, nor did he think to bring her grief. "Mother/ he said, 'just now I saw four
men
in
the
forest
who
said
they were
43
knights, and one bade me ride to King Arthur and ask him to make me a knight. Mother, I want a horse with silver bells on the harness, I want to be like those shining men. Why hast thou kept me from this joy? Wilt thou let me go now to be Then as he saw a knight, dear Mother?' how grieved his mother looked, how worn, he asked gently: "Is it not a glorious
thing to be a knight, to go out into the world to help those who are in trouble?' That it was time for her son to leave her, Herzeleide knew. "Thy father rode on knightly adventure/' she said away
sadly,
"and
left
me
forever.
Now
wouldst thou depart and so bring new grief to me: but I must let thee go." 'Were my father here, would he not desire me to go, that I may bring honor to thee?" asked the lad. "Mother, tell me
I
pray thee before I leave thee, of my Was he not a noble knight?" father.
Into Herzeleide's eyes came a look of She yearned to speak her dear lord's joy. name, to tell of his achievements, but
44
not

was her
desire that her son should
greater
know
"Dear
father,
of knighthood. son," she said, "in the world thou

is
shalt hear of the knightly deeds of thy
Gamuret Angevin now

;
my heart
too
heavy with sorrow
to tell thee of him."
HOW
WITH
HERZELEIDE'S SON RODE
FORTH TO SEEK KNIGHTHOOD

a sorrowful heart Herzeleide prepared her son for his departure. Thinking that he might be ridiculed and so de-
return to her, she made for him a fool's dress of coarse sackcloth, and fashioned leggings of calfskin to come to
sire to
his knees; for his
head she made a
fool's
cap. these strange clothes, lingering tenderly

45
Then
she dressed the lad herself in
46
over the fastenings, knowing that she might never again so serve him. As she knelt before him to fasten on his leggings, she spoke words of counsel to him. "Be not too adventurous at first," Herzeleide said, "seek not to pass through untrodden ways; cross not wide and turbulent waters. Greet all courteously and give them God's blessing. Listen carefully to what old men shall say to thee,
from the mouths of gray-haired men shalt thou receive instruction; accept any
for
chiding they
give thee." Kneeling there before her son, Herzeleide looked up into his face and saw
may
again with pride and joy, and yet with bitter pain, its noble expression, the beauty which not even this humble dress could hide not even a helmet she thought, would rest with such grace upon his fair, curling hair, as this rude cap. Then came
;
thought of how some woman would love her son and she said: "Thou dear son, if thou canst win a maiden's kiss
to her the

and take her
blest."
ring,
47
then shalt thou be
That very day would the youth have departed, but his mother bade him wait
until the next morning, so at the
dawn
he was mounted upon his steed, riding to and fro, eager to be off. There arrived early a messenger with tidings for Herzeleide, and when she had heard them she said to her son "Thou shalt find work to
:
do soon, for some of thy lands have been wrested from thee by a proud knight who is called Lahelein. He hath slain one of thy princes and taken the other captive, with many of thy people/' "I shall conquer this Lahelein easily," declared the youth proudly, "with my
javelin will I smite him."
Herzeleide smiled upon him and she said "Be not too ready with words, dear lest thou forget to think deeply, and son, so remain silent when thou shouldst
:
speak."
At
his mother's feet, the
boy knelt for

thou
her farewell
blessing.
"Farewell,
48
dearest Mother," he said, "tenderly hast thou cared for me and now I go forth to bring thee honor. God bless thee
Heart's Joy, thou."

ec
Nay,
cc
dear,
good son," said Herzeleide,
call
me
row.
well,
Yet thou my joy
not Heart's Joy, but Heart's Sorhast been. Faredear one, may God keep thee think thou shalt not know my
1
my
I
ever:
care again.' As the boy rode forth he turned again
and again to wave to his mother, who saw with what happiness he went. All the servants had gathered to see him go and there was weeping among them, though there were no tears in their Lady's eyes. She had thought to humiliate him with the rude garments she had given him, and the old steed she had chosen for him to ride; yet, had he gone forth in the rich and
beautiful apparel that his father Gamuret had always worn, he could not have
seemed more pleased, nor looked more noble, and Herzeleide knew that her foolish scheme would not make her dear
49
one return to her. For a long while she stood beneath the trees watching, as if she expected her son to ride back again, then
ground. When the servants raised her, they found that this new burden of grief had been too great, the life had gone from her body.
suddenly she
fell to the
VI
HOW
THE
HERZELEIDE'S SON MET WITH JESCHUTE AND SIGUNE
youth rode all day and at dusk came to a wide stream, beyond which he
saw green meadows.
He
hesitated
to
cross for although the water was shallow and rippled along quietly, he recalled his mother's words and rode on thinking to pass over where the stream was narrower.
He
rested beside
it
morrow found
easily.
its
that night and on the source and so crossed
Seeing tents pitched in the distance he rode toward them and stopped
so

before the
first
51
one he came
to,
which had
gay ribbons fluttering from it; over it stretched a canopy of leather to give shade
and
to protect it
from wind and
rain.
flap of the tent was open and as the youth looked in he saw a fair woman
The
lying asleep upon a couch. This was Jeschute, wife of the Duke Orilus, and the youth might have awakened her with
gentle greeting had he not espied upon her finger a golden ring; but this reminded
him of
his mother's
words
he would kiss
and take her ring! Dismounthe the tent softly, kissed entered ing, Jeschute upon the mouth and with her hand held firmly in his, he tried to draw off her ring.
the lady
Awakened
thus
abruptly,
the
Lady
Jeschute gazed in fright and astonishment at this youth, who though queerly clad, had not the face of one who sought to do harm.
"Begone!" she
thou here?
cried,
"what wouldst
Shall I call
4
1
my
servants to
punish thee
?'
But
the lad appeared not
52

was smiling down
at the
to hear her, he
ring he held, pleased with his success. The golden clasp of her girdle he had
Thinking that he must be foolish, and that it would be best to humor him, Jeschute bade him partake of refreshment, and the lad ate with a great appetite, for he was hungered with his
taken also.
long riding.
Then
for if
said Jeschute to him,
"Now
give
me back my
my
ring and clasp, I beseech thee, husband returns and finds them
gone, he will be so angered that he will ride after thee and kill thee."
"Of thy husband

'
have no fear," said
the youth proudly, 'Twas an honor to kiss thee and take thy ring and I trust soon
this.
again to meet with adventure as fair as So saying he stooped over Jeschute and kissed her again, then mounted his horse and rode away. He had not gone far before he remembered a counsel of his
5
'
mother's,
and turning
in the saddle, called

thee,
:
back courteously, "God be with Lady, and may He bless thee.'
53
Soon after this, the Duke Orilus returned home; the horse tracks before the tent had surprised him, and his wife's explanation angered him, nor would he believe that she spoke truly.
received here another knight in my absence," he declared, "and allowed him to kiss thee and take thy ring. Now
"Thou hast
has shame come upon me. I who have won for myself a fair name in knightly
adventure, find my honor gone. Have I not overthrown eight of King Arthur's knights in one joust? Yet what availeth it now that my wife hath brought such sorrow upon me? Go thou and bid thy
women
clothe thee in thy meanest dress, then shalt thou come with me and we will
ride until
kill
him
find this youth, then will I before thee."
we
make her
Poor Jeschute wept bitterly and tried to lord understand how the misfortune had befallen, but he refused to believe her, and they rode forth together to punish the foolish youth who was the
cause of their trouble.
54
The lad had ridden away well pleased with himself, nor thought to be pursued and it was not long before he met with another adventure. The sound of a woman's voice raised in weeping reached him and he came to where a maiden sat
by the roadside, clasping the body of a dead knight.
"Lady," said the youth gently, "I see well that thou art in great grief for love
of this knight; tell me how he was slain and if falsely, I will ride to whatever ad-
venture it please thee, to avenge him." "Alas! said the maiden, "mv hero was
5
tf
slain in a joust
his death.
and I fear none may avenge But tell me what thy name is,
seemeth that I know thee." "I think I have no name," the lad replied, "but at home my Mother called me, Bon fils,' or 'Cher fits' or 'Beau filsJ "
for
it
l
"Good son
dear
son
beautiful
son
I
said the maiden, 'yea, now I thee, for I am thy cousin Sigune.
know
Now
declare to thee thy
name
it is
Parzival-
which means, pierced through!
For even

when thou
55
as the heart of thy mother was pierced through at thy father's death, so was it
pierced again
didst leave her."
At these words of Sigune's, Parzival dismounted from his horse and embraced his cousin and she spoke to him of his mother and his father and of the wounding of her
knight.
'Tor thee
my
lover fought, for
said. 'Twas the wicked Orilus slew him, when he and Lahelein took thy lands from thee. Now art thou
he was slain while defending thy king"
dom," Sigune
King and thou must
ride to claim thy
lands.
:
In service for thee,
my
lover
won
death and I have won sorrow/' Tair, sweet cousin/ said Parzival, "I
will
ride
straightway
to
avenge
thy
lover's death, so tell

this
wicked knight
me where I may find that I may punish
him."
But Sigune, fearing lest the rash meet his death also, directed should youth him wrongly, and Parzival left her and rode for many hours through the woods.
VII
HOW PARZIVAL CAME BEFORE KING

ARTHUR
TOWARD the end of the day Parzival came out upon a highway where he met
many people whom he greeted courteously.
At eventide he was
:
full
weary
and
stopped at the house of a fisherman to ask for food and rest the man demanded payment, so he gave him the golden clasp he had taken from Jeschute. From him he learned that King Arthur was holding
56
57
court at Nantes so he decided to go there and the fisherman promised to guide him
In the early to the city the next day. morning they set out, but when they
neared the city walls, Parzival's guide refused to go further, so with courteous farewells the lad rode on alone and passed through the gates, which were wide open as if to make all strangers welcome. Inside the walls he found himself in a meadow, where were growing more flowers than he had ever seen before; beyond, was the noble castle where King Arthur with his knights and the ladies of the Court were gathered. Many people were riding to and fro, or walking in groups, and some of them smiled as the
youth passed them, for
his strange dress
and tired-looking steed amused them; and

Parzival smiled in return, greeting all
who
came near. As he rode along, he saw approaching, a knight appareled all in red, whose steed
bore a covering of red silk while red plumes waved from its head. A red
58
shield the knight carried, and in his hand he held a golden goblet; red was his hair, but his face was pale and very noble. As
he drew near, Parzival spoke to him sayI think ing, "Now may God bless thee
this is the greeting for
me
to offer a knight
all
for so
my
:
Mother bade me greet
whom
the
I met.'
"God bless thee and thy mother," said Red Knight heartily; "well I know she is a noble woman and loves thee well; thou shalt be loved by many women I
comely is thy face, so clearly doth truth shine from thine eyes. Thy face pleases me well, Lad, and I would have thee serve me, if thou wilt. This is my desire, that thou ride straightway to King Arthur and tell him that the Red Knight waits to joust with any knight who dares
think, so
approach him. They will understand. Seest thou this goblet which I hold? But a short while since, I was in the Court
and as I stooped to drink of the refreshment offered me, I spilled some of the wine on the Queen's robe, thinking to
59
rouse some of the knights to fight with me.

I am eager for some adventure and none here have asked me to joust. I rode away
in all haste with the goblet, and now I wait for some knight to take it from me."
"Thy message
val.
And
will I bear," said Parzihe left the Red Knight and
rode on quickly to enter the castle. There came forward a squire
named
courteously to the lad and said that he would lead him to the King. Outside the noble castle, Parzival dismounted and entered with Iwanet into a great Hall, where sat many knights
Iwanet,
who spoke
Table. As he came toward them he spoke a courteous greeting,
about a
Round
saying: greet ye,
ye heroes; I King and Queen, and I bring a message." The knights crowded around him, for never had they seen a fairer face, nor heard a gentler voice. They led him
"God keep
ye, all
where King Arthur and Queen Guinevere sat, and both greeted him kindly. When Parzival had delivered the message
to
of the
Red Knight,
he said timidly, to the
60

"Sir, I
:
King,
thee a
have journeyed far to ask of

it
gift.'
is
thou wouldst ask?' said King Arthur, with gentle voice and smile, encouraging the youth to speak. "That thou wouldst make me a knight, and robe me as a knight ought to be appareled,' answered Parzival kneeling before him, "then will I serve thee with all
1
'What
my
strength."
I
"Right gladly will
give thee the gift
of knighthood," said the King. "On the morrow I will bestow on thee whatever I
may
I pray thee, Sir, keep me not waiting, begged Parzival.
stood near the King, his Seneschal Kay, who as he listened to the praise spoken of the youth, was filled with jealousy, and wishing to be rid of him said to the King "Sir, why dost thou not
there
:
Now
win knighthood by achieving some difficult adventure? Reallow

this
lad
to
quire that he bring back to thee the golden goblet which the Red Knight hath taken.

This will
test his spirit
61
but believing that the Red Knight would not harm the lad, requested him to undertake the adventure. Parzival rode forth joyfully, fallowed by many of the knights
first,
ready for gift he desires." King Arthur hesitated at
and prove if he be knighthood. Let him win the
and ladies who crowded on the meadow to watch the meeting of the stranger and the Red Knight, whose real name was Ither, the King of Cumberland.
there dwelt at the Court, a fair sister to damsel, by name, Kunnewaare the Duke Orilus who sought Parzival
Now
and never
had she spoken nor laughed, nor would she ever, she had declared, until the most noble knight of the world should come to the Court. So on this day, as she watched from a balcony, and saw the fair youth of whom all were
for years
suddenly she laughed aloud. Both knights and ladies were surprised and pleased that the maiden had been released from her silence all but one, Kay,
speaking,
;
62

'How
the Seneschal, and he was angered. He came to the maiden and shook her roughly
and struck
:
her.
darest thou laugh
'because thou dost gaze now,' upon this country lad who in no way resaid he,
sembles a true knight? Many a noble knight hast thou seen before at the Court?" Had Lahelein and Orilus, her brothers, been present, they would have avenged this rudeness, but one there was
sounded loudly in rebuke, all looked in amazement, for this knight who spoke was called Sir Antanor the Silent, and he had been unto
her,
defend
and
as his voice
der a spell like to that of Kunnewaare he might not speak until the noblest knight of the world came to the Court.
'thou hast suffered
"Sweet Lady," said Antanor gently, shame because of this
youth, but sorrow not; he is indeed the true knight we have proclaimed him.
Bear thy disgrace meekly, for it will not be long till he avenges this insult." Then Antanor went up to Kay and said
boldly:
Thou
shalt
be punished,
for
63
harming by word and touch, the gentle Kunnewaare." At these words Kay struck Sir Antanor on the ear and all saw how great was his anger. Now these things Parzival saw, and heard what had been said, and his heart was hot with anger and his grief great.
Grasping his javelin tightly he would have flung it at Kay but feared to miss his aim; he would have turned at once to avenge the maiden and Sir Antanor, but the crowd pressed around and forced him to ride on to where the Red Knight waited
outside the walls.
VIII
OF PARZIVAL'S ADVENTURE WITH THE RED KNIGHT

BOLDLY Parzival rode up
Knight and addressed him.
"Sir," said he, "the knights will not
to the
Red
come
but I have been sent to take the goblet from thee, that I may win the gift of knighthood and thy apparel.' Loud and merrily laughed the Red Knight. "If the goblet is to be thine, and my armor also," said he, "I think that it
to fight with thee,
1
will be thy life that I shall take."

r
:
shall
conquer thee/
64
declared Parzi-

val.
65
"I
am
eager
to
!
come, let us fight. Ha be Lahelein who hath stolen from me/'
win knighthood; I think thou must
my
lands
For answer the Red Knight raised his sword and with a mighty blow smote the horse of Parzival, which fell to the earth. It might have fared ill with the lad who was overthrown, but he sprang up quickly, took his javelin and threw it with great strength at the helmet of Ither, whose visor it pierced and in a moment the King
of
Cumberland lay
lifeless at Parzival's
feet.
he saw that the Red Knight was dead, no fear nor distress was in Parzival's heart, for all he could think of was that now he might don this glorious apparel,
take the knightly steed and ride away at once, a new-made knight. He knelt and
tried to unfasten Ither's armor;
success,
When
but had no
not understanding the way it was worn. Then there came toward him Iwanet, who hearing no further sounds hastened to see how it had fared with
66

Great
his
Parzival.
grief at seeing Ither lying dead; yet he helped the lad to undo the armor, and when Parit,
amazement and
zival said he intended to wear
Iwanet
first to remove his coarse dress and leggings; but he refused, saying that as his dear mother had clothed him, so would he remain. Arrayed in the armor
urged him
of Ither, the lad looked indeed a knightly Around his waist Iwanet girded figure.
on
Ither's
away
his javelin
sword, bade Parzival throw and never use one again,
weapons were unknightly; also he showed him how to carry his spear and
for such
handle the sword. When he was well-mounted on the Red Knight's horse, Parzival said to Iwanet, "Thou hast been a true friend to me and now I bid thee do me one service more. Greet King Arthur for me in farewell, for
now
I
that I
;
am
a knight,
I shall ride
forth
at once
him the golden goblet which have won. Will he not be pleased?
take
Also, say thou, that I shall return, or seek some means to avenge the rudeness of Kay
PARZIVAL AND IWAXET

to the
67
maiden and the knight; sweetly she laughed; there was love in her voice like to my mother's it was and nobly that
knight spoke. maiden, Iwanet,
Watch
I
thou
thee,
over
the
pray
and save her

keep thee
from further
in peace;
insult.
Now God
my thanks
to thee, farewell."
Thinking that the youth had best be gone, Iwanet did not try to keep him.
would discover what wrong he had done, and would realize that he was not yet a
that soon the foolish lad
He knew
knight, though he rode now in the trappings of one. Sorrowfully he turned to

Ither
and honored him by covering
his
body with the flowers of the meadow; hid the cruel wound which had not marred the
fair,
strong face
fashioned with branches
a cross and drew the knight's hands to-
gether to hold it on his breast. Then he went to the castle to bear the mournful
tidings.
There was much questioning, angry words and deep sorrow among all; many ladies had loved the knight and now they
68

for him;
none with greater sadness than Guinevere and before them all she spoke of the valor and gentleness and many virtues of the King of Cumberland. Had Parzival been there he would have received their reproaches, and surely he would have been moved by their sorrow. But not even the King would have forgiven him then, and he mourned that he had sent the ignorant youth upon an ad-
wept
venture that only a tried knight should
have attempted. As they listened to those who cried shame upon the rash youth, Kunnewaare and Antanor spoke excuses for Parzival and declared that he would one day win
the praise of
all.
IX
HOW
PARZIVAL CAME TO THE CASTLE OF GURNEMANZ AT GRAHARZ
THE
strong steed of Ither bore Parzival
and though unused to wearing armor he would not stop for rest even when the day drew to its close. In the fair sunset glow he came to rich fields, beyond which he saw the towers of a castle and rode on toward it. Beneath a linden tree at the portal of
the courtyard, sat an old
69
swiftly from Nantes,
man
clothed sim-
70

lord of the castle
this was and of the Wearied now by
ply in a flowing robe of white;
Gurnemanz, kingdom of Graharz.

his
Parzival approached with wavering spear and shield, nor bore himself as a skilled knight; this Gurnemanz perceived but rose courteously to greet the stranger. As the youth raised his helmet, the face the old man saw his beauty radiant, flushed now with exertion; the "Sir," said Parsmile, frank and loving. zival, by good fortune have I come to Mother bade me seek the this castle. advice of old men and to follow what thev said; so I pray thee, Sir, give me thy coun-
long
ride,
:f
My
>
sel."
"God's welcome to
3
'
Gurnemanz; "my Then he thee freely.

wrist,
thee, Lad," said counsel shall be given
released from his
a falcon that had a golden bell about its neck, for it served as a messen"In a moment my squires will care ger.
for thee
and thy steed," said he. Soon appeared from the castle, squires
in fair garments,
who
led the guest into

the courtyard
71
and bade him dismount; then he was taken to a room to rest.
When
the squires removed his armor they were astonished to find underneath it a
fool's dress
and one of them hurried Gurnemanz.
to tell
for he
Quietly the lord of the castle heard him, knew that the stranger must be Herzeleide's son, tidings having come to
the lad's departure from the forest. "Humbly he may be clad," said he, "but his face and bearing are very noble. Per-
him of
chance 'twas his mother so clothed him." Yet when he came into the room and saw Parzival standing there in his strange "The dress, he said softly to himself: the of World should be attired in Joy more fitting apparel." Upon the lad he smiled kindly and cared for him as tenderly as a father might have cared for his
son.
When
he was rested they led the guest
to the great Hall of the castle where food in abundance was spread, and it pleased
the host well to see
how
heartily his guest
72
ate.
After this evening meal, Parzival was glad to seek rest and he slept until late the next morning. Squires attended him then, preparing his bath and assisting him to dress; now they persuaded him to don the rich clothes that lay by the couch. There was a robe of white samite with girdle of scarlet; hosen of scarlet they put upon him; and over his shoulders placed a mantle lined with ermine inside, and without with sable, fastened about the waist with a rich belt and buckle of gold. These garments became Parzival so well that when he entered the Hall to seek his host, he won the admiration of the knights. "Let us praise also the mother of such a son/ said they to each other. After the morning meal, Gurnemanz
3
his guest aside and questioned him concerning his adventures and quite will-
drew
ingly the youth told him of how he had left his mother, of his meeting with Sigune and Jeschute, and of how he had killed
the
Red Knight. Proudly he spoke as he had achieved knightly adventure.
if
73
"Thy ways have been foolish," said Gurnemanz sternly; 'thy mother's words thou didst not understand. Not yet art
thou ready for knighthood.
skill that
'Twas not
won
thee the victory over Ither
of Cumberland, but treachery, for knights use not the javelin in jousting. I fear thou art not ready yet to comprehend the
counsel
I shall
give thee, but this

in thy heart.
much
Care
will I say to thee.
"Have never shame

for the poor
and needy; take time
to stop
upon
ness
thy way to help them, for the gentleand service thou renderest to thy
shall be a greater glory of many battles. Seek
life of the
humble fellow man

than the winning to understand the
poor as well as that of the rich then shalt thou use thy wealth with wisdom. "God hath given thee five senses, but often one is to be used and not the others. Seek to use each at the proper time. See much but speak little. Yea, I would have thee curb thy speech somewhat, too many questions thou asketh. Be not swift
;
74

what occasion
re-
to question, but discover
quireth speech, then be ready with it. 'Tis wise for youth to be silent before what he doth not comprehend. "Slay never a conquered foe but yield him mercy, so shalt thou make him more
noble.
to
Hold
all
women
them untruth never. thou find thy true love and with her hapTo the counsel of Gurnepily unite.' manz Parzival listened gratefully and his heart was full of shame because of his foolishness and ignorance. Then the old man bade his knights show
1
in honor; speak One day shalt
all the requirements of knightthe hood; way to hold his arms, the rules of the Tourney and the joust; the manner
Parzival
when engaged therein, the and sword and shield. The lad spear proved himself a good pupil for soon he mastered this knowledge and was able to
of wielding,
break the spears of all those who jousted with him. Pleased was Gurnemanz to see that he had acquired so quickly such grace and skill, for now with his great strength

he would be able to win
75
a victory. That evening at supper the daughter of Gurnemanz was present, Liasse was her
many
name; young was she and
gentle,
and
at
the bidding of her father, Parzival kissed the maiden. "She hath no ring thou canst said Gurnemanz smiling. And take,"
Parzival flushed with shame as he remembered his foolish deed. The two young people conversed happily together and the old man sighed as he watched them; he yearned to have them love each other that he might claim the lad for his son. All too soon came the day when Parzival declared that he must ride on and with
grieving heart his host bade him farewell. "Thou hast been as a son to me," he
"Three sons have I lost in battle and their mother died from grief and left me here lonely with my daughter. But lately was my last son Schentfleur killed, when defending the maiden Kondwiramur from the wicked Klamide who besaid.
sieges
her
at
Pelrapeire.
rest
Now,
may
God's blessing
upon
thee,
Lad, and
76

I
guide thee- -would that

:
might have thee
for a son.'
answered Parzival, thank thee for thy kindly words and care perchance I may return to thee, but not until I have won fame as a knight shall I dare to woo a maiden. Farewell- -thou who hast been as tender as a father to me.' Knights, squires and ladies gathered in the courtyard to wish Parzival God-speed. Clad again was he in the armor and trappings of the Red Knight, and all declared that they had never seen a more nobleSir,'
;
:
'
Dear
looking youth.
X
HOW
PARZIVAL CAME TO THE CITY OF PELRAPEIRE
Parzival
FORTH from Graharz went
cheered by the kindness of Gurnemanz, riding now and carrying his armor with the grace of a skilled knight; musing as he rode along of the maiden Liasse and wishing that he might have remained longer near her.
All day he journeyed, taking the paths that his steed chose, for he knew not, nor
77
78
what country adventure might Over many a rough mountain path he ventured and at sunset time came
cared, to
lead him.
to a torrent too deep for his horse to ford, so he followed alongside it. Soon he perceived in the distance, a castle lighted
now with the glow of the evening sun. Around the courtyard were many houses and streets, beyond were woods and the
Descending with the stream, Parzival came to a great bridge strangely fashioned, for it hung in the air suspended by
sea.
woven
supports,
and
it
swung
to
and
fro
in the breeze.
Standing by this bridge on the other side of the water were gathered more than These thirty knights, armed as if for war.
called out to the
stranger:
'Begone!'
But Parzival approached fearlessly and when his horse snorted with terror and refused to go further, he dismounted and with gentle words and touch, urged him across the swaying bridge. As soon as horse and knight touched the bridge the knights hurried away and entering the
79
courtyard, barred the gates in haste, for they thought no one would ride thus
boldly unless a company of his people followed. Quickly Parzival rode over the plain that lead to the gates, and lifting the iron hanger thereon, sounded it loudly. After a few moments a lady leaned from a window and said: "Sir Knight, comest thou as a foe? Besieged already are we by a wrathful King who would wed our Queen against her will; our people are wasted
with hunger and we have trouble enough." "Nay, gentle Lady, answered Parzival, taking his helmet from his head in greeting, "I come not as an enemy but as
5:
a friend.
will I
serve you here, gladly and with no thought of reward.''

If I
may
Hearing these words the lady hastened joyfully to the Queen and she ordered that the gates be opened to admit the stranger. Knights, squires and archers were gathered in the courtyard; fully armed were they for they feared their foe was near. With courteous greetings they welcomed
8o

and led him
to a cool
rest, assisting
the knight
linden trees to
bower of him to un-
arm and bringing him water for his refreshment, and a rich robe to wear. Parzival was pleased to hear that he had come
to the city of Pelrapeire of
manz had
which Gurneand he spoken, hoped here to

c
achieve knightly adventure. "Sir," said one of the knights,
wilt thou with our Kondwiramur?' Queen speak 'Lead me to her, I pray thee,' said Par:
zival.
Accompanied by her two uncles, Kondwiramur descended the great steps of the castle to greet the stranger. Fair was the maiden Queen, pale her face, white her skin; clothed all in white and gold was she, and the sun cast a golden glow over As she smiled upon the young her. knight, he thought no woman in the world could be lovelier, and his heart beat for joy as she kissed him in greeting. Taking his hand the Queen led him to the Hall where many maidens and knights were
gathered.
The
faces of these were sad,

their
81
movements languid, and Parzival gazed upon them in pity for he saw how all were in need of food. Long and earnestly he gazed upon the Queen and forgot to speak, so absorbed was he in her loveliness; indeed so silent was he that Kondwiramur feared that she did not
please him. "Sir," said she, "I have heard of thy offer to help us and thankful am I, for we
need the service of a brave knight. Tell me, I pray thee, from whence art thou
come?"
'This
morning
rode from the castle of

1
Gurnemanz
he
(I
is
ct
kind and wise is he, but now in great sorrow,' answered Parzival.
:
Sir/
visited
said
Gurnemanz
him
is
Kondwiramur in surprise, my uncle and often have I
Graharz; I marvel that thou couldst have come so far in a day." Until late that evening the two conversed and Parzival told the Queen of his life in the forest and of the adventures that had befallen him since he left his mother. Then was he conducted to a
at
82

richly appointed; soft rugs were the floor, skins were upon the velvet
silk
room
upon
couch and a robe of
was
laid there for
him. The squires lighted the tall tapers, then at his request left him and soon the wearied knight fell asleep. In the night Parzival was awakened suddenly, and by the light of the tapers he was surprised to see kneeling by the
couch, the
Queen Kondwiramur who was
weeping
bitterly.
"Lady, what grieveth thee?" he asked, and rising, lifted her gently from her knees. "Sit here, I pray thee, and tell me
of thy sorrow/' said "Sir,'
:
Kondwiramur,
"my
grief
made me
my
:c
seek thee, for in thee I behold deliverer; and unless thou promise to
cannot sleep/' Lady,' said Parzival tenderly, 'tell me how I may serve thee and whatever the task, it shall not be too difficult." "Sir Knight," said Kondwiramur, "thou seest how my lands have been wasted by
save
I
:
me
Klamide and how
my
people
suffer.
His

Seneschal, Kingron, hath slain half
83
my
knights; to his death he
brought Gurne-
manz's son, the noble Schentfleur. Not much longer can we hold the castle, but, Sir, rather than be wife of Klamide, I will fling myself from the castle tower to the moat below." "Have no fear, sweet Lady," Parzival
said gently, "God will give me strength to deliver thee from Kingron and Klamide
and soon
hunger.
Now
shall thy people be relieved of go to thy rest and sleep
peacefully."
XI
HOW
PARZIVAL OVERCAME KINGRON AND KLAMIDE, AND OF HOW
HE WEDDED QUEEN KONDWIRA-
MUR OF PELRAPEIRE
ON
ice,
the
morrow
after he
Parzival asked for his and rode forth to meet Kingron the Seneschal, who, with a large company, was approaching. Riding swiftly Parzival met
had heard servhorse and armor
Kingron some distance from the bridge and there the two jousted fiercely until with a mighty sword thrust the Seneschal was overthrown.
84
85
"Spare my life, I pray thee," he cried. "Well," said Parzival, "that will I do if thou promise to ride to Graharz and obey the commands of Gurnemanz; he hath need of a son.' "Sir," said Kingron, "there I dare not go; rather would I meet death at thy hands, for 'twas I slew Schentfleur, his
:
son.
yield thee to the Queen thou hast wronged,'' said Parzival.
"Then
whom
"If I do this, Sir, her people will not
spare
me have
;
not brought great woe to
them?"
King Arthur will I send thee. King that I sent thee to avenge Say the gentle maiden Kunnewaare whom
to
to the
"Then
Kay
hath wronged." So saying, Parzival left Kingron and returned to the castle.
Kingron' s knights saw that their leader had been conquered, many of them hurried away to inform Klamide; the
others helped the discomfited knight to
When
mount his horse. With shouts of joy was
the victorious
86
knight greeted and Queen Kondwiramur embraced Parzival and spoke softly her thanks and praise. Then, so that all could 'In the wide world is but hear, she said: one whom I could claim for my lord this knight who is my deliverer/' Lady,' said Parzival, kneeling before u her and kissing her hand, on the earth is none so lovely as thou if I have won thy love, I am indeed blest." That night was held the marriage feast of Queen Kondwiramur and Parzival and
f
:
was great rejoicing among all at the castle. By good fortune, ships had sailed into the harbor and Parzival had purchased from the merchants, provisions
there
enough to last for a long time; so there was peace and plenty at Pelrapeire. After three days, tidings came of the approach of King Klamide and his knights,
how his Senhe ordered his eschal had been overcome, knights to march with him to Pelrapeire and on foot to besiege the castle gates. In' haste and anger he had set forth, for he
for
when
the
King heard
of

had thought to conquer Kondwiramur and take her
easily
city.
87
Queen
No
come
it
further than the bridge did they for Kondwiramur' s knights guarded
now with new
a company through the woods and surprised Klamide's men at the rear, taking many of them prisoner. At the close of the day he returned to the castle with them and this ended the fighting for a few days. Then Parzival sent the prisoners, without their armor, back to their King to in-
hope, and Parzival with of knights and squires rode
form him that Queen Kondwiramur had wedded Kingron's conqueror. So angry was Klamide that he sent a herald to the castle to bid this bold knight meet him in
single combat.
Well pleased was Parzival and he rode

forth at once to answer the King's challenge while the knights on both sides gathered around to watch the jousting. Each
galloped swiftly toward the other and the conflict was one never to be forgotten by those who witnessed it. The noise of the

clashing shields and swords was heard at the castle where, from her tower, Queen
Kondwiramur gazed upon

there
ide.
the fight, but
was no fear
in her heart for she
was
certain that her lord
would master Klam-
For two hours they struggled, then suddenly by a spear thrust Parzival brought the King to the ground where he lay un-
knowing that he was conquered. Jumping from his horse, Parzival took Klamide's helmet from his head and raising his own sword, cried out: "Now shall I free my wife from thy wooable to
rise,
ing
to death thou goest!'
"Mercy, gallant knight," cried Klamide, 'thou art victor, I am laid low; thine honor should spare me. A poor life shall I live without her whom I love, but I would not yet meet death." Remembering the counsel of Gurnemanz, how a knight should spare a conquered foe, Parzival granted the King his life, but made him promise to set out for

King Arthur's Court
Kunnewaare.
to serve the
89
maiden
Thus did Herzeleide's son rescue Queen Kondwiramur and tidings of his valor reached King Arthur. First came Kingron who spoke his praise, then Klamide with his story, and both proclaimed themselves the knights of Kunnewaare in place of him who could not yet come to her. Now was Kay shamed before all and though he strove to win back the favor of the maiden and the knights, not yet were
they ready to excuse him.
PART
II
FAILURE
XII
HOW
PARZIVAL CAME TO THE TEMPLE OF THE GRAIL

when Parzival had been
for sev-
Now
eral
months at Pelrapeire, he one day asked Kondwiramur's permission to ride forth to see how his mother fared and to seek further adventure. The Queen gave her consent willingly, for she was pleased to have her lord, who was yet so young, So beset out to win honor in the world.
93
94
gan for Parzival a separation from his wife which lasted many years, nor did either think that adventure so strange and sad was to befall him.
day's jourParzival, riding through the forest, ney, came to a harbor where many boats were
at anchor.
Toward evening
of the
first
Seated in one of these was a
was clothed in garments fashioned royally and richly ornamented; upon his head was a cap adorned with peacock plumes; his hair was gray and his face pale and sad. As the knight approached, he looked at him eagerly.
fishing.
man
He
said Parzival courteously, "I pray thee, guide me to shelter, for I have rid''Sir/'
den all day and am weary." "There is but one shelter near, Sir Knight/ the Fisher answered. ''If thou take the road up yon cliff, soon thou wilt arrive at a moat; call there to the warden and he will let down the drawbridge for We shall meet again for I shall be thee.
:
thy host." When he had thanked the Fisher, Par-
THE FISHER KING
95
zival followed the path until he came to the moat where stood a squire who said:
"Sir,
why
ridest thou here?"
"The Fisher hath
offered
me
1
shelter,"
answered Parzival. 'Then thou art welcome,' the squire said, and he let the drawbridge down. Following the squire through a grove of
Parzival came out upon a courtyard of green turf and before him he beheld a
trees,
castle so mightily and wondrously fashioned that he looked with amazement and
joy upon
beauty. Knights came forward to greet him, pages held his bridle rein while squires held his stirrup and
its
Parzival dismounted and was led within. To a room richly appointed he was taken and his armor removed. Well pleased were the knights and squires with his fair, young face. Soon there entered a knight who carried a mantle of silk adorned with jewels and this he placed over Parzival's shoulders. "Sir Knight/' said he, "our gracious Lady and Queen, Repanse de Schoie, hath
96

and we
:
lent thee this mantle; it is her own deem thee worthy of this honor.'
"I
thank thee for thy kindly words/' u and I pray thee, greet for me thy Queen. Good fortune it is that I found my way here.'
said Parzival,
:
richly attired Parzival was led through many corridors and passed by rooms, each of which seemed more beauti-
Thus
appointed than the other. Then they came to two doors which were wide open, and standing on the threshold of a great Hall, Parzival saw many wonders
fully
therein.
A hundred crowns of gold were fastened

to the walls
and
in
them tapers burned.
Small couches that served for tables were against the walls with cushions before
rugs. At each couch sat four knights upon the cushion
rich seats; four pages and four squires stood beside. The Hall was lighted also by
fires
them resting upon
from three large fireplaces; one was at the end of the Hall opposite the doors and one was at each side. Woods that
97
gave forth sweet perfumes burned therein. By the fireplace at the end, Parzival saw the Fisher reclining on a high couch; he wore robes of fur and upon his head was a cap of sable adorned with bands of gold with a ruby in the center. He held out his hand to his guest and as Parzival walked into the Hall to greet him, he observed how pale and worn was his host's face, and he lay as if enduring great pain.
As Parzival stood by the Fisher's couch, there entered into the Hall a squire who bore in his hand a spear, from which drops of blood fell, and as he passed swiftly through the Hall, a sound of weeping was heard as if great sorrow had come upon all those within. When he was gone the weeping ceased and there entered a procession of maidens.
First came two girls, children almost were they, whose flowing hair was caught with silken bands and blossoms each carried a golden candlestick with burning
;
tapers in the sockets. After them came two maidens clothed in brown silk, with
98

and they carried two
golden girdles about their waists and with flowers in their hair; then two attired as
these came,
stools of
ivory which they placed before the Fisher's couch. Then came four clothed in robes of green silk, who bore tapers, and four
who
carried a table top of Jacinth, which they placed upon the ivory stools. As each maiden passed by the Fisher she
bowed
reverently, then took her place, standing at the left of the couch. Fol-
lowing those with the Table came four maidens bearing lights, then two who bore on cloths, two knives of silver which they
laid
upon
the Table, then took their places
with the others.

after,
Six more maidens came
wearing
as did the six before, silken
inwoven with gold. Twenty-four maidens had come into the Hall, and as Parzival gazed in wonder, there entered a maiden more fair than any of the others. Crowned like a Queen was she and arrayed in royal robes. Behind her came six maidens who carried torches of transparent glass in which burned balrobes of rainbow hues

sam
99
that sent a sweet perfume through the Hall. the crowned maiden carried
Now
a cushion of green velvet
and on
it
lay a
Stone from which shone a great light. She placed the cushion upon the Table, then joined the others standing in the center of the row of maidens.
was the procession ended, and the Fisher, who was King there, motioned to a knight, who approached the guest and oifered him a bowl of water and a silken
towel.
Now
Then
into the
Hall were wheeled
cars
that held golden vessels for serving. Then came forward the squires each
bearing a linen napkin in his hand. Before the Jacinth Table they knelt in turn,
resting the napkin
upon the cushion, and

it
when each
and took
the
it
rose, he carried food upon to the knight he served.
goblets were brought to cushion where the Stone lay, and through Its power, each was filled with wine.
Then golden
In astonishment Parzival beheld these
ioo

He would
mysteries, but knew not that this was the Feast that the Grail bestowed upon those
who served
have questioned concerning what he saw, and inIt.
quired the cause of the Fisher's suffering, but remembering the counsel of Gurnemanz, he feared to speak lest he should of-
fend; and so looking about him with wondering eyes, he remained silent. Then there entered a squire who carried with him a sword encased in a sheath
which was richly ornamented with jewels; into its hilt a ruby was set. He gave the sword to the King who offered it to Parzival saying:
this
"Sir, I
pray thee to accept

smote
shall
sword
as a token of hospitality; often
I carried it until
God
me now
:
thou
:
shalt carry
it
and well
it
serve thee.'
Parzival accepted the sword with gratenow might he have said more, but yet was he silent concerning what his heart prompted him to ask.
ful words
The
cars
with the golden vessels were

;
taken from the Hall the crowned maiden stepped forward from the others and took

the cushion with
fulfilled her
its
;
101
Treasure each maiden
duty and all passed from the Hall. Then it was that Parzival observed how another door had been opened, and he saw lying within a room an old man with a long, white beard, whose face was the most beautiful he had ever seen.
:
thy couch awaiteth thee, I think thou must be weary; sweet be thy rest. Squires came forward to lead the guest
"Sir,'
3
'
said the Fisher courteously,
:c
him
to his room, and when they had assisted to disrobe, they left him. All that
night Parzival's rest was disturbed with dreams of jousts in which he was defeated, and great sorrow was in his heart when he
awakened; why, he knew not. He called the squires but as no one came he slept again. It was high noon when he opened his eyes once more, and when no one responded to his call, he rose and donned his armor, fastening on his two swords. "Why was this sword given me?" he asked
himself.
'Terchance to-day I am to be called to some deed of knighthood. Was
102
my
dream a warning?" Carefully he placed upon the couch the mantle which the Queen had loaned him; he thought that it must have been sent by the maiden
who
carried the cushion; her lovely face reminded him of his mother and he stood
for a while
musing of these two women and of his wife, Kondwiramur. Then he left the room to seek his host, but found no one about. Through many rooms he
searched but they were deserted; at locked doors he knocked, but there was no response.
at this mystery, he decided to leave the castle and passed into
Much vexed
the courtyard where he found his steed
waiting. The drawbridge was down and he rode over looking to right and left, hop-
ing to see someone.
Although no one
was in
other
sight, the moment he reached the side, the bridge was drawn into
place again. Then, as Parzival waited by the moat a squire appeared, who called out to him: 'Ride forth, thou weakling;
closed thy lips that should have questioned concerning the distress of thy host. Great

is
103
est
thy shame yet honor and glory mightthou have won here." At these words Parzival begged the
squire to explain to him their meaning, but there was no answer, so with sorrowful heart the youth rode on, following
paths that his horse chose, not knowing whither he was going. Soon he perceived fresh hoof marks and this grieved him for he thought that the knights had ridden off
to
some adventure which they deemed too

^
him to undertake. "Do they think me a coward?" he said aloud. "I might have helped them and so repaid the courtesy all showed me well might I have
difficult for
;
used the gift of
my
host."
XIII
HOW
FOR
PARZIVAL WAS REPROACHED BY SIGUNE

a long time Parzival followed the
tracks through the forest; then unexpectedly he came to an open space of grass,
dew and shaded with linden As he paused to rest, he heard the sound of weeping, and riding on saw a maiden sitting under a tree, holding in
shining with
trees.
her arms the body of a knight. She did not look up as Parzival approached, but
he could see how pale she was, and dusty her garments.
104
how worn

3
:
105
"Lady," said he gently, "is there some way I can serve thee? "I thank thee/ answered the maiden "But tell me how earnest thou sadly. here? Dangerous is it for any who do not
know
woods.
the
way Where
to
ride
didst
through these thou spend the
night?" "Lady/' answered Parzival, "I found shelter in a castle a long distance back; and there occurred many strange things.
5
'
"Sir Knight,"
the
maiden
said,
"thy
words seem
est
false, for there is
no shelter
anywhere near, save one which is the richabode in the world. Upon a mountain
called Monsalvage, there is a Temple, and there a holy man named Titurel ruled
as
King
until the Grail chose his son Fri-
mutel to take his place. This son sought adventure in the world and met his death
there.
Anfortas crowned King, but in the world was he wounded because of wrongdoing, and now he suffers day and night. Near here dwells a brother of his, Trevrezent the
his
Then
was
son
106
Hermit, for since the day of Anfortas' wounding he hath dwelt solitary in this
Now
penance for his brother's sin. by chance thou hadst arrived at Monsalvage, all this would they have told thee. Thou wouldst have released the King from his pain and brought joy
if
1
forest as a
to all there/
I saw many marvels, and many knights and maidens were there,' said Parzival, "and my host seemed in great suffering.' At these words the maiden looked up
: 1
:<
Methinks,' said she, eagerly at him. 'that thou hast been to the Temple. Lift
thee.
:c
pray thee, for surely I know Parzival. Tell me, CousYea, in, didst thou see the wondrous Grail? Didst ask the Question? Is the woe ended there? Ah, blessed art thou to have been led on this journey; thy renown shall be spread far. Joy hast thou
thy helmet
I
'tis
brought to the sorrowing ones at

salvage."
Mon-
"Lady," asked Parzival, "how dost thou
know my name?'
107
"Dost not remember thy cousin? Thou dost meet me now as before, holding my beloved in my arms. Behold, he is ready
now
for burial/'
'tis
Sigune," cried Parzival joyfully, and he dismounted and kissed his "How thou art changed, cousin, saying:
"Ah,
thy face is so pale; thy fair locks are shorn; thou lookest so feeble. Sweet
Cousin,
I
pray
let us
I
ing and
thee, cease from thy bury this knight/

:
:
mourn-
"Now
"and it hands help to bear him to

place."
thank thee,' answered Sigune, will be well for my lord that thy
his
resting
he seeing carried, she touched the gift of the Fisher 'Thou art indeed the saying joyfully:
the
Then
swords
chosen one
thou bearest the magic sword. It will protect thee ever and if it should break, take it to the fountain called Lac to this shalt thou be guided in thy need plunge it into the waters and it will be whole again. But this they have told
;
thee at the Temple, and taught thee the All blessings shall be spell of the sword.
io8
thine

if
thou hast asked the Question.'' "Nay, Cousin,' Parzival said, ''at the castle they did not tell me this concerning the sword. What dost thou mean by a question? I asked none there. What is the Grail, did I see it there?" Thou didst behold the Grail and the thou didst see the suffering of mysteries
thy host, the King? Thou didst see the bleeding spear and the knives of silver? And thy lips were silent?" the voice of Sigune trembled with distress. "Surely courtesy demanded that thou question concerning these things. Alas, if it be true that thou wert silent, thou art a cursed knight. Begone from me; leave me with my hero who knew no shame." "Fair Cousin," pleaded Parzival, "speak not so unkindly. If I have done wrong,
my
repentance shall be great." 'What shall avail thy repentance now? From this shame can thy honor be released ever? Who will comfort those who suffer because of thee? Begone, I say no and longer will I speak with thee,'

wept
bitterly.
109
Sigune bent over the knight she held, and

All sorrowfully Parzival mounted his steed and rode away, nor cared whither
his horse
went. Now he thought over all that he had seen in the mysterious castle and he repented bitterly that he had not
questioned concerning the suffering of his host, as his heart had bidden him.
XIV
HOW
PARZIVAL FOUGHT WITH ORILUS
As Parzival rode slowly along he saw fresh hoof marks and urging on his steed he entered a path where he saw two Near riders, one far ahead of the other. Parzival rode a lady on a sorry looking
mare, so thin that its ribs might be counted; worn and dusty was the harness and made of hemp. The garments of the lady were so ragged that in places her
no

skin shone whitely through.
111
He who rode
ahead was mounted on a mighty war horse and both rider and horse looked
strong and well-fed. Reaching the lady's
side,
Parzival
looked into her face and found it thin, pale and sad. He had taken his helmet
from
his
head for the day was warm, and
as the lady looked up she recognized him at once, though he was differently clad
when they had met
before.
"Alas," said she, "great grief hast thou brought me." And as she spoke the tears
her face and she strove to cover her eyes with her hands.
streamed
down
cannot be true," answered for he did not recognize JesParzival, chute, "never yet have I brought sorrow to a lady except my dear mother; I
this
"Now
meet. Thou art poorly clad and sad; wilt thou not take my surcoat? May I not serve thee
would help
all ladies that I
in
'
some way?" "Nay, Sir Knight," responded Jeschute, I may take nothing from thee, but much
112

my
ring and my happiness. Now, I pray thee, turn and ride swiftly away, for if my lord sees thee he will harm thee.' hast them taken from me,
;
thee.
"Ha!" cried Parzival, "now But how have I brought

(.
know
thee sorI tell
row
C
My
lord will not believe

visit;
what
him of thy
he thinks wrong of me,"
death better than of thy lord?' ahead flight. any 'Nay, he rideth alone, but mighty is he and easily can he overcome six men
Jeschute replied. 'Lady, now were
Do
ride
by himself. Ah, greatly is he changed; once he was kind who is now so cruel to
me,'
Now
said Jeschute mournfully. the steed of Orilus at this
moment
neighed and the Duke, turning, saw that his wife was conversing with a strange knight. Swinging his horse around he rode quickly toward him with spear raised. Few rode as richly appareled as the Duke Orilus; his armor was of the finest steel; upon shield, helmet and
113
breastplate, a dragon set with jewels, was blazoned in gold. Jeschute drew aside in terror as her lord
approached, but Parzival rode to meet him. Fear was in the lady's heart for the youth, but as she watched how skillfully he met the thrusts of Orilus' spear and
how
strong his blows upon the other's shield, she trembled lest her lord should
be hurt, for dearly she loved him, although he had so greatly shamed her. The sound of clashing spears rang through
the forest; the horses snorted and the combatants breathed heavily, and the blows upon the shields caused the sparks to fly. Soon was the helmet of Orilus dashed to
ground by Parzival's stroke; then was that knight's horse struck down, but he jumped up quickly and with a great leap caught Orilus about the waist and dragged him from the saddle. Hand to hand fought they then, till the Duke's
the
strength began to
fail.
"Now
zival,
art thou conquered," cried ParI
"and
bid thee swear that thou wilt
114

1
believe thy wife and ask her forgiveness.' Not yet would Orilus yield him but
overthrow his adversary. At last Parzival brought him to the ground and the Duke knew that he was defeated and said feebly: "Dost thou desire to
strove
to
kill
will I spare," answered Parzival, "if thou wilt believe what thy wife tells thee."
"Sir," said Orilus,
me?" "Thy life
"many
riches will I
give thee, but ask

chute,
for
not to forgive Jeshath she dishonored greatly

'twas
me
me.
"Shame
to thee," said Parzival,
I, but a foolish youth, who rode rudely into her tent and took her clasp and ring
meant no harm when I kissed her." "Thou," cried Orilus, "well I must beI
lieve thee for thy face is noble. thou I have sought to punish?"
c
So
'tis
wronged thy Parzival lady, Sir," indignantly. " 'Twould have been better hadst thou
greatly
said
Thou
hast
trusted her.
Another promise
require of
115
thee; 'tis this, that thou ride to the Court of King Arthur and there seek out a
gentle maiden whom Kay hath wronged. I send thee to protect her until I can go So saying, Parzival asto her myself."
sisted the
Jeschute Orilus most humbly asked her pardon and the sweet and gentle lady granted it readily, for she slipped down from her
Duke to rise and led him to who waited eagerly to greet him.
mare and put her arms about her lord's neck and kissed him tenderly. Then she cared for his wounds and when he was
rested the three rode off together. Soon they came to an altar built in the
rock and there Parzival
made
the
Duke
swear that never again would he doubt his wife. There knelt Parzival also to ask pardon for his foolish act and he returned to Orilus the ring he had taken.
Upon
it
his wife's finger the
Duke
placed
tenderly and with joy she received it. Then Parzival took off his cloak and put it around Jeschute that she might ride in
suitable attire.
ii6
thank thee," said Orilus, "and now speak to me, I pray thee, thy name; Orilus of Lalande am I." 'Ha!' exclaimed Parzival in surprise, 'tis my enemy I have conquered. Parzival the Waleis am I, and through thee and thy brother Lahelein have I lost my kingdom; 'twas thee slew my prince, beloved by Sigune.'
"Sir, I
:
fC
Sir,'
said the
;
Duke
:c
Orilus,
let
peace
be between us
thee will
all that I
have taken from

this,
I restore,
but know
that in
a fair fight did thy prince meet his death." With friendly words Parzival left the two who returned to their home, where
Jeschute's
servants
richest robes
palfrey, but tered shield
wish to wait King Arthur and Queen Guinevere wel-
arrayed her in her and mounted her on a white Orilus rode forth with batand helmet for he did not for new armor.
Duke Orilus and his Lady and was that knight to find that the surprised maiden whom he had been sent to defend was his sister Kunnewaare.
comed
the
XV
HOW
PARZIVAL WAS MADE A KNIGHT OF THE ROUND TABLE

after Orilus
Now
and Jeschute had ap-
peared at the Court, King Arthur desired greatly to meet with Parzival that he might assure him of his forgiveness and make him one of the Round Table. Then he decided to set out with his knights to seek him, and he made all promise not to enter into joust with any they met, without first asking his consent,
117
ii8

knew
that they must go through strange countries and he wished them to

for he
pass through peaceably. On the eighth day of their journeying they met with Parzival and it was in this
wise.
Although it was the springtime, a light snow was upon the ground, and Parzival, riding along narrow woodland pathways,
made
his
way with
difficulty
over the
flew
Suddenly, him and followed as

ground.
a
if
hawk
near
it
for protection:
had escaped from Arthur's knights who were near. Then a flock of wild geese flew by and the hawk swooped down upon them and one fell wounded to the earth. Three drops of blood dropped upon the snow and as Parzival saw them he smiled, for thoughts of Kondwiramur came to him. He likened the white of the snow
to the whiteness of her skin, the red of the
blood to her
lips;
her
fair
face
came
clearly before him and he stood spellbound thinking of her.
Thus, a squire following the hawk, saw
119
the stranger knight standing motionless
and returning quickly to the others told them how a knight was waiting nearby
to
One named Segramor rode joust. quickly to the King to ask his permission
"how
to joust singly with the stranger. "Beware," said King Arthur,
thou dost ask release from thy promise. that we are near the mountain where Anfortas dwelleth? We must have a care or his knights will drive us from the woods. But so eager was the
Knowest thou
'
young knight
consented.
to try his skill that the
King
Joyfully rode Segramor, but though the bells from his horse's trappings jangled and though he called out to the stranger, Parzival did not look up. Then Segramor rode nearer and Parzival was disturbed from his sweet musings by seeing a knight before him with uplifted spear. Short was the conflict for with one thrust was Segramor overthrown.
Again
to his
dreaming went Parzival,
while the defeated knight returned to
120
Arthur in humiliation to tell him how quickly he had been overcome. Then Kay craved permission to go forth and it was granted. As he rode along he thought how he would conquer this knight and win back the favor of the King and the knights by his prowess. As he approached Parzival he called out rudely, T have
come
1
to lead thee captive to
King Ar-
Then when Parzival did not look he rode nearer and struck his helmet up,
thur.'
saying:
"Dost
sleep?
Well,
shall
waken thee." At these words Parzival turned quickly and felled the other to the ground. His charger killed under him, Kay was obliged
to return
on foot to
his tent
where he lay
in great suffering.
heard of the defeat of Segramor and Kay, he obtained the King's permission to seek the knight, not to joust with him but to offer him courteous greeting. When he came to where
Now when Gawain
was standing, gazing at the snow, he knew that this was Parzival.
the stranger

"Sir,"
121
King Arthur who is to thee?" Then as he saw ready forgive how Parzival gazed at the drops upon the snow, he rode up and covered them with
his cloak.
greet dost thou not seek
called he, "why wilt thou not those who speak to thee?
Why
"Alas !" said Parzival in distress, "who
me my dreams?" "'Tis I, Gawain of Arthur's Court," answered that knight, "and I pray thee, come with me to King Arthur who waits
takes from
3
near.
"Yea, that would I do, but I may not seek him until I have punished Kay," answered Parzival. "Thou hast just overcome him and Segramor," said Gawain, "and he lies wounded. Hast forgotten how two knights attacked thee? Both didst thou conquer. A love spell was upon thee, I think, but I have broken it. Now wilt thou come with me?" Gladly Parzival assented, and as they approached the tents he saw Kunnewaare
122
with Orilus and Jeschute, and that maiden came forward quickly, saying: "Very welcome art thou. Well hast thou proven
thy
knighthood.
I
smiles or laughthee, ter; then the gladness that came to me was the cause of sorrow and disgrace.
I
when
saw
Not knew
until
that
day
But thou hast avenged me; now

I
receive,
kiss of gratitude." pray thee, "I thank thee for this honor and thy
my
gracious words," said Parzival.

Sir
Antanor came
also
to
greet
the
"Welcome to him who hath avenged the wrong done the maiden
youth:
Kunnewaare," said he. "Vanished is Kay's pride and he lies repenting his rudeness.'
When Parzival was refreshed, Kunnewaare brought him a robe that she had
fashioned; a jewel clasped it at the neck, and a girdle with jewels was about the waist with a clasp in which a ruby was
set.
Then he was led to where the King and Queen waited eagerly to greet him.
Tears were in Guinevere's eyes, for
al-

though she
felt
123
kindly toward Parzival, she could not forget the sorrowful death
of Ither of Cumberland.
to him, "thou sorrow as well as joy, but gladly I forgive thee for thou hast accomplished many noble deeds. Now I would have thee become one of the Brotherhood of the Round Table; it will please me greatly to bestow the Order of
"Sir," said
King Arthur
hast brought
me
Knighthood upon thee and my knights will welcome such a good comrade." A feast was prepared and a silken cover
spread upon the grass to represent the it all the knights and ladies gathered to witness the knighting of Parzival. Kneeling before King Arthur, he took the Vow of Knighthood,
Round Table about

;
promising to serve his King faithfully, to speak the truth ever; to care for women and children, to help the poor: to ride in God's service whenever duty should call. Not one was there who equaled the new-made knight in beauty; forgotten were his mistakes, and words of praise
124

all.
were spoken of him by he smiled and seemed

others, Parzival
Yet, though
as
merry
as
the
was sad, for he remembered what none present knew, how he
had failed at Monsalvage.
XVI
HOW
PARZIVAL WAS SHAMED BY KONDRIE, AND OF GAWAIN'S PLEDGE TO FIGHT WITH KINGRI-
MURSEL
into the happy group of and ladies, there rode a strangeknights looking maiden mounted on a large mule. Fair was her silken robe of azure but her face was ugly and her eyes were cruel. In her ugly hand she held a whip whose
125
SUDDENLY
126
handle was adorned with a ruby. Straight to King Arthur she rode while all looked
upon her
c
in dismay.
Thou
son of Uther Pendragon/
said
she sorrowfully, 'how art thou shamed. A stain is upon the honor of thy Table
Red Knight, sits here. Noble was he who was slain before Nantes, but unworthily is his name
since he
call
Round
whom ye
borne by another." Then turning to Parzival the maiden said, "Now speak, thou Parzival, and tell me when thou sawest the Fisher sit there in suffering and sadness, why didst thou not seek to lift his woe? Worthless are
thou.
thy mouth and tongue; evil-hearted art But thou shalt suffer. Know this,
that in the far East in Zassamank, rules one who is King there and thy brother.
Strange is he to look upon, for both white and black is he. A heathen is he, yet I think not that he would have remained silent at Monsalvage. Dost think thy father, the noble Angevin, would have lost his honor so? And oh, the grief thou

bring to Herzeleide."
the
didst
127
thy mother,
the
gentle
were upon newly-made knight, whose head was bowed in shame. To Arthur she
all eyes
The maiden paused and
spoke again, saying,

here
"Sir, is there a
knight
win honor? Let him ride then to the Chateau Merveil where are imprisoned four Queens and four hundesires to
who
dred maidens.
No
adventure
is
so diffi-
shall be the rejoicing when cult, all there are delivered." Great tears fell
and great
her face and her voice was a cry of "When shall I also be delivered? Kondrie am I, she who is under the spell of Klingsor, the magician. So also are
sorrow.
those at Chateau Merveil. Wearily must I make my way there ere nightfall. Ah! Monsalvage, sorrow is upon ye there and upon us and no one bringeth relief." Weeping bitterly the maiden rode away, leaving the company astonished and
speechless. But a short distance
down
had she gone, when
there
came riding swiftly a knight clad
128
in glittering armor, bearing an unsheathed sword in his hand. With courteous greet-
ings he addressed the King and Queen, then asked for Gawain. When he saw him he said: "Sir King, there sits a false knight, for he hath killed the King of
His brother, the King of Askalon, hath sent me to avenge this wrong and I demand that Gawain joust
Schamfanzon.
with me."
King Arthur in surprise, "we hold Gawain a brave knight. Me"Sir,"
said
thinks thou art too quick with thy blame and dost dishonor thyself."
Then up sprang Gawain's

Beaucorps, and
fight
brother,
cried out:
"Sir,
wouldst
speakest
his
with
of
Gawain?
him and
I
Thou
will
falsely
defend
honor.
brother, grant that I take thy place," said he eagerly to Gawain. "Nay, that I cannot," replied Gawain
Now,
gently, "I thank thee, brother, but truly
would
be shamed
if I
gave
this
duty
to
another.
Now, Sir," he demanded of the stranger, "speak to us thy name."

"Kingrimursel Schamfanzon."
129
am
I,
the
Landgrave of
"Thou
dost accuse
it
me
wrongly," said
3
Gawain, "but
thee whenever
will please me to fight thou art ready.'
"When we meet
mursel, "then
mayest
again," said Kingriwill joust. Safely thou pass through our lands; none will
we
harm
thee,
but when
we two meet
'twill
be to fight." With these words he bade farewell to the King and Queen and galloped swiftly away with his head held
proudly.
The day
in sorrow
that had been full of joy ended
and Parzival prepared
to ride
forth to continue again that journey which might lead him to Monsalvage, where he
might make amends for his failure. There came to him Klamide who said:
"Sir,
through thee
knew sorrow
at Pel-
rapeire;
now wilt thou help me to happiness? The maiden Kunnewaare would I wed, and I beg that thou, who art her chosen knight, will help me win her/'
Right gladly Parzival consented, nor had
130
he to urge the maiden to consider Klamide's message, for her heart had gone out to him and joy was hers knowing of
his love.
Now
lately
it
chanced that there was at that
time at the court, a Oueen "w
who had come
from the far East, and she sought out Parzival and said to him: "Sir Knight, the damsel who reproached thee spoke of Feirefis, King of Zassamank and
called
is
I know thy brother and would praise him; none in the East is more valiant, unless it be the Baruch of Bagdad; his people love him and many
true.
him thy Well
brother.
Know
that this
noble deeds hath he achieved.
Unlike
are ye, for his face is dark; of two different races were his parents, the one dark, the other fair. Proud would thy father
be to see his two sons and

that thy
highest."
declare to thee
manhood and
thee,
valor are of the
Lady, for thy gracious words," said Parzival gratefully, "shame and sorrow are now my portion
"God reward
131
and no peace shall I know until once more I reach Monsalvage." In parting, the new-made knight addressed himself to the King and those of
the
Round
Table,
saying:
"Sir
King
and noble Knights, ye have accepted me

as one of the Brotherhood, but I shall not claim this honor until I deserve it, though
I
wait for years." "Now, God guide thee," said the King, "greatly we desire to see thee soon among
1
us."
"Always would I serve thee, brother,' said Gawain; "may God lead thee to happiness."
"Alas!" said Parzival, "who is God, and why did He send this shame upon
me? No
for
He
shall I
longer shall I seek to serve Him hath no love for me. One only serve my beloved her love shall
right."
guide In
me
new armor, decked with jewels, Kunnewaare arrayed her knight, and he
rode forth with the blessing of all but in his heart was bitterness and despair.
;
132
That day was held the marriage feast of Kunnewaare and King Klamide and the maiden was crowned his Queen. That
knights set out to reach the Chateau Merveil. Rode forth also Gawain to reach Schamfanzon and with
day
also
many
the remaining knights King Arthur returned sadly to Karidol.
XVII
HOW GAWAIN BECAME THE KNIGHT

OF THE LITTLE MAIDEN OBILOT
AFTER many a weary day's Gawain from a hilltop saw a
gladdened was approaching.
his heart, for a
journeying,
sight
which
mighty army
carried
The
knights
costly shields that glittered in the sun and held aloft new spears from which gay
pennants were flying; banners waved from the pages' hands. Horses drew
133
134
heavy wagons and there were many mules

well-laden.
From his steed sprang Gawain and waited by the roadside until the company
had passed; then, of a squire who lingered behind, he inquired who was commander
of these people. "Sir," said the squire, "dost
mock me?
Surely thou and thy knights ride with us." "Nay," answered Gawain courteously, "never have I seen those people before, nor have we ridden this road until today."
"Now
squire,
pray thy pardon," said the

I tell
"and gladly will thou dost wish to know.
thee
what
his
First rides the
King Poidikonjonz and with him are son and the Duke Astor; they ride
serve the
to
is
young Prince Meljanz who
about to attack the city of Beaurosch. This is the cause on the death of his
Meljanz, then a boy, was left in charge of the Prince Lippaut who had promised the King, when he was dying, to care for his son and watch over his lands
father,

until he should be able to rule
self.
135
noble
man
is
them himLippaut and two
daughters hath he, the older one is named Obie, and the younger, a little maiden Now in time Obie yet, is called Obilot. and the young Prince came to love each other and soon were they to have been
married, but one day Obie said reproachfully to Meljanz: 'Sir, I will not wed
never mingled in knightly warfare; no honor hast thou yet
with
one
who
has
attained/
u tle
ln anger then, the Prince left the cas-
and calling
to
him
his knights, pre-
pared to besiege Beaurosch and take captive Prince Lippaut and his daughters. King Poidikonjonz is his uncle and he and his people will aid him/' When Gawain heard these tidings he mounted his horse and rode on quickly to
Beaurosch, for he thought to find some adventure there. Arriving at the gates of the city he found them closely barred, so took a hillside path to reach Lippaut' s
castle.
As he approached with
his knights
136

squires,
the wife of Lippaut, who with her daughters, watched from the cas-
and
tle
is
windows, said to them: "Now who this who comes is it perchance a knight
;
who
"
will aid us?'
'Tis a merchant, I think," said Obie. 'Tor shame, sister," said the little Obilot,
"he
is
armed
and bearing.
for
as a knight, noble his face I should like to claim him
my knight." Since no one came to invite him to enter
the courtyard, Gawain dismounted beneath some linden trees outside, and while he rested, his squires removed the packs from the horses and placed them on the
grass.
"Daughter," said the Duchess Lippaut, "what merchant would be robed so richly, or have so many squires to attend him ?'
6
"My sister speaks discourteously of all,"

said Obilot, 'with scorn hath she treated the noble Meljanz; unseemly her words,
methinks."
"Well," said Obie, "I see nothing noble See how jealously he guards in that man.

his treasure, this
137
knight of thine, sister/' All these words Gawain heard and he
but
was angered and would have gone away, now were Meljanz and his knights at the gates and he stayed to watch them.
'Why doth thy knight not seek to help us?" asked Obie scornfully. "He knoweth full well
shall
win
are besieged. knight honor for himself to-day." She
we
My
then sent a servant to inquire of the stranger what he had to sell, but the man
fled at the anger in Gawain's face. It chanced that the Burg-grave of
Beau-
stopped to address Gawain, and finding him to be a knight of mien and voice so gentle, he bade him come with him to the valley below, where he might find honorable lodgSoon the Prince Lippaut hastened ing. after them, for his daughter had informed him that a suspicious person had been waiting for admittance to the castle. Greatly surprised was the Prince when he conversed with Gawain to discover how he had been misjudged, and he welcomed
rosch,
his
on
way
to the castle,
138

to
him
Beaurosch and asked
his forgive-
ness for the rudeness
shown him.
Also he
begged the knight to be his guest at the castle and entreated him to remain with them and help them against their enemies. But Gawain was yet too angry to grant his request and sadly the Prince returned
to the castle.
On
lot
his
way
he passed his daughter Obilittle
and with her was her
companion
Clauditte, the Burg-grave's daughter. "What dost thou here, my child?" he

asked.
'
'Father, I go to seek this stranger knight to ask him to help us in our need/ was
:
Obilot' s answer.
u
Go
then,
little
daughter,'
:
said
the
Prince tenderly, 'perchance he will grant thee what he hath refused me.' So came Obilot with sweet timidity to
Knight Gawain and

this is
said:
"Sir,
am
Obilot, daughter to Prince Lippaut and my friend Clauditte. I beg thee to
forgive the discourteous words that must have reached thy ears, and I beseech thee

to
139
grant my favor. Wilt thou remain here to help us; wilt thou be my knight?"
"Little
Maiden," said Gawain gently,

c
greatly pleased at her request, thy knight will I be, and I will win success for your
father in thy sweet service. Give token that I may wear it proudly to
all that I
me
show
am knight to the maiden

the
Obilot."
With joy
two
little
girls
hurried
back to the castle to

of Obilot's success.
Prince Lippaut "Lady," asked Clauditte, "what wilt thou give this knight for token? Little else have we save our dolls and as mine is a little prettier than thine,
tell
take
it if
thou wilt."
Prince Lippaut, riding with some of his knights, overtook the two and Obilot ran
to her father
and
said:
"Father, I need
thy help and counsel to-day more than ever before and I have good tidings for the knight hath granted my rethee
52
quest.
daughter, and I will help thee in whatever way I can," said Prince
"Speak,
little
Lippaut, "a happy gift wert thou to
me

and to-day thou dost bring me new happiness.'
must speak my wish secretly," said Obilot. So the Prince bade a knight lift her before him on the saddle. "But what of Clauditte?" asked Obilot. The knights laughed and each begged
"I
the little girl to ride with him; the successful one lifted her proudly and all rode
along merrily.
"Father," said Obilot, softly, "since I have a knight, must I not send him a
token?"
"Now
trust me, little daughter," said

is
the Prince, "if this
thy request
it
can be
granted easily. I pray that this knight will help us to victory/' When they reached the castle, Prince Lippaut led Obilot to her mother and said "Lady, our maiden needs a new gown, a better one than she has ever had; also she desires some token to give to him who has promised to be her knight and serve us/' Straightway the Duchess found silks which were heavily embroidered with gold
:
141
and a lovely garment was fashioned for the maiden; one sleeve was not sewn in that Obilot might send it to Gawain and
this
who
token Clauditte bore to the knight received it with amusement and
pleasure.
That evening, as the moon shone clear, the people worked hard to fortify the city and at the day's dawning the fighting began. Gawain rode forth early and overcame all who jousted with him. Before long he and the young Prince Meljanz met and fought together. Their spears
were broken, their chargers brought to the ground and the two fought on foot with swords, until Meljanz whose arm had been broken by a spear thrust, had to declare himself conquered. Afar the ladies had watched the combat and all spoke Gawain's praise. Now it chanced that there had come to
Prince Meljanz, a stranger knight clad all in red, and he had offered him his services.
Without the city walls he jousted valiantly, and equally matched would have
142

this stranger,
been Gawain and

himself the
the Prince
who
called
Red Knight.
Hearing that
had been taken captive, he him those knights whom he had called to conquered and said to them: "Sirs, I
ye to ride within the city walls and release the Prince if ye can, but if this prove impossible, then ride straightway to
the city of Pelrapeire
command
and yield ye
to the
Queen Kondwiramur. Tell her that the knight who conquered Kingron and Klamide for her, sendeth love and tender greetHe yearns for her ever, but for the ings.
Then with fareGrail must he yet seek.' wells to them the stranger mounted his
:
steed
rosch.
and rode swiftly away from Beau-
After the jousting Gawain loosed from his arm the token,- -tattered was it now and pierced by spear thrusts, and he gave it to Clauditte to take to Obilot and tenderly that maiden fastened it over her bare arm. With all courtesy was Prince Meljanz
cared for and
when
his
wounds had been

him:
lot
2
143
dressed and he was rested, Gawain said to "Sir, knight am I of the little Obi-
and I make thee her prisoner.' "That pleaseth me, Sir," responded Meljanz, "for gentle and sweet is she." Then entered those knights who had
tried to free
Meljanz, but since they could not accomplish this, they sought out Gawain and told him of the commands of
Red Knight. "Ah," said Gawain, "I know well who the stranger was; 'twas the gallant Parzival; glad am I that we two
the
did not meet to-day, for it would have grieved us both had we fought with each
other."
the Hall, Gawain led Prince Meljanz and there sat the Prince Lippaut f< with his wife and daughters. Sir,' said
:
To
Gawain
thine
to
Meljanz,
here are friends of

ladies
and these three
would
kiss
thee for greeting." "Sir," said Meljanz proudly, "I see but two ladies whose kiss I crave.'
1
At
these words Prince Lippaut
and
his
wife wept and Obie looked as scornfully
144
as ever
upon the young Prince, but Obilot laughed and seemed very gay. She rose
to greet her knight who held her tenderly, then said to Meljanz: "Draw near that
I
may
3
give the maiden Obilot her pris-
oner.
Then Obilot laughed again gayly and

said:
ter,
"Sir, I
and
is
prisoner to my sislove shall unite them, for her true
give
my
love
he and the two must forgive each
other."
At her sister's words Obie reached out her hand and touched tenderly Meljanz's wound and that knight clasped her with So his other arm and kissed her joyfully. was peace made between them and that very day was their wedding feast held. But there was sorrow for Obilot, for her knight must ride on. With loving words and caress he bade farewell to her and went upon his way with happiness in his heart because he had served this sweet little
maiden.
XVIII
OF GAWAIN'S ADVENTURE AT
SCHAMFANZON
AFTER leaving Beaurosch, Gawain rode
for
some time through the woods until he came to Askalon and there inquired his way to Schamfanzon, for he thought it would be well for him to seek Kingrimursel.
Over many a marsh and moorland he passed and traversed many a hillside, then
he saw, in the distance, a fortress built upon a hill. Before it a plain stretched
and there were gathered

145
five
hundred
knights, who, seeing a stranger approach,
146

Riding
first
rode forth to meet him.

the
was
King
if
of Askalon and of
him Gawain
asked
he was near Schamfanzon.
"Yonder," said the King, "mayest thou see the castle where dwells my sister, the
Queen Antikonie, who

ride
rules
since the death of our father.
Schamfanzon Wilt thou

thee there?
on and soon
start
We
shall
I will join
now upon
return soon.
My
a falcon chase, but sister will give

'
:
thee welcome at the castle.
Thanking the King, Gawain rode on and was received graciously by the maiden Antikonie, and as they conversed, they discovered that they were cousins. Soon gentle words of affection passed between the two and Gawain held the Queen's hand tenderly in his. Suddenly they were
interrupted by an old knight
in
who
peared "Lady, wilt thou give thy love to the traitor who killed thy father?" So saying, the old knight went away, but angry cries were heard through the castle
the
doorway and
cried
apout:
147
and the sound of people's feet hastening up the stairs. "Lady," said Gawain, "as I have no
sword,
I
think
it
were best for us to seek

for
some protection,
these
people
may
harm us." "Come with me quickly," said Antikonie, and she led the way to her room which was in a tower, and Gawain closed the
doors securely. Outside soon gathered a company of people, and their cries and
blows upon the door made those within know that they were striving to break into the room. From the window Gawain called loudly to his knights, but there was no answer, for thinking that
their their lord
was well cared
for,
they had
gone to witness the chase.
The
til
assailants
pounded on
it
the door un-
they broke
in,
at which
Gawain
seized the iron bolts from the hinges to serve as weapons to keep the men back.
Meanwhile, Queen Antikonie was looking about for some means of defense, and spy-
148
ing a large chess board which hung upon the wall, she bade Gawain use it for a
and herself seized the heavy chess men and flung them at the crowd. Many a man she felled and Gawain was filled
shield,
with admiration for Jier courageous assistance. Great was his wrath against these people and he wished that he had not ventured into Schamf anzon without inquiring
first
for Kingrimursel. Arriving at the castle, the
King was
sur-
prised to discover the people in such a tumult, but when he learned that the man who was accused of the death of Scham-
King was being attacked, he quickly armed himself and went to join the others. But at that moment there came hastening into the castle, the Landfanzon's
grave Kingrimursel, and although he desired to meet Gawain in single combat, his honor bade him assist him now, since he had promised the knight protection, should he pass through Askalon. He drove the people off and requested the
King
to declare a truce until the
morrow,

and
as the
149
Queen Antikonie reproached
her brother bitterly for his discourtesy to his guest, the King consented to peace until
the next day, though he desired greatly
to be rid of the knight. he called his counselors to

t
That evening him and asked

punishment of
their advice concerning the
Gawain.
"Sir," said one, "but lately when I fought at Beaurosch, he who conquered me
said that he sought for the Grail. I have heard that this treasure is kept in a Tem-
ple on top of a mountain, and dangerous is the way that leads there, for knights guard
it
give Knight Gawain his he will promise thee to seek the Grail I think he will not pass through the adventure safely." This counsel the King followed and proclaimed his decision on the morrow. It pleased Gawain well to set out upon this quest and he promised Kingrimursel that he would meet him for their combat
well.
Now
freedom
;
if
in sixteen days. Alone must the knight ride to seek the Grail, so he bade farewell
150

The
tenderly to his knights and squires who wept at the parting, for dearly they loved
their
lord.
all
konie
might from her sorrowfully. Now good fortune it was that the fight between Kingrimursel and Gawain had been postponed, for in a few days the man who had killed Schamfanzon's King confessed his crime and even the King of Askalon felt ashamed that he had so wronged Gawain. Since by his request the Landgrave had challenged the knight, Kingrimursel was now freed from this joust; well pleased was he for he admired Gawain and desired his friendship.
grief of Queen Antisee and Gawain parted
XIX
HOW
PARZIVAL MET AGAIN WITH SIGUNE AND OF HIS ADVENTURE
WITH THE TEMPLAR

adventures Parzival accomplished after he rode from King Arthur; through many a land he passed and sailed over many a sea. In tourney and joust he took part but not one was there who could conquer him and his praise was
MANY
Once the magic Anf ortas, was broken, sword, given him by
spoken
by
all
men.
152
but seeking the magic water of which Sigune had told him, he plunged the pieces into it and the sword was whole again. After four years of wandering, he came one day to a forest and rode through it for many days, until he saw before him a hermitage, newly built. He decided to stop and inquire through what country he 'Doth anyone rode, so he called out: dwell here?" A maiden's voice spoke in reply, saying,
:
'Yea.'
Then Parzival
tied his horse to
a tree and stepped to the window where the maiden waited. Within her hand she
carried a book of prayer and upon her finger gleamed a ring of gold set with a
garnet. Upon her head she wore a black veil that partly hid her face. "Sir," said she, "sit beneath my window
and
rest."
"I thank thee, Lady,"
said Parzival.
"Wilt thou
this lonely
tell
me why
place?
How
thou dwellest in dost thou obtain
thy food?"
"Sir," the
maiden
replied, "I
have no

maiden Kondrie here with
Grail."
153
fear nor want, for the Grail feedeth me and careth for me. Each week cometh the
gifts
from the
can that be/' exclaimed Parzival, "art thou in the service of the Grail? If so, why dost thou wear upon thy finger that circlet of gold, token of earthly love?"
"Sir, it was given me by my beloved, whom Duke Orilus slew. Outside he lieth richly tombed and since his death my days
"Now how
have been spent in prayer, and shall be unNot yet had he til I am with him again. made me his wife, but in God's sight we were true husband and wife so I wear this ring, token of the marriage vow." Then Parzival knew that this was Sigune and lifted his visor that she might
;
recognize him. (C 'Tis thou, Parzival," the maiden cried. it Dost thou seek yet for the Grail? Or
hast
found
it?
Why
ridest
thou
this
way?"
"Cousin/' said Parzival sadly, "I have
154
been punished for the grief I wrought at Monsalvage, nor can I find again the mountain; for years have I wandered in vain and my heart will ever urge me on until once more I behold the Grail that I
may
heal the King.
From my wife am
separated; two babes have been born to me, twin sons, but these have I not seen. Never shall I seek wife nor children until I have fulfilled this quest. Messages of
we exchange, but their dear faces I may not see. Now, Cousin, chide me not again, I pray thee, seeing how full of sorlove
row
:<
am; thy words were bitter Nay, I will not add to thy
I
c
before.'
sorrow,'
Sigune replied gently, great honor hath passed thee by. Joy would the question have brought them at
yet, alas, that this
Monsalvage; now woe

1
is
there because of
thy silence.'
"Yea, great wrong have

Parzival, 'yet surely the happiness they desire.
assist
I shall
done," said
bring to pass Canst thou not

the path that
me, Cousin where

;
lies
leads to Monsalvage?'

"May God
155
guide thee there," said Sigune, "and turn sorrow to joy. But lately rode Kondrie here, perchance her path thou canst find." With tender farewells, Parzival took leave of Sigune and followed the path through the woodland till he came to a thicket where he rode carefully, for the way was narrow and on one side was a ravine. Down the hill he saw coming toward him a knight, carrying his helmet in his hand, and he called out loudly to Parzival: "Sir Knight, why ridest thou in
Begone no stranger knight ride near may Monsalvage. What, wilt thou fight? So shall it be then, but bethese
!
woods ?
ware, lest death claim thee." And placing his helmet on his head, he galloped up to
Parzival.
At the first impact neither was hurt, then with a skillful spear thrust, Parzival unseated the other, who fell over the bank. This blow brought Parzival in peril also,
his horse
was forced to the edge, and fell and had his rider not grasped the over,
156
branch of a tree he would have followed. When Parzival stood again in the thicket he saw that his horse was dead, but the steed of the other knight stood quietly on the path. Already had the defeated
knight risen and was hastening away, so Parzival mounted his steed and rode
quickly after him, hoping to discover the way to Monsalvage. But soon the knight
disappeared in the woods, the path came to an end and disconsolately, Parzival turned to seek another path, despairing
now
of finding the
way
to the Fisher's
castle.
PART
III
FULFILLMENT
XX
HOW
PARZIVAL SOUGHT COUNSEL
FROM TREVREZENT
AFTER
the adventure with the
Tem-
plar, Parzival rode
the woodland.
many a day through One morning in the early
springtime he woke to find the earth covered with a light snow, and as he made his way carefully over the slippery ground he rejoiced to see some people coming toward him. One was a knight who, though gray-bearded, had a fair, young face.
159
160
Beside him walked a lady and two little girls and the garments of all were coarse and simple, for they were on a pilgrimage. For such a cold morning the children were
and they walked barefooted. Following them came knights and squires. The old knight smiled upon Parzival who
scantily clad;
returned a reverent greeting. "Sir," said the old man, "it grieveth
me
to see thee in
armor on
this
Holy
Day."
"Good
ously, "I
is;
Sir,"
answered Parzival courteof year this
know not what time
of holy days I have forgotten. Once I called God my Master, but He forsook
I
me; now
do not
strive to serve
Him."
"Sir," the old knight responded gently, "this is Good Friday and on that day no
true knight wears armor.
honor this Holy Day. road and thou wilt reach a hermitage; there dwells one who will give good counsel and show thee that thy words are sinful."
pray thee, Continue on this
"Father," said one of the
little
girls,
161
"shall this knight not partake first of food, ere he rides on?'
"My daughter speaks wisely,"
the father
replied, "tarry with us, I pray thee, and join us in our morning meal. My squires follow with tents and provisions. In this way we travel each year to honor Him who died on the Cross/' Now Parzival desired to remain with them, but as he looked upon the little girls
walking barefooted, and considered how full of peace and love they were, he thought he could not ride beside them clad so richly and comfortably, and with such anger and despair in his heart. So bidding them all farewell, he rode on.
After a time he let the bridle reins
loose
lie
upon the
Cf
:
horse's
neck,
and said
aloud
be true that there is a Power that guides us, then let it lead me now. Go thou, my steed, as God shall guide
lf
it
thee."
Soon he saw below him the meadow where he had fought with Orilus, but the
ground blooming then with fresh grass
162

flowers,
and radiant with summer

covered
was
now with
snow.
Coming again
where Orilus had taken his oath, Parzival observed that there was a door in the rocks, and riding on he came to a simple hut which he thought was the
to the altar
hermitage he sought. Here indeed lived the hermit, Trevrezent, and hearing the sound of horse's feet he came to the door. Seeing the armed knight, he said in a distressed voice, "Sir, why dost thou go armed at this Holy Season? Thou ridest doubtless in peace, but another garment were more fitting. Dismount and bide with me here awhile; knightly service need not
If thou ridest for love, call thee to-day. let those who need thee wait; give Him,
who
At
is
the
Love of Love, thy worship and
service.'
these words, Parzival sprang from his horse and said in a humble voice, "Sir,
I
have sinned and
crave counsel from

I
thee."
"Right gladly will
counsel thee," the
THE HERMITAGE OF TREVREZENT

:
163
hermit replied, 'but hither?"
tell
me who
sent thee
I
"On
the
way
met pilgrims and
think
Passed not this they way?' 'twas "Yea, Kahenis, a holy man, with his wife and daughters sweet little maidens they each year this family seeks me
my
horse followed their tracks.
here in
my poor
abode before they go upon

never
their pilgrimage/'
"Sir," asked Parzival, "hast thou fear in these lonely woods ?'
4
1
knights, meanest thou?" asked the hermit. "Nay, I fear no man. Once was
"Of
knight and won renown in the world, but now my days are given to prayer. Come, let us fasten thy horse by yon wall ; there he can gather some food." And the hermit himself led the steed, though ParI a
zival protested.
The two then entered

where
a
fire
the hermitage
glowed cheerfully. The knight removed his armor and glad was he to rest and thankful to have found so
164
kind a host. When he was refreshed, Trevrezent opened a door and showed him the shrine where he had come with Jeschute and Orilus. "Sir," said Parzival, "I have been here before, but four years ago must it have been. Alas that I should have wandered so long, naught have I accomplished. For many months I have attended no service because my heart was heavy with deOnce I was glad; joyfully I rode to spair. seek knighthood, but sorrow follows me ever and knighthood hath brought me shame."
!
"Sir Knight," said the
"cease from such despair
more;
His
Now
He
never fails name. He breaketh faith never. which wilt thou choose, Love or
shrine in the heart
He
Hermit earnestly, and trust God to help. Truth is
Hate ? Love maketh a and there God dwells.
Like a sunbeam enters where there is sin and sorrow
and pierceth the darkness. The pure in hearth he chooseth and all is well for them. What dost thou gain by thy thoughts of

3
165
wrath and folly? Let Love come to thee now. "I do thank thee from my heart for this
counsel/' said Parzival.
spair, 'tis
"If I
am
in de-
because
my
youth has been sad
and
row.
my
3
trust
seemed
to bring
me
into sor-
thy grief, for I think I can lead thee to happiness/ said Trevrezent. "Greatest of my sorrows is that I cannot find the way to Monsalvage. Also
"Speak
to
me
mourn
separated from my wife," answered Parzival. "Now short shall be Love's sorrow/ "But if thou desire to said the Hermit. see the Grail, this is woe. Knowest thou
I
because
am
that thou seekest in vain.
None may
see
the Grail, save those who are chosen by God. I know of what I speak for I have
seen the Grail."
"Thou
hast been to
Monsalvage?"
said
Parzival in surprise.
"Tell me, I pray Of what he had seen thee, of this Grail." at the Temple he feared to speak. "At Monsalvage live a Knightly
166
Brotherhood," said Trevrezent, "who are
and they serve there or the Grail commands. Knowest thou what sustains them*? It is a Stone pure and precious. Through its magic, the wondrous bird, the Phoenix rises from the ashes to new life also is man renewed by It. If he be ill and look upon Those who look It, he is made well.
called Templars, in the world as
;
upon
is
It daily
never grow old.

Grail.
This Stone
From Heaven It came and at Monsalvage on Good Friday, a Dove comes down from heaven and lays a Wafer upon the Stone and It receiveth
called
the
all the
to
good that earth can supply; power heal, and all manner of food and drink.
enter
the
service
So God careth for the Templars.
"Who may
of
the
those names whose Grail? Only whether man or maiden appear on It in mystic writing. Children are in the Temple,
and blessed
is
is
that
1
Mother whose
child
summoned
there.'
Trevrezent paused and Parzival said "Since knighthood may coneagerly:

quer fame in this
167
life and blessing in the I and since have achieved many next, victories and know no fear, dost thou not
think that God will call of the Grail?"
me
to be a
Knight
Gently Trevrezent answered: "First, must thou lose all pride, for easily is youth in its pride misled. 'Twas pride brought those at woe to Monsalvage, and the story of their sorrow shall I tell thee now." Tears flowed down the hermit's face and
for a while he could not speak.
SICNOVINCES
XXI
OF PARZIVAL'S REMORSE AND CONFESSION
"SiR Knight,"
:c
continued Trevrezent,
at
is
Monsalvage there reigns a King who in great suffering; for him I weep: so
wilt thou
when thou
hearest
my
story.
Know
none may find the Temple unless he is called. Yet lately one arrived there, who when he beheld the King and the wonders there, remained silent: had
this
1
68

King would have been
healed.
169
he questioned concerning what he saw, the
For
this
sin the knight will suffer.
"One
tain
other I
know
rode near the moun-
in a joust killed a Templar and took his horse: Lahelein was he called.
!
and
thy name ? I remember now, thy steed bore the Dove token of Monsalvage. Yet thou resemSir Knight,
is this
Ha
blest
race
him who reigns and name?"
there:
what
is
thy
"Sir," said Parzival, "a knight's son

I;
am
from Anjou came my father who won kingdom in the East. I am not Lahelein, though sinful am I, for 'twas I slew the noble Ither of Cumberland Parzival, the Waleis am I."
for himself a
thou art the son of my sister, Herzeleide. Alas that thy fair honor hath been so shamed; noble the
I
"Now
know
thee
knight whose life was ended by thy folly; well loved was he and many women mourn him yet. To her death didst thou bring
thy mother also."
"Nay,
Sir,
what sayest thou
if this
be
170
true,

can
I
ever
know happiness?
If
thou
art
uncle, speak truly to me." "Yea, for sorrow at parting from thee,
my
thy mother's
spirit fled.
Perchance
this
grief may soften thy heart and take away its bitterness/' said Trevrezent gently. f< Oh, Sir/ said Parzival, "I knew my mother sorrowed when I left her, but of
:
her death
never dreamed.
After
had
been at Pelrapeire a short time I left to seek her, but the adventure at the castle
and
my
desire to reach
Monsalvage
again,
True going kept were the words that Sigune spoke, when she said that I pierced my mother's heart." Tenderly Trevrezent comforted Parzival, whose sorrow was great at hearing these tidings of his mother; then he spoke
to the forest. to
me from
him again of Monsalvage. 'Two other sisters will I name," said

left her child
he,
"one dead, one living.
Schoysiane died
young and
served
the
mother's care.
Sigune in thy In the Temple Herzeleide
many years, then she left to become wife of Duke Kastis. My other sister

is
171
Repanse de Schoie, she bears the Grail.
and
in the
Temple
at
"Now
salvage
for a time, all
was well
for
Monbut
with
Anfortas
King;
seeking to win in the world a lady whom he loved, he fought with the magician, Klingsor, who claimed her. This was the sin of Anfortas to join in worldly warfare
for love, for when it was time the Grail would have chosen a wife for him. With a poisoned spear was he wounded in the thigh, and back to the Temple was he
brought with
all his
strength spent.
We
drew the spear from his wound and took him before the Grail, but no healing came. He yearned to die but the Grail gave him
new
strength,
though
It
eased not his
pain. Then we sent messengers to the far East to seek herbs of healing. By the four rivers that flow from the Garden of
Paradise they searched, but the herbs they found brought no relief to the King; they brought back drops of blood from the pelican, a stone from the neck of the unicorn and
many
other things which were
172
used in the East for healing; but he who might not be cured by the Grail could not be helped by earthly means. Before the
Grail
ance.
we all knelt and prayed for guidThen appeared mystic writing
which said that a knight should be led to the Temple, and while there, if he would
question concerning the King's suffering
and the mysteries he saw, healing would come to Anfortas. "So shall end the sorrow at Monsalvage but since this knight came and questioned not, shall the woe be lifted ever? Here have I dwelt for many years praying for my brother's release; no longer do I love the world, no more do I yearn for the Often at night I glories of knighthood. climb some hill that I may see the light shining from the Temple; then new hope comes to me and I know that when it is
day of rejoicing will come.' A long time sat Trevrezent and Parzival talking together, and each moment the heart of the young knight grew more sad. At midday, the hermit arose and said:
time, the
3

We
173
'Wilt thou partake of my humble food? must seek it outside, for herbs and roots are my chief sustenance." So the two went out to search under the snow for their food, then washed what herbs
they found in a stream. Courteously Parzival thanked his host for this refreshment, nor felt the need of more.
Parzival
again they were in the hermitage spoke out bravely and said: "Alas, my host and uncle, fresh sorrow
I for thee!
When
have
he
who
thou, that I am rode to Monsalvage, and there
Know
spoke no healing word

Parzival."
Yea, 'twas
I,
young knight bowed his head in anguish, and dreaded to hear what the hermit would say to him.
the
And
"Now
rezent.
this is
woe, indeed," said Trev-
"Pride and folly of youth were
strong in thee. God gave thee five senses to use wisely, but in the hour of testing,
thou didst
fail.
But mourn no
longer,
perchance this wrong thou canst undo; God will yet claim thee as his knight and honor thee. Now I would question thee
174
Monsalvage. Sawest thou there the wondrous Spear? This they touch to the King's wound and it draws
concerning out the pain. Most he suffereth when the days are cold and when the moon is full.
end of the spear are drops that burn like fire and so they draw out the cold from his wound. He may not walk, but in the summer they carry him to the
Upon
the
enjoy the cool breezes of summer and forget his pain in fishing." "Sir," said Parzival, "I saw this Spear borne through the Hall by a squire and all cried out in sorrow when they saw it." "Yea, all there grieve for their King; knights, squires, damsels, and even the little children. Know this, that the Grail calleth back to the Temple the children of those who have served there; one child must they send to Monsalvage. I think thy mother expected to dwell there with thee some day, and perchance when thou art called, thou mayest yet lift the burden of woe.' Trevrezent paused and walked to the window where he looked
water that he
may
175
longingly into the forest as if he were trying to see the mystic Temple. 'Tell me, nephew," said he, "whence came thy steed, for it is marked with the
Dove
of
Monsalvage ?"
"In a joust I won it, for I overcame the rider and took his horse." "Doth this knight live?" asked Trevrezent sternly. "Yea, he rose and ran from me, leav-
ing his steed/' "So thou hast
robbed
Templar.
More shame
thine," said Trevrezent. "Nay, uncle, 'twas to defend myself I fought," said Parzival; "I knew not that the knight came from Monsalvage.
is
Wilt thou
tell
me, Uncle,
cushion into the Hall at
who bore the the Temple?"
"Thine aunt is she, Repanse de Schoie, and upon that cushion is carried the Grail which bringeth joy.' "Who was it lay in the room nearby? Old was he and a crown of gold was upon
:
his head?'
"
'Twas thy mother's grandsire, Titurel,
176
the the

first
King
of the Grail/'
answered
Trevrezent.
"When
thou goest again to
Temple they will tell thee the wondrous story of how it was built. Four hundred years did the Grail keep Titurel
young, but since this woe came to Anfortas he hath grown old. Night and day he prayeth for the deliverance of the
King." Fourteen days Parzival tarried with

his
Trevrezent, the hermit, who told him of adventures in the world and spoke to
him of the valorous deeds of Gamuret

strengthened by his uncle's counsel and with new hope in his
Angevin.
heart,
Then
Parzival set out again, praying once more with all earnestness and humility that he might achieve the great
adventure and bring joy to those at

salvage.
Mon-
XXII
HOW GAWAIN MET WITH THE LADY

ORGELUSE
Now for a time the story turneth to

wain who
seek the
set
Gaout from Schamfanzon to

of the Grail.
Temple
For many a day Gawain rode without

adventure; greatly he desired to reach Monsalvage and behold the Grail, but in vain he sought for the mountain. One day he came to where a horse stood beneath a tree, as if waiting for its rider; a shield, much battered, lay on the grass nearby, and soon Gawain saw a lady
177
178
seated upon the ground, weeping over a wounded knight, whose head lay in her Gawain sought to comfort her and lap. the lady thanked him and asked his
name.
knight's
"Sir,"
Dismounting,
he
dressed
the
"I
wounds
said
tenderly. the wounded
knight,
thank thee for thy kindness. In a joust I was wounded by a knight called Lischois; could I move I would ride after him."
Gawain, "I will seek this and knight punish him for thee." So Knight Gawain rode on, and soon before him he saw a stately fortress which was surrounded by a beautiful garden, where olive, pomegranate, and fig trees grew in
Riding through the garden Gawain came to a little stream, and walking beside it he saw the loveliest lady he had ever met.
tell
"Sir," said
abundance.
"Lady," said he gently, "I pray thee, me thy name. Gawain am I of
Arthur's Court.
Here would
:
I tarry for
thy sweetness draweth me.'
179
"Orgeluse is my name, Sir Knight," the lady replied, "the Lady of Logrois am I. But I warn thee that it hath fared ill with knights who praised me." "Didst thou smile upon me, Lady, I would not fear to speak of thy loveliness," said Gawain. "May I not serve thee?" 'Yea, if thou hast the courage, for difficult is service with me. To begin with, thou mayest pass over yon bridge and go through the garden until thou dost reach
the courtyard of the castle. There wilt thou see one who holds my steed. All
ready is he, so bring him to me and I will straightway ride forth with thee." "Lady, wilt thou hold my horse for me?" asked Gawain, and although she
seemed displeased at
this
request,
the
Lady Orgeluse
Crossing
to
consented.
narrow bridge, Gawain where many knights and ladies were dancing upon the grass and singing. "Alas!" said one to the other, when they saw the stranger, "behold our Lady hath
the
came
claimed the service of another knight that
i8o
she

may laugh
at
him and scorn him."
And
they tried to detain him, but Gawain went at once to an olive tree where the
Lady's steed waited.
An
old
man who
stood beside, wept as he untied him for the knight. "Sir," said he, "carest thou for counsel? Touch not this steed; our
harm thee." But Gawain heeded not and taking the horse hastened to bring him to Orgeluse.
Lady
seeks to
So beautiful she looked, so sweetly she

smiled upon him, that the heart of Gawain beat for joy and no wrong could he imagine of her. "Welcome, foolish man," she said, 'thou art not wise to enter my
3
service.
"Soon thou wilt bring me to happiness, know,' said Gawain. "Shall I lift thee
:
to the saddle?'
"Such service I do not accept from one I have not yet proven,' answered Orgeluse haughtily, and mounting easily, she bade the knight ride on before her. As they passed along Gawain spied an herb growing by the wayside and dis-
whom
181
mounted to pluck it that he might take it to the wounded knight; he was troubled because he had not served him better, but
the meeting with the Lady Orgeluse had sent all thought of him from his mind.
The Lady laughed at Gawain when he told her why he had taken the herb and
mocked him for his thoughtfulness. Soon they were overtaken by a squire of Orgeluse's, a man so ugly and deas to frighten one. rudely to Gawain, and said
formed
He
c :
called out
Thou
wilt
this
repent this journey;

lady,
ill
if
thou serve
1
shall befall thee."
"Now from
Gawain
thee I ask no advice,'
said
and he rode toward the squire to unseat him from his horse; but there were strange bristles on his hands that tore Gawain' s skin, so he gave up
angrily,
the
attack.
his discomfiture:
'Tis a goodly sight to see thee angered," said she. Before long they came to where the
Loud laughed Orgeluse "
at
wounded knight lay and when he saw Gawain he cried out: "Through that
182

my
woe.
I
lady by thy side came

thee
let
warn
But Gawain only smiled at these words and dismounting sought to help the knight. Hardly was he upon the ground than the knight who had
her
be."
on Gawain's his had horse; already companion mounted hers, and the two rode with all
helpless, sprang
seemed so
speed away. At this ungrateful act Gawain was amazed, but it pleased the Lady Orgeluse well. "Ha!" laughed she, "thou desired to be his leech, and my knight, but now I
will have thee for footman.
Dost wish
yet to serve
C
me?"
"Yea, Lady, that I do," answered Gawain, I ask nothing better on earth than to follow thy bidding; suffer shame and pain, or whatever may come in thy
3
service.
moment came riding back the knight who had stolen Gawain's horse and he called out: 'Now Gawain, thou
At
this
art paid for the

:
ill
thou didst me."
'Ha!' said Gawain,
"now
know
thee,

'
:
183
Urian. Ungrateful art thou, for had it not been for me, King Arthur would have
had thee slain. "Well," answered the

thou didst save
other,
"even
if
my
life,
thou broughtest
me
into great trouble; thy foe am I and thy charger will I keep." So saying,
Urian rode swiftly away again. u

:
Lady,' said
Gawain
:c
sorrowfully,
this
knight Urian hath an evil heart. For his misdeeds Arthur would have punished him with death, but I begged him to spare the knight's life; yet that he might do penance, I had him sent to the kitchen to
serve a year: 'twas this he will not forgive. Well, since he chooses to reward
me
in this
way
I shall
punish
that
him.''
The
Urian's, ing her
tired
old
steed
had been
but tak-
Gawain would not
ride,
by the bridle and carrying his sword and shield, prepared to go on. "What," mocked Orgeluse, "wilt follow
"Yea, Lady, I will follow, whether it So Gawain and brings sorrow or joy."
me?"
184
Orgeluse proceeded upon their way; the squire had disappeared. After awhile
when the mare seemed rested, Gawain mounted her and the two went on at a quicker pace. Soon they arrived upon a
meadow which
the
led to a river, and across
water two castles could be seen. Swiftly toward them came riding a knight with spear upraised.
:
'This knight is called Lischois,' said the Lady Orgeluse; "he will overthrow
thee, I think.
See
how from yon
castle
windows
across the river, ladies watch;
soon will they behold thy shame/' Then she rode quickly to the water's edge where a Boatman waited. "Farewell/ she called to Gawain, 'here will I leave
3
thee to fight."
:
wilt leave 'Lady/' begged Gawain, me so? Shall I never see thee again T
:
:c
Yea,
Orgeluse,
if
thou art victor/'
answered
her
and
the
Boatman took
swiftly away.
These two knights met then and fought as heroes. Not Gawain's poor steed was

it
185
that fell
first,
and when spears and
swords were broken, that knight seized his opponent and wrestled with him. A mighty wrestler was he and soon the other, conquered, had to ask for mercy. This was granted after he had sworn allegiance Then that knight looked to Gawain.
"Ha!" said closely at the other's steed. stolen from me "this own is horse, he, my
awhile ago by Urian. I see that thou hast conquered him again. Orilus gave this steed to me from Lahelein he took it, and
;
that knight came by him unworthily for he slew a Templar to whom he belonged.
See upon his shoulder the mark of the Grail Dove." Well pleased was Knight Gawain to have his steed once more. Now as Gawain stood caressing his
horse,
up and tried to overthrow him, but again was he overcome and declared himself conquered. Wearied, the two knights lay by the river.
Lischois sprang
From
the castle tower the ladies were yet watching, and Gawain hoped that the
Lady Orgeluse would hear from them

his success
of
and come
to greet him.
LE
CHATEAU
XXIII
HOW GAWAIN ACHIEVED THE

VEIL
the
AD-
VENTURE OF THE CHATEAU MERAs Gawain and Lischois were resting, Boatman approached and called out:
any steed captured here belongs
to
"Sir,
me
for toll."
"this steed thou
"Nay," said Gawain,
shalt not have, for this morning it stolen from me by the knight Urian.
186
was But

thou mayest
horse/
2
187
take
this
knight and his

:
'That will please me well/ replied the Boatman, "an honorable toll will that be. Now wilt thou not come also to my castle,
Sir Knight,
and rest?" "Yea, Boatman/' answered Gawain, "gladly will I for I am weary, also would
follow the
2
Lady who
crossed with thee
before.'
So the two knights entered into the boat and were brought to the Boatman's castle where every kindness was shown them. Their wounds were dressed, fresh robes were put upon them and then were
they led to the hall for supper. Here Bene, the Boatman's daughter, conversed with the two, while her brothers served them.
Early Gawain sought rest and slept soundly after his wearisome day. He
awakened early
in the
morning and lay
the listening to the songs of the birds; fragrant air of spring refreshed him and
he looked out with joy upon the green
i88
trees
and clear sunlight. Suddenly, he was aware that from the castle nearby, many ladies were again gazing from the tower windows, and they stood so still that it seemed as if they had been there always and might not move. Perplexed at this,
Gawain determined
to discover
who
these
maidens were, but desiring to sleep longer, he turned from the window.
awakened, he sought out Bene and questioned her, but that maiden looked upon him in terror and then wept Her bitterly, nor would she answer him. father entering and finding her weeping asked: "What ails thee, Bene, hath our guest vexed thee?" "Nay, mine host," said Gawain, "no discourtesy have I shown her, but asked a question which caused the maiden to weep. Perchance thou wilt tell me of these ladies who gaze from the tower of yonder
"
When again he
castle.
When
he,
'their
the
Boatman heard
u
1
these words
he wrung his hands.
Sir Knight/' said
woe
is
great.'

"Then
tell
189
me
of
it,"
said
Gawain,
"surely I can serve them." "If thou seekest this adventure, misfortune will come upon thee," said the Boat-
man
in distress, "and we shall suffer also.' "Sir," said Gawain, "if it please thee not
the truth concerning I shall straightway discover it

to tell
3
'
me
what I see, some other
way.
thy request grieveth me," said the Boatman, "for I fear that thou wilt desire
"Sir,
to undertake this adventure.
Know
that
thou art in the Terre Merveil and opposite Within are many is the Chateau Merveil. mysteries and much magic and there thou canst expect naught but death."
"Ha!"
have
said
Gawain, "of
for
this castle I
heard,
but
lately
rode
the
maiden, Kondrie, to King Arthur's court and bade those who would fulfill a dangerous adventure to set out for Chateau Merveil. Now by good fortune have I arrived here, and would I be a true
knight passed these ladies by?" "Great glory will be thine if thou dost
if I
igo

3
win this adventure/ said the Boatman. "But many knights from Arthur's court have been here, yet none would I let undertake it. Two only have I met who were strong enough; one was Lischois, whom thou didst overthrow, and the
other
called
himself
the
Red Knight.
But yesterday he rode by and bestowed on me five steeds; upon them once rode princes and kings; but this knight required them not for he rode alone and to
seek the Grail."
"I
know
well
who
is
that knight was,"
said
none stronger nor nobler than he; but when he saw these ladies at Chateau Merveil, was it not his desire to undertake the adventure ?'
Gawain;
'there
the Boatman, "we replied guarded him so well that he saw nothing r strange about the castle.
"Sir,"
'
it
'Well/' said Gawain, "good fortune is that this adventure is left for me; now,
1
pray thee, Sir, assist me to make ready.' "Since thou art determined/' said the Boatman, "all I can do is to wish thee

well.
191
Perchance
thou
doorway of the castle thou wilt meet a merchant; buy many things of him and leave thy horse
carry my shield, for it battle upon it. At the
wouldst like to bears no signs of
The castle thou wilt find thou comest to a certain room where stands a wonderful bed which is Let not thy called, TLe Lit Merveil.' sword nor thy shield go from thee for an
for a pledge.
deserted
till
instant.'
Squires led out Gawain's horse and they wept as they saw the knight spring so
Greatly did Bene mourn, for she thought never to see

eagerly
into
the
saddle.
Gawain Boatman
again.
"Farewell,"
said
the
sadly, "may God protect thee." All happened as the Boatman had said, for at the castle door Gawain met the merchant and purchased of him, leaving his
charger.
"Sir," said the merchant, "I
am
well pleased to guard thy steed; here have I sat for a year, but no man hath bought of me; ladies only have looked upon my wares. May good fortune attend thee,
192

who need
thy serv-
for herein are damsels

ice/
Boldly Gawain went up the hill which led to the Chateau Merveil and never had he seen a more beautiful castle. Entering, he found the rooms richly furnished, and after passing through many, he came to where the Bed rested upon a floor of glass; of richly carved wood was it fashioned, with rubies set in its four posts, As soon as the knight entered, the Bed began to move swiftly, going from one side
of the
room
to the
skill to
other,
and Gawain
its
needed much
keep out of
way,
for the glass floor was very slippery. would have cast from him his sword
shield, so
He
heavy were they, ing the Boatman's counsel, he clung to them. Finally, he jumped on the Lit Merveil wondering what it would do next. At once the Bed dashed itself against the wall, and went from wall to wall, as if to fling the knight from it and the tumult was awful. Gawain covered his body and face with his shield and none too soon, for
and but remember-

there
193
came a shower of stones upon the knight and the Bed stood still. His shield was dented but no harm came to him.
Then
sharp missiles were thrown, then arrows were shot from hundreds of bows and
Gawain
lying on the Wonder Bed began to feel bruised and wished that he had not
ventured upon
it.
shooting of the arrows ceased, but suddenly the door flew open and a tall man with a grim, ugly face stood in the
The
room. He carried a mighty club and was clad in an otter's skin. In a loud voice he cried to Gawain, who had risen from the Bed, "Me, thou needest not fear, but the power that hath shielded thee can do
so
no longer."
Then came
drums
not
tell
a sound of thunder, or of beating loudly, the knight could
which, and in through the doorway sprang a great lion roaring fiercely. Seizing sword and shield Gawain stood to
meet him and the

knight as
at once.
upon the though he expected to kill him But many a time did Gawain
lion rushed
194

this
wound him and
seemed
to
make
the
lion stronger than before; then with a mighty stroke Gawain reached his heart
and he fell over dead. Wearied now was Gawain and his head was dizzy with the awful noise that yet
sounded; unconscious the hero fell to the floor and lay on the lion's body, where his clothes became wet with the lion's blood. Now from the tower there watched a Queen named Arnive, who, with three other Queens, was imprisoned at Chateau Merveil and when she saw the hero lying
;
in the dangerous room beside the lion, she forgot all fear and came straightway to
him, followed by some of her maidens. In her lap she held his head, unlaced his helmet and bathed his wounds. In a
little
while
Cf
Gawain opened
his eyes
and
thank thee, Lady, for thy service; assist me to rise, I pray thee, that I may go through with this adventure." "Nay, the adventure is over," declared Queen Arnive, "and thou art victorious.
said;
l
Now shall we bear
thee to a
room
to rest.'
195
So Queen Arnive and the maidens carried Gawain to a room and placed him on a soft couch and there the Queen dressed his wounds with sweet smelling salves and herbs, and gave him a drink which soon
brought him sleep.
XXIV
OF GA WAIN'S ADVENTURE AT THE PERILOUS FORD
morning Knight Gawain tossed upon his bed in pain, distressed by his wounds and by the sorrow in his heart, So as he yearned for the Lady Orgeluse. restless he became that he arose, and finding that he could walk, donned the clothes he found at the bedside and left
next
his room.
THE
Wandering through
196
the castle,
197
he came to a great dome with a staircase inside, and ascending, he saw at the top a wonderful pillar covered with jewels; a door led within and it had many windows.
was the tower from which the maidens had gazed, and he was astonished to find that he seemed to see miles from the castle. As
Entering,
that this
Gawain knew
he stood there the Queen Arnive with the three Queens entered and begged him to
return to his couch.
"Lady," said Gawain,
"
'tis
better for
to try strength; nearly well am I, thanks to thy kindness. Wilt thou tell me
me
my
how
this
wondrous structure was fash-
ioned?"
answered Queen Arnive, "we know not, but from Egypt was it brought
"Sir,"
by the magician, Klingsor, who stole it from Queen Sekundille. This pillar
sends out such a marvelous light by night, that we can witness all that takes place
for six miles around; in the ?: that occurs is mirrored there.
daytime
all
Now
as
Gawain looked from
the pillar
198
he perceived in the distance, a lady and a knight who rode swiftly, and he sighed,
for
was the Lady Orgeluse that he saw, though at first he deemed this a vision of the pillar. But when they stopped on the meadow where he had fought with Lischois he knew that it was she. 'Lady,'
it
:
said he to
is
Queen Arnive,
I
really
on yon plain,
that knight should say that he

if
:<
desired to joust; see
spear and shield.
he holds up his Well, if he should chalrides with
how
lenge me,
am
ready/'
'Knowest thou the lady who him?" asked Arnive.

:
Yea,
"
'Tis
'tis
:
the
Lady Orgeluse, Duchess
of Logrois,'
answered Gawain.
Turkowit, the mighty jouster, who rides beside her; it would not be well for thee to fight with him," Queen Arnive
said.
"Lady, should he desire me to joust with him, I would not refuse and since he rides with Orgeluse, I think I shall chal;
lenge him."

woe
come upon
199
"I pray thee," begged Queen Arnive in distress, "desist from this adventure; if
thou art
slain,
will
us.
How
so
couldst thou be victor
who
art yet
weak from thy wounds?' But Gawain requested the Queen to have his charger waiting and arming himself well,
he set out from the Chateau Merveil, riding with a light heart, now that he knew his lady was near. There
was
rejoicing at the Boatman's castle to see the hero alive, but Gawain tarried not,
and borrowing a spear, bade the Boatman take him across the water. The knight Turkowit had indeed come to joust with Gawain, for he wished to
overcome every knight that loved the Duchess Orgeluse, hoping by his prowess to win her love. The lady was pleased to have him attack Gawain, for she wished to see that knight tried by difficult adventure.
with Turkowit, for he who thought to conquer so easily was worsted

It fared ill
200
and laid low by Gawain, and his horse and himself given to the Boatman for hostage.
Was
she any
the lady Orgeluse pleased? Had welcome for Gawain? Nay, she
but
mocked
him.
:
Thou
seekest
the
praise of ladies, Sir,' said she; "see how they watch thee from the tower; this
pleases thee I know. The Lit Merveil hath wrought thee little harm the ladies
helped thee I think. My chosen knight shall do other things, besides rescuing
ladies.
desire yet to serve me?" "No peril is too great for me to undertake for thee, Lady," answered Gawain
Dost
gently.
"Well," said Orgeluse, "I will tell thee of the adventure that I would have thee
follow.
for
a tree, and from

venture, I
Yonder, near a perilous ford is it I desire that thou pluck
me fresh leaves.
Dangerous
is
this ad-
warn thee; the wood belongs to Klingsor, and ill fares it with those who
dare ride therein.'
'If I
1
succeed, wilt thou crown
me
thy

1
201
knight with these leaves, Lady? If I die, let them be my death garland/ said Gawain.
"Follow then," said Orgeluse, "and

will guide thee to the tree."
Although Gawain's wounds were yet sore, he felt them not, so joyful was he to be with Orgeluse once more, and he rode on swiftly with her. From the tower, Queen Arnive and the maidens watched him going, and the Queen weeping, said:
"Alas!
the
Lady Orgeluse leadeth our
knight into danger as she hath many a knight before; I fear 'tis the adventure of the Perilous Ford she would have him undertake."
The two
rode through a forest for some
time, then came to a deep ravine, across which Gawain saw a tall tree, surrounded by an open space of grass. "There is the tree of which I spoke," said Orgeluse, "and he who guards it is my enemy. If thou overcome him I will reward thee. I may ride no further with thee. Over this ravine must thy steed jump and beware
202
the water that foams so dangerously underneath; 'tis called the Perilous Ford.
May God have thee in his keeping, Knight

Gawain." For a few paces Gawain rode beside the Ford, then urged his steed to the mighty jump. The space was not cleared, the horse's feet were scarce on the outer edge of the bank and the waters rushed by
drag him further away. Above the knight's head was a strong branch which he seized in time and drew himself in safety to the bank. Then he turned to
to
help his horse,

the
stream.
who was swimming now in With his spear he caught
hold of the bridle and drew him to the bank. Unhurt was he and Gawain
mounted and rode toward
the tree pluck-
ing a branch of leaves boldly; then he was not surprised to see a knight riding toward him.
wore a cloak of green velvet and from his headgear peacock plumes waved he wore no armor nor did he carry a
;
He
sword.
203
"I will not yield thee these leaves," cried
Gawain to him. The knight greeted him courteously sayThou mayest ride free, I will not ing:
c
with thee. Thy battered shield tells me that but lately thou wert engaged in adventure, and I know 'twas at the Chateau Merveil. That adventure would I have dared, for one whom I love is imprisoned there, but other tasks had I to fulfill. I know that one sent thee here to slav me; ill-will she bears toward me, for 'twas I slew her husband Idegast and took her captive. All my lands and a crown would I have bestowed on her, to have possessed her love, but hate only has she for me. Sir, I sorrow for thee if thou dost love the Lady Orgeluse. Now love I another
fight
tt
maiden; Itonje, is she called, and she dwelleth at Chateau Merveil; daughter of King Lot is she. Sir, I beg of thee, take
golden ring to her, token of my love. Bring two more knights here and I will fight thee but I have taken a vow to fight with no less than two until I meet in single
this
;
204
combat, one whom I desire to slay. To his death his father brought my father, and I
would meet
the son."
"Now
tell
me
pray
thee, Sir, the
name
of him thou seekest and also thy name," said Gawain.
"Son of King Lot is he whom I seek, his name. King Gramoflanz do men call me." "Strange is thy love," said Gawain,
Gawain
"thou dost accuse thy lady's father of dishonor and wouldst fight with her brother. Thinkest thou the maiden would love thee
if
knew? Now shall I tell thee that am Gawain and I will defend my father's
she
"Is
it
honor by punishing thee."

thou,
Gawain,
whom
have
hated?
Yet thou pleaseth me.
Well we
must
and
ent.
fight,
before
but let us have a great joust King Arthur and all the knights
ladies;
all
my
thou bid
people will I bring and do at Chateau Merveil to be presthe plain before lof5
'
Meet me upon
this
lanz, there will I be avenged.
To
Gawain
consented, and though

King Gramoflanz urged him
205
to return
by
way of the woods, the knight rode back again to the ravine, and this time his steed
leaped in safety. Orgeluse came riding to meet him and kneeling at his feet she said humbly: "Sir Knight, I have asked of
thee too much, and my heart is full of that sorrow which she knows who loves truly."
"Lady," said Gawain tenderly, "rise, I pray thee. If thou speakest truly, all is well between us; but I bid thee never
again mock a knight and seek to shame him. Here is thy garland, but if thou mockest me again, another may claim thy
love."
"True Knight," said Orgeluse, and she wept, "my sorrow was so great for the
lord Idegast, that I knew not what I did; a noble man was he and such love as we had together, few ladies know.
death of
my
'Twas Gramoflanz slew him and that was
why
punish him. I sent thee to try thee, for I knew thou wouldst be victor. Brave and steadfast I find thee and if thou wilt, my love is thine.'
I desired to
1
206

I shall
"Lady, with gladness
and
And
to
forgive thee; the avenge wrong done thee." Gawain told her of what he had said
King Gramoflanz. "To the Chateau Merveil will I ride with thee now/ said Orgeluse. And as the two rode away together, many a look of love and many a smile and warm hand
clasp they exchanged, for joy was in their hearts. Yet the lady wept a little also.
"Sir," said Orgeluse,
"another tale of
sorrow must I for love of
tell thee;
know
that 'twas
me
that
Anfortas
was
wounded.
to
see
When he and Klingsor fought together to win my love, great was my woe
the
noble
King wounded.
all
By
magic, Klingsor draws
will, and when he sought my knew how to refuse him. I
things to his love I scarce

called
many
knights to
my
service
and
to try them,
bade them engage in difficult adventure. One only refused to follow me; in red armor he was clothed and five of my knights he fought with and overthrew; their steeds he gave to the Boatman. I

would have been glad
to
call
207
him
my
knight, but he scorned me and spoke of his fair wife who waited for him at Pelrapeire, while he rode sorrowfully to seek
the Grail Temple."
Lady, be not troubled because this knight refused to serve thee," said Gawain, "a more noble one than he is not at Arthur's court; but he may not enter the service of knight or lady until he has been
:c
Monsalvage." they approached the water and hailed the Boatman. On the other side
to
Now
many knights stood. "Wait with me?" asked Gawain.

"Nay,"
they to joust
answered Orgeluse, "these knights wish to hail thee their lord, for thou hast undone the magic of Klingsor and now all are free at the Chateau Merveil the treasure and the people there are
;
now thine." The Boatman had brought food for them

and
daughter had come with him, so a merry feast they had as they crossed
his
over.
208

c
please thee, wilt thou free Lischois and Turkowit?'
"Sir," said Orgeluse,
if it
"Yea, Lady, before nightfall this shall be done," answered Gawain. All at Chateau Merveil welcomed Gawain and seeing the love that was between
him and
the Lady Orgeluse, they greeted her with all courtesy and the four Queens led her to a rich room. Then Arnive
wounds of Gawain again and knights attended him to serve him. That evening Gawain sent a messenger secretly to King Arthur to bid him come, to witness the joust between him and King
dressed the
Gramoflanz.
XXV
OF
HOW PEACE WAS DECLARED
BE-
TWEEN GAWAIN AND KING GRAMOFLANZ

morrow Gawain sought out Itonje and gave her the ring which King Gramoflanz had sent. His sister, Gawain had not seen since she was a little child and his surprise was great to find her at
the
the Chateau Merveil.
ON
"Gladly I receive this token, said the for dearly I love the King. maiden, Never have we met, but for a long time
:c
51
209
210
have

I
loved him for his noble deeds.

letters of love
I
Many
have we exchanged
and soon
hope to see him. In this castle are enemies of his and I pray thee to help
him against them." Of the approaching combat with the King, Gawain did not speak, nor did he tell Itonje that he was
her brother.
That day was held the marriage feast of Gawain and the Lady Orgeluse, and Lisand Turkowit, freed, were present. There was rejoicing and feasting and in the evening a merry dance, but since Gawain's wounds prevented his taking part, his Lady sat with him watching the others. One there was who took part in the festivities with a sad heart; this was Itonje, for she could not welcome to the Chateau Merchois
veil the
Lady Orgeluse, who hated
the
man
she loved.
The day following, tidings came that King Arthur had set out to reach loflanz. On this day Queen Arnive heard of the quarrel between Gawain and Gramoflan?
and her sorrow was
great.

"Have no fear,"
will be well. said
211
Gawain
to her, "all
I would not grieve thee, my of Healing, for would not I have Lady canst thou lost my life but for thee ?
Now
tell
me how Klingsor fashioned this castle and how he accomplished the wonders
'Through magic was it wrought/' answered the Queen. "In the East, Klingsor studied magic and in all wisdom was he versed; but he used his knowledge for Now is he evil, and misfortune befell.
conquered, nor will he come here again. His people are thine now, for he declared that any knight who could live through the perils of his castle, should possess it and
all
here?'
therein.
It
pleased him to capture
maidens and ladies of royal birth and hold
them here: now these hast thou delivered and they may return to their people who mourn for them." That afternoon King Arthur arrived with his knights, squires, ladies and other people of the court, and they gathered on
the plain near the water; on the other side
212
was King Gramoflanz already arrived with those whom he had brought to watch him take vengeance on his enemy. He
desired greatly to punish Gawain since he had won the love of the Lady Orgeluse.
Bene, the Boatman's daughter, bringing with her as token to show that she came from the Lady
To King Gramoflanz came
which the King had sent her by Gawain, and with joy King Gramoflanz listened to the messages of love which Bene brought. Now it chanced that as Gawain rode along with his squires to meet King Gramoflanz, he saw a knight come riding swiftly toward him and in a moment the two were jousting. Quickly was Gawain overcome and as he fell to the ground, one of his squires in fear and sorrow, called out his name. When the other knight heard this he cast down his spear and shield and
Itonje, the golden ring
cried out in a distressed voice:
"Alas!
that I have fought with
my
me.'
gallant friend
:
Gawain, shame
is
upon

"Now who
"I
art thou that
213
hath overcome
me?' asked Gawain.

Parzival," answered the other, lifting his helmet. "Now I forgive thee readily," said Ga-
am
wain, embracing Parzival, "such joy is it to behold thee again we thought not that thou wert near." Then the two conversed
;
and related
their adventures
and Gawain
forth
told Parzival of
how he had ridden
to fight Gramoflanz.
Meanwhile
witness
the
the people were gathering to joust, but those who rode
ahead saw the two knights engaged in combat and hurried to carry the tidings of how Gawain had been overcome by a stranger
and lay
prostrate.
All those of Chateau
Merveil and of Arthur's court mourned for the gallant knight and King Gramoflanz
riding
up and beholding
his
enemy
help-
less, said, "Sir, to-morrow we shall meet, then thy strength will have returned."
"Sir," said Parzival to Gramoflanz, "I pray thee take me as a pledge for Gawain,
214
since

'tis
through
me
he
is
unable to meet
thee."
"Nay," answered the King angrily, "this conflict is not for thee, but for him who hath wronged me and who must pay me
tribute."
Now
his
Bene rode beside Gramoflanz, but
words so displeased her that she left to Gawain and assisted his squires to lift him to his horse and accompanied them to the wounded man's tent.
him and went
There, all tenderly, Parzival bound up his wounds and cared for him.
Then came King Arthur with
his
Court
to welcome Parzival and all spoke praise of the adventures he had achieved since last he had been with them. And the four
Queens and the Lady Orgeluse greeted him joyfully and told him of the brave deeds of Knight Gawain at Chateau Merveil.
"Alas," said Parzival to them, "would that I had fulfilled my quest. When I
was here
have
I
before,
shame came
to me, nor
lifted it yet.
Oh, that someone
215
would guide me to this strange, hidden adventure I yearn to fulfill. Would that I might fight with King Gramoflanz; him have I offended, for this morning I plucked a branch from his tree."
"Dear brother Knight,' spoke Gawain, from where he lay in his tent, "many here
:
my true friends, yet not one is there to whom I would yield my right; I thank thee, but my foe I must meet, perchance
are
the
morrow will see me victor. At the dawning of the next day, Parzival arose and fully armed, rode quietly away from the tents and reached the plain
where Gramoflanz, who thought the approaching knight was Gawain, was waiting to meet him. Fiercely the two set at each other and they were yet jousting when Gawain and the others arrived. 'Twas the young knight who was the vic"Thou tor and he said to Gramoflanz: wilt need to rest to-day, Sir, to recover thy strength, pei chance to-morrow thou wilt be able to meet Knight Gawain.' Then up rode King Arthur and Knight
1
51
216

"Sir," said
Gawain.
King Arthur, "thou
didst request that thou mightest joust with the King in place of Gawain and thou wert refused. Thou hast stolen secretly
away and fought

5:
against his will, yet he
will not be angry with thee, I trust."

'tis a gal"Nay, answered Gawain, lant deed he has done and no harm hath he wrought, for to-morrow I can myself meet the King and none shall interfere." Now tidings had come to Itonje of how her brother was to fight with the man she loved so dearly and her anger was great against Gawain. Seeing this, the good Queen Arnive went to King Arthur and begged him to forbid the combat and the
King
vent
desiring greatly that he might preit,
promised his
aid.
Soon Gramoflanz sought him to win his promise that none other but Gawain should meet him, and King Arthur took him to where the ladies sat, and said: Tf there be a maiden here that thou lovest,
pray thee, greet her with a kiss." And King Gramoflanz looked eagerly at the
I
217
group, and even had she not so closely resembled her brother, he would have known Itonje, by the light of love which shone from her eyes for him. He greeted her
with joy and the two sat together exchanging words of love. Then King Arthur called to him some of
his knights that they
might counsel
to-
gether.
"Sir," said one, "if the
the
King to give up Lady Orgeluse is ready to forgive him, then would peace be declared.'' Orgeluse is willing to grant Gramo-
Itonje asks the conflict and the
Lady
"and now must we make peace between these two proud knights." At the King's request Orgeluse and Gawain came to where King Gramoflanz and Itonje were seated and the Duchess spoke sweetly to her enemy and said that she desired to restore peace between them. Then Gramoflanz most humbly begged her forgiveness for the wrong he had done her and for love of Orgeluse and Itonje,
flanz forgiveness/' said Arthur,
218
the

two knights were ready
to
end
their
strife.
Preparations were made for the marriage feast of King Gramoflanz and Itonje, and a noble gathering was present to witness their happiness; there was the
Court of Arthur, the knights and ladies from Chateau Merveil and the people of King Gramoflanz.
Apart stood Parzival, gazing sadly at the merry groups, thinking of his Lady Kondwiramur, the flower of women. 'Love hath dealt unkindly with me," he said aloud. "Of Love was I born and
Love would I serve, yet am I separated from her who hath my true love. I seek
for the Grail
Temple, but ever
my
heart
:
yearns to see the face of

I
my
long have we dwelt apart. remain here to look upon

heart
is
dear one too Why should

this rejoicing,
when my
I
wish
all
heavy with sorrow? happiness, but no longer can I

so
tarry here." At dawn the next day, Parzival

his
donned
armor and rode secretly away.
XXVI
HOW PARZIVAL FOUGHT WITH FEIRAND OF THE GOOD TIDINGS KONDRIE BROUGHT
EFIS
daybreak, Parzival found himself in deep woods and soon he was surprised to see a knight approaching. He stopped
his horse
BY
and gazed upon the stranger in wonder, for never had he seen a man His armor was ride so richly appareled.
adorned with jewels, also
219
his
shield of
220

many
upon
gold which shone like the sun; and from

his breastplate of gold, glistened rubies; rich trappings of silk were his
knight looked and when he caught sight of Parzival he spurred his horse forward quickly
steed.
mighty man
this
and
raised his spear
and
shield, for
having
lately arrived from the East, he was eager for adventure. Never were two knights better matched, both had youth, strength
and courage, and
their jousting
was a
goodly sight. Their spears and shields clashed loudly through the still woods and it seemed as if neither might conquer the other. Yet, after a time, Parzival weakened a little, then as if remembering his dear ones and that he must strive for their "Pelsakes, he cried out his watchword: and went at the with such other rapeire!" a fierce stroke that he was brought to his knees. The stranger rose quickly, but perceiving that Parzival's sword was broken, he said courteously, speaking in French: "Gallant hero, thou hast now no sword and our spears are broken, so I would not

5
'
221
be a true knight to fight longer with thee. Let us declare peace and rest awhile that we may converse together. Right gladly Parzival consented, for he was weary, also was he eager to learn the name of this
knight.
:
"Sir Knight,'
said the stranger, "never
have
country. Or perchance it might please thee if I spoke first my name to thee; Feirefis Angevin am I called, and King am I of Zassamank in the East."
"Sir," said Parzival, "there should be
I met thy name and thy
equal, tell me, I pray thee,
but one Angevin, son of Gamuret, and I am he. Yet far in the East is a brother of
mine who bears the name of

thy helmet,
face.
I
Feirefis; lift
pray thee, that I
Have no
see thy fear, I shall not seek to
may
injure thee."
"Sir,"
'tis I who am laughed Feirefis, thy conqueror, but I have no desire to fight again and since thou couldst not joust swordless, I shall throw my sword from me." So saying, the knight took his sword and flung it far from him into the bushes.
"
222

tell
"Now
"
me
is
of thy brother," said he,

5
'what color
1
he?
'Tis said that he
is
strange to look
:c
upon,'
father,
replied
Parzival,
fair
was
his
but his mother was of the dark
people of the East."
Straightway Feirefis lifted his helmet
and the two gazed

ishment, for
Feirefis
skin,
at each other in astonalike
much
had
hair like
were they, though the sun and a dark
while
their joy
Parzival
was wholly
fair.
Then they knew

and was
that they were brothers

great.
long time sat
they conversing, each telling the other of his life and adventures. "Come thou with me to the East," begged Feirefis, "and share with me the
and the kingdoms which were our father's. Anger hath been in my heart toward him, for through grief at parting with her lord, my mother died.'
riches there
:
"Brother," said Parzival gently, "a gallant man was our father and I have heard all speak well of him. How could he

keep from seeking adventure?
223
Alas! in
knightly joust was he slain.'' "A great sorrow was that," said Feirefis.
"Now must
is
forget
great at finding wilt thou come with
my anger, for my joy my brother. But say,

me
to the
East?"
"Brother," said Parzival, "I ride upon a

quest, and never shall I cease from strivdesire until I achieve it. ing for
my
Wrong have I done for which I must make amends; shame have I brought upon myself and this must I overcome with knightly deeds. But do thou come with me to seek King Arthur, who, but a short time ago, I left with his Knights of the Round Table and with a large company
of knights and ladies who came to witness a joust. I know that it will please thee
to see this noble gathering and brother knights will welcome thee." To this Feir-
my
consented and the two made ready to leave the woods to join King Arthur and
efis
the Court.
Great was the rejoicing when Parzival
224
appeared; from the magic tower a squire had seen the fight, but none knew who it was who jousted so powerfully with Parzival. To Gawain's tent the two knights went and there they were attended by
squires,
who gazed with
curiosity
upon
the
stranger.
Parzival and his brother, Arthur a great feast and ordained King musicians played the trumpet, the flute and the horn and all made merry. Upon
To welcome
was stretched a circle of green and round it the knights took their places as reverently as if it had been the Round Table at Arthur's castle: all left off their armor and were arrayed in robes
the grass
silk
of
silk.
Nearby
sat the ladies in fairest
dresses decked with flowers, and it seemed as if all the beautiful damsels and ladies
world were there. On one side of Queen Guinevere sat the Queen Kunnewaare and on the other, sat Queen Arnive; there was Orgeluse, and the other Queens and maidens from Chateau Merveil. The meadow was fragrant with summer flowers
in the
225
and all sat upon the grass where cushions had been placed. Now once before had a feast been interrupted by the maiden Kondrie and as someone spoke her name and they saw the maiden riding swiftly toward them, fear and distress came into the hearts of all. Robed was Kondrie in a rich dress of black velvet, with the Dove of the Grail embroidered in gold upon it; her face was veiled and her hands were covered with flowing sleeves; upon her head was a crown of gold. When she had greeted the King and Queen she rode to where Parzival sat, and springing from her horse, knelt before him and begged his forgiveness for the cruel words she had once
Tenderly Parzival raised her and assured her that he bore her no illwill. Then Kondrie lifted her veil and all were astonished to see how changed was her face, no longer was she ugly but
spoken to him.
fair to look
upon.
the spell of Klingsor have I been released," said she, "and in great honor do
"From
226

at the
we
liverer,
Chateau Merveil hold our deGawain. Now may I ride as mes-
senger for the Templars in the service of the Grail. To-day I bid ye rejoice for I
bring good tidings. Greetings to all ye of the Round Table, and to thee, gallant
Feirefis.
Be glad, also, thou son of Gamuret and Herzeleide, for thy woe is
past; thou hast been called to Monsalvage, there shalt thou be King. Soon
shalt thou be united to thy wife and children and soon shalt thou seek Anfortas
again and release him from his suifer-
Compassion is in thy heart now and thou mayest make amends for thy
ing.
mistakes."
At the words of Kondrie,
tears
came
into Parzival's eyes: "Lady," "these are wondrous tidings.
said he,
I,
Am
who
have sinned so often, to enter

service?
this high Shall I be able at last to bring release to Anfortas, my uncle? If I am to be united with my dear ones in this
Holy Place, with reverent and hearts shall we serve the Grail.
loving
tell
Now

me
I
227
pray
thee,
salvage, for I
when may I go would not delay."
to
Mon-
"Sir," answered Kondrie, "thou mayest set out with me now, and one companion
:
mayest thou choose to accompany thee.' Then the Queen begged Kondrie to rest awhile, and that maiden sought out Queen Arnive and pleasant converse had they together. When the feast was at its end,
he might accompany him upon his journey and ParziFeirefis
if
asked his brother
val consented.
With
tears
of joy,
all
watched the three depart and not one was there who did not rejoice that this honor had come to the Knight Parzival.
XXVII
HOW
PARZIVAL HEALED ANFORTAS
MANY years had passed since Parzival climbed to Monsalvage and left such grief behind. Daily was Anfortas brought before the Grail, but It relieved not his suffering.
Often would the King pray for
death to deliver him.

fered enough,
is
"Have
not suf-
he would
stricken
there none can help me?" cry out. And the knights, griefand desirous of helping their
King, would answer: "Have faith Anfortas, for he who climbed here before shall
228

come again, and
thee.
this
229
time he shall deliver
Remember
the
promise
of
the
Grail."
As Kondrie, with Parzival and
Feirefis,
approached the mountain, they were met by a group of Templars who sprang from
their horses to greet
Parzival and
knew
them; they recognized that now he would
bring release to Anfortas. They knelt before him and greeted him and his companions, then rode on ahead to the Temple. Arriving there, Parzival saw countless people gathered in the courtyard, old
knights and young were there and many All bowed in greeting and assquires.
sisted
the knights to dismount. The brothers were led to a room to be unarmed,
then
clothed
in
fair
robes,
they
were
brought to the Hall. There upon his couch by the fireplace lay Anfortas, and sweet perfumes were in the room from the woods burned therein. When the King beheld the knight standing in the doorway he cried out: "Oh, thou for whom I have waited so long,
230

woe, but
Thou didst leave now pity and me before to my understanding are in thy heart. Thou chosen one of God, release me now from
draw near and save me.
my
suffering." At these words Parzival
walked slowly
toward Anfortas. Before the couch he stood and in a voice broken with weeping, said: "This time I shall not fail thee, O
King." Before Anfortas, knelt Parzival and prayed for the deliverance of the King:
twice he rose and knelt again. Then in a voice that sounded through the Hall, he cried out: "My heart is full of pity for
thee;
what
aileth
thee,
mine
Uncle?
What mean
these mysteries at Monsal-
vage?' As he heard Parzival's words, the face of Anfortas shone, and the beauty that had been his before his wounding came to him again. He rose from his couch healed, embraced the young knight and
spoke his gratitude.
So had come at
last the great
day of
re-
joicing to Monsalvage.
XXVIII
OF THE MEETING OF PARZIVAL AND
KONDWIRAMUR
Now there had ridden messengers to inform Queen Kondwiramur that Parzival had been elected King of the Grail. Accompanied by her uncle Kiot, the knights from Pelrapeire, and the Templars who had been sent to bring her to Monsalvage,
the
Queen with her
little
sons set out for
the joyful meeting with her dear lord. As they neared the mountain the tents were
231
232
had come. On this had very spot Segramor and Kay fought with Parzival and here had he seen the drops of blood upon the snow which made him muse of Kondwiramur.
pitched, for the night
From
some
the Temple, Parzival set out with of the knights to meet his wife, and
they stopped upon their
way
to
greet
Trevrezent and
had come to zival had been called there
him of the joy that Monsalvage and of how Partell
King. nephew," said Trevrezent, "greatly do I thank God for His mercy; never should we doubt His loving kindness. He who is Father Son
to be
"Thou
hast
my
blessing,
understands all.' counsel served me well/ said 'Thy Parzival, 'thou didst bring back love into
1
Man
my
heart and set
my
feet
upon
I
the right
path. ride I to meet her
I give thee grateful thanks.
Now
hold so dear; long have we been separated, but now side by side we shall pass our days in the service of the Grail."
whom
At
the day's dawning, Parzival
saw the

tents with the banners of the
233
Templars
waving over them, and

the
when Kiot beheld
Dove upon the knight's garments he knew that Parzival had arrived, and went
forth to meet him.
Straightway to where Kondwiramur slumbered with her children, did he bring the young knight. Gently Kiot drew aside the door covering, and with tear-dimmed eyes and heart beating for joy, Parzival looked upon the
lovely Kondwiramur and the two beautiful boys who lay beside her* each nestled
closely to her, each encircled
by a protect-
ing arm.
Suddenly the Queen opened her eyes and beheld her lord gazing upon her. With a joyful cry she sat up, and as the children awakened she held them proudly to their father, who knelt beside her and with thankful heart took mother and children into his arms. At noontime all assembled to continue their journey and Parzival bade farewell
from Pelrapeire, for they might not go with their King and Queen
to the knights
234
to

his
Monsalvage; and he declared that
son Kardeiss should rule his kingdoms, but Lohengrin was to serve in the Grail
Temple. Sorrowfully Konc^wiramur parted from her little son, giving him into the keeping of his uncle Kiot who was to
boy Kardeiss should be old enough up his duties as King. As the others rode upon their way to the Temple, they came to where a maiden lay motionless upon the grass, and Parzival
rule until the
to take
lifting her tenderly,
recognized Sigune.
face,
Happy and peaceful her

smiled as
if
and she
greeting her beloved. Queen Kondwiramur prepared her for burial and
they laid her beside her knight in the shrine she had made for him.
XXIX
HOW
PARZIVAL WAS CROWNED KING OF THE GRAIL
THE courtyard at Monsalvage was ablaze with tapers as the little company drew near, and a joyful welcome was given them. First to greet Parzival and
his
Queen was Feirefis, but when he would have kissed the child Lohengrin, the boy turned from him frightened by his
235
strange appearance.
236
Gathered about the stairway to welcome them were Anfortas and the Templars, also Repanse de Schoie and Kondrie.
Kondwiramur kissed the King in greeting and told him of her joy at his healing. The Queen was led to rest, then she and her son were arrayed in fair robes,
and accompanied by Feirefis they entered the Hall where the Templars had assembled for the daily Feast. Beside Anfortas was Parzival seated, and the King invited Feirefis to take the place on his other side, while the Queen with the little Lohengrin sat next to Parzival. Now on this day the knight with the Spear came not into the Hall, for there was to be no more weeping nor sorrow in the Temple. Music was heard and the
sound of
bells
ringing softly,
within the Hall rose as procession of the Grail entered. Each maiden fulfilled her task and upon the Jacinth Table, Repanse de Schoie laid the cushion which held the
and all the wondrous
Treasure; Anfortas placed
it
in Parzival's
THE ARRIVAL AT MONSALVAGE

hands and of God.
all
237
Gift
bowed low before
this
Then
after
ceive the
the squires came forward to reFood the Grail bestowed and
the
Feast
was
crowned Parzival, Songs of rejoicing were heard; and from an adjoining room, Titurel beholding the
shining face of the young knight, as surrounded by his loved ones he received his
consecration,
Anfortas over, King of the Grail.
knew that all would be well forevermore at Monsalvage. At all he saw, Feirefis being a heathen,
marveled greatly, so at the request of Titurel he was baptized and the light of
the Christian teaching made clear to the mysteries at the Temple.
him
to
While he dwelt
there other joy
came
him, for he won Repanse de Schoie and she prepared to leave the Temple to journey with him to the East. Feirefis would have persuaded Anfortas to accompany them, but he said: "Nay, I have no wish seek to Sir, adventure, in God's service only shall I ride forth; the
the love of
238
I wish to fill with noble deeds, for unworthily I served the Grail in my
years left
youth."
when
plars
There was much sorrow Feirefis and the
at
Monsalvage
bearer left the Temple.
lovely Grail band of Tem-
went with them to guide them through the woods to the sea where the
people of Feirefis waited for their lord. In the East was Repanse de Schoie
crowned Queen and she told the people

of the mysteries of the Grail and helped them to follow Its teaching.
Of
of
the valor of Prester John, the son
Feirefis
Angevin
and
Repanse
de
Schoie,
many
stories are related.
Soon after Parzival became King, there appeared upon the Grail the command that henceforward when a Templar was
in service in the world, he should not tell
his
name, nor speak of
his
country nor his
race.
The
it
Grail
would
make
known
to reveal these things, but should he be questioned and forced to
when
was time

to
239
answer, then must he return straightway
Monsalvage.
With
the story of
how
this
command
Lohengrin and his wife brought Elsa, the STORY OF PARZIVAL closes.
sorrow to
SICNOVINCES
SICI
-UM
XXX
OF LOHENGRIN THE SON OF PARZIVAL
THERE
dwelt
in
the
kingdom
of
Brabant, a Princess
named Elsa, who had her displeased people because she refused to marry. The fame of her beauty and
gentleness spread far, and many a noble Prince came to woo her; hopefully they
approached
they rode sorrowfully away. Now one of her courtiers, the Count
her,
240
but unsuccessful,
241
Telramud, desired greatly to win the Princess, and when she had refused him many times, he was so angry that he resolved to harm her. One day, there came from King Henry of Germany a summons to the Princess to appear before him in
prove herself innocent of charges which had been brought against
order
to
her by the Count Telramud. The distressed maiden sought the
soli-
tude of the woods and there God to send her aid. A falcon and nestled for a moment in then as it flew away, a little
fell
prayed to
flew
down
her hand,
silver bell
neck, and it seemed to the Princess that the dove bade her ring the
from
its
silver bell,
should she be in need of a
knight's service.
day, the Princess Elsa with some of her ladies and courtiers arrived
"Princess," said King Henry kindly, for he pitied the lovely maiden, "thou art accused of having con-
The next
before the King.
tracted a marriage with one of thy vassals. This, thou knowest is forbidden a
242

inflict some punishunless thou canst prove thee, innocence. If there is here any
Princess,
and
must
ment on
thine
knight who will face thine accuser and conquer him, then shalt thou be declared innocent before all."
Then King Henry bade

sound
their
his
Heralds
trumpets and require the Elsa of Brabant to step champion Twice the trumpets sounded, but forth. no knight dared face the Count Telramud. Apart knelt the accused maiden,
of
praying steadfastly; in her heart was hope, for on leaving her kingdom, she had rung
the silver bell.
Now
the Heralds called out the third
time for the champion of Elsa of Brabant. There was a sound of women weeping,
for the hearts of the Princess' people were full of grief. Suddenly a voice cried out
'
:
'Behold the swan
he brings a champion
knight for the Princess." Soon all saw approaching, a small boat that was being drawn by a large white swan. Before it flew a white dove, and
243
standing in the boat was a knight arrayed

in silver armor that glistened in the sun. Upon his armor, doves were blazoned in
jewels,
and a dove of silver was upon his helmet. Elsa rose and went eagerly to the river bank and gazed in wonder
the people said one,
upon the knight. Astonished, crowded around. 'Truly/'
sent a knight from heaven to God never fails to aid our Princess."
'
"God hath
answer the prayers of a pure maiden," said

another.
Elsa the dove flew, alighting a moment at her feet, then hovered over the knight's head. From the boat he stepped and thanking the swan for her service bade
her farewell.
To
The swan
circled
round,
and with the dove

slowly
lifted
down
his
flying before, went the river. Then the knight
helmet and smiled upon the Princess. "Lady," said he, so that all could hear, "God hath sent me to be thy
champion.
lord
My
I be.
I
love
is
thine
and thy
would
a promise
thou accept me, require; never must thou ask

if
But
244
my
name, nor concerning my race and country; one day I may tell thee, but until then thou must wait trustfully." Before all the people Elsa gave her
promise. Then the King called for the accuser of the Princess and he and the
Knight of the Swan stood before each Soon was other, to fight for her honor. Telramud laid low and he was required to beg most humbly the pardon of his Princess whom he had wronged. That same day, Elsa returned to Brabant with her people and her champion, and when they arrived there she was wedded to the Knight of the Swan.
Many happy years they spent together and two beautiful boys were born to them. Then came a time when some of the people, curious and suspicious, tortured Elsa
by accusing her lord of having conquered Telramud through sorcery. They begged her to discover the knight's name and warned her that for some wrongful reason he withheld it from her. In a moment of misery and fear, when trust had been

promise.
245
driven from her heart, Elsa broke her
people together by the river, the Knight of the Swan, standing beside Elsa and his children, spoke to
Calling
all the
them
all
and said
"Now
will I tell
you
my name and of my life before I came here. Far away on a lofty mountain
kept a Treasure called the Grail Gift of God to men. There rules Parzival as King of the Grail. His son am I, and Lohengrin is my name. There dwell the Templars, a Brotherhood who guard the Grail, and often are they called to service in the world. One day, there appeared upon the Grail the command for me to appear as champion for Elsa of Brabant. As I was about to mount my charger, we saw on the water, a boat drawn by a swan,
there stands a
Temple, wherein
is
and knew that God had provided

boat for
this
my
journeying.
My
father gave
me me
in parting, a silver horn, which he bade sound, should I desire to return to the
Temple.
246

to us at
"Once sorrow came
Monsal-
vage, through a Question; therefore the Grail bade us not to speak at first, our
names, nor of our race, when

in the world.
we dwelt
Soon would I have told Elsa these things and revealed to her the joys and Mysteries which are at the Temple. Now the Grail calls me, I must go. Guard my wife and children and let
son Godfrey one day rule in my place ; perchance my other son will come to me
my
and serve
thrice.
in the Temple.''
his horn,
Then taking
Lohengrin blew
feet
it
treated his pardon.
Elsa enher he raised Gently and spoke his forgiveness. Then a voice "A swan the swan boat cried out:
Kneeling at her
lord's
comes.'
Up
the river
came the
little
boat drawn
by the swan; the white dove flew before. Tenderly Lohengrin kissed his boys, and gave to one his silver horn and to the
other his sword.
wife in close embrace, whispering to her words of

his
Then he held

love and comfort; and
247
placed
his
his ring
upon her finger he marked with the Dove of
Monsalvage.
he
Bewildered she gazed into eyes; not yet did she understand that
was
to
leave
her.
Into
the
boat
Lohengrin stepped, then knelt in prayer. The swan circled round and made its way down the river, the dove leading. Elsa
took a few steps hastily, as if to follow her lord, then sank unconscious at her
childrens' feet.
Once again had a Question brought sorrow to a Knight of the Grail.
HERE ENDS THE STORY OF PARZIVAL THE TEMPLAR, WHICH HAS BEEN REWRITTEN FROM THE POEM BY WOLFRAM VON ESCHENBACH, CALLED "THE KNIGHTLY SONG
OF SONGS."
A KEY TO THE PARZIVAL OF WOLFRAM VON ESCHENBACH

The Six Themes of the Parzival. The Ethical Teaching. The Relation to Ancient Tradition. The Grail Stone of the Parzival and The Stone of The Philosophers.
THE
ZIVAL
SIX
THEMES OF THE PARZIVAL
TITUREL;
THE GRAIL GAMURET ANGEVIN PARTHE TEMPLARS AND THE GRAIL

LOHENGRIN
GAWAIN
WOLFRAM'S SOURCE.
Wolfram would have
us be-
lieve that the source for his
poem was the work
of Giot, a Provengal poet, whom he claims told the true story of the Grail, Crestien not having done justice to the theme. Of such a poet we
have no
trace,
but
we
feel certain that
Wolfram
had a source, for the narrative seems but a summary of a much longer work. A few contradictions and some vague passages, and the changing of the names from French to a German spellsuggest that Wolfram is responsible for some of the Parzival, and that he did not always
ing,
follow his source, either because he did not com-
prehend
The
the
or through carelessness. story is a mediaeval one, and there

it
is
in
poem none of
the archaic atmosphere and
diction of the Peredur, or the Perceval of Crestien.
One
resents the fact or fancy rather, of

251
252
it
A KEY TO THE PARZIVAL

seems almost as
if
King Arthur being a mediaeval personage, and

Angevin King would have been then a picture of The Knighthood of the twelfth century with which the Grail and Templar themes would fit equally well. The omission of King Arthur and the Round Table and the few Knights who are mentioned, would be supplied by the Angevin King and his Knights, who with the Templars would portray a Knighthood only a little less mysterious and thrilling
than the Arthurian Knighthood. In the Parzival, we find six themes or
stories.
in
his
the original story had had an place; the whole poem
story of the Grail, which is unlike any other, the author claims to have read in the Chronicles of Anjou, where it had been re-
The mystic
from the story as first written down by Flegetanis, an Arabian astronomer (and astrologer, we
told
assume),
who
read
it
in the stars.
story of Parzival bears a close resemblance to the tale of Peredur (see the Mabino-
The main
To this gion), and the Perceval of Crestien. an introduction is given in the story of Gamuret, for which we have no source except we suppose
the poet to have been celebrating the deeds of an
Angevin Count or King. The Templar theme is in part historic and in part a romantic picture A much longer Goof the Knights Templar.

wain story than found
in Crestien
is
253
and
given,
a masterly conclusion reached in the addition of

the Lohengrin story, which is a brief adaptation from one of the early forms of The Knight Of The Swan. The six themes or stories are woven
together skillfully, and with the exception of a few pages, the poem reads clearly and consecutively.
THE
TITUREL.
We
learn
from the author
that the
mystery of the "Gralburg," is not to be revealed at first, but even when Trevrezent explains to Parzival the Temple, the Grail and the Question,
we would have but a vague understanding of them if we did not know the TITUREL (see
sume Wolfram wrote
Parzival, a
Prologue), a fragmentary poem which we asas an introduction to the
poem which
later
was much
elabo-
rated by Albert von Scharfenberg.
THE ETHICAL TEACHING

SYMBOLISM OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS.
Parzival
ing, to
In
the
we
are to read a definite ethical teach-
which we are introduced through a symbolism of Light and Darkness, a theme which is carried throughout the poem. Good and Evil
each
are presented as bearing the same relation to other as Light and Darkness. God is
254
Light, but there is a realm of Darkness ruled by an Evil one yet where the thought of God Good- -is, no Evil can come: God is Light and He is All.
Faith
is
then contrasted with Doubt.
Par-
zival passes
to
from the simple Faith of his youth The the darkness of Doubt and Despair.
darkness of the heathen teaching is contrasted with the light of the Christian doctrine; but the term "heathen," must be supposed to relate to
only certain peoples of the East, of which Belakane and her people are a type (later to be enlightened by Feirefis and Repanse de Schoie),
for the teachings of White Magic, the story of the Grail, the mysterious legends held in rever-
ence by Trevrezent,
who
tells
us that, "Plato and
the sibyls in their day spoke words of truth" all came from the enlightened East of the Magi.
In an interesting
way
is
the symbolism of Light
and Dark
is
carried out also in relation to several
characters.
Parzival
Feirefis
is
Gamuret
the gentle, "fair" son of the the fiery "dark" son

;
former, the type of spiritual strength, the latter, Both must achieve the type of physical strength.
a spiritual enlightenment, and each at one time
shows the conflict between the Light and When the the Darkness (Doubt). (Faith) two sons joust together, it is Feirefis who is viein his life

tor,
255
but
we
read in this a temporary and physical

the
the
conquest only.
Klingsor,
sorcerer
Magic),
is
enemy
(representing Black of Anfortas the Templar
(White Magic), and he brings years of suffering upon the other. For a time it seems as if Good were conquered by Evil, Light hidden by Darkness, Faith lost in
It
is
Doubt.
in
of interest to note that the theme of

the
Parzival,
Light and Darkness

the
shows a
Darkness.
close relation to the great
World Myth of Horus,

Sut,
Sun god, who overcomes
Feirefis
theme of Black and White, that we

ancient Egyptian stories.
further emphasizes the relation to the find in these
PARZIVAL'S PREPARATION
FOR LIFE.
From
this
deep spiritual significance, we to the mother gave her boy. the counsel pass Herzeleide's son taught of the reality of Good-
symbolism with
its
ness,
comes
to look
upon
evil,
"as null, as naught,
For him, Prayer is as silence implying sound." a part of Faith; to ask, knowing that an answer
will
come.
With Faith and Prayer must go

the
influence
Courtesy and Reverence

kindly word and
smile
is
of the
emphasized, the reverence for old age and counsel. Thus we see with what devoted love and care
it is
Herzeleide prepared her boy for Life, yet
the
256
tion

was inadequate.
author's purpose to
show us that the preparaMore is demanded of the
mother than the awakening of spiritual consciousness and the development of religious feeling; with this knowledge of things spiritual must go a knowledge of the practical: the child must
be prepared for the world in which he is to live, know both good and evil, since he must encounter both.
tive one;
The
fault of Herzeleide
was a
for
posi-
hoping
to bring her son back to her,
she refrained from preparing
him
Knight-
hood which would have led him to the Threshold of Life, where the mother must leave her child to meet the experiences and temptations which every individual must encounter; there his actions should be the result of Choice, not Ignorance.
We
sult
see that the hero's failure
is
due
to igno-
rance, for Parzival's first foolish acts are the re-
of his mother's hurried counsel, which could
not take root as there was no previous preparation. The years of loving companionship spent
with her are reflected in his reverence for women,
and
fails
in his
unchanging love and faithfulness.

;
He
never deliberately but through Ignorance we him and forgive him. He shows no judgpity ment at first, no intuition he follows the counsel
;
of others without understanding
it,
instead of

listening to the dictates of his heart.
sel
257
The coun-
of Gurnemanz seems to awaken in the youth self-consciousness and false pride the real mean;
ing of the mediaeval admonition to silence he does not comprehend; and the hitherto quick-
spoken youth, face to face with his great Opportunity, is silent before what he does not compre-
hend; and disobeys the voice of his heart, fearing to be humiliated should he put a question.
PARZIVAL AND PARSIFAL.

suffering,"
we
read
is
the lesson of
"Redemption through Wagner's

is
Parsifal, but the

ferent.
problem of the Parzival
dif-
brings untold suffering upon himself and others through his failure, nor does
the experience of suffering seem necessary for the development of his character; feeling had
The hero
been keenly aroused in him, but he needed the
judgment and confidence that Knowledge brings. THE QUESTION. Nowhere, save in the Parsifal, does the theme of the Question intimate that the hero must be prepared through experience or sufGalahad has fering, to accomplish his mission the training which enables him to fulfill his destiny
without failure
the only requisite is a feeling of pity and the judgment to speak boldly the The failure of Perceval question of his heart.
in the
cable,
High History of the Holy Graal is irrevofor when he returns the second time to
258

is
the Castle of the Graal, he finds that his uncle
has died; he
able,
however, to
lift
the sorrow
upon those in the Castle, and to restore the Holy Graal and the Spear which had been
which
is
stolen.
In the Parzival, Sigune and Trevrezent
seem
the Question, ever, but Parzival, the son of one

in the
to feel that since the knight failed to put he has lost his opportunity for-
who
has served
Temple, will be called there one day, and
then he will ask the Question which will reThe counsel of lease Anfortas from suffering.
Trevrezent
gently the
is
the
turning point
talks with
for
Parzival;
his
Hermit
him and wins
confidence, softening the bitterness of his heart, for the youth feels, and justly, that he has been
a victim of circumstances.
PARZIVAL AND LOHENGRIN.

is continued in the
The Question theme Lohengrin story. The sordue to a youth's hesitancy,
row of
the Parzival
;
is
his silence
in Lohengrin, to a
woman's
curiosity,
her unwise speech.
THE RELATION TO ANCIENT TRADITION

THE HERMETIC AND
KABBALISTIC PHILOSOPHY FREEMASONRY.- -The Parzival and other forms of the Grail Legend take on a new interest and
significance
when we
trace
in
them a
relation

to a Tradition
259
antedating the Bible, of which the Hermetic and Kabbalistic Philosophy, and Freemasonry are a part. To-day we may study
this
Tradition in the Legends of Freemasonry; in the Book of The Dead, in the writings of
Hermes Trismegistus
disciples of
in the Kabbalah; in books on the Mysteries of Magic, written by such

;
Magic, as Paracelsus, Eliphas Levi, Franz Hartmann, and in the commentaries and
translations
made by Arthur Edward Waite.

Trevrezent
speaks
In
the
Parzival,
all
of
the
knowledge of
sky, that
Adam
things on the earth and in the learned from God; of how he
understood the power of the planets, how they influence men. Magic, Astrology and Alchemy, are such an important part of this Tradition, that
without some knowledge of them
it
cannot be
comprehended.
Each story
the
Grail,
stories
that
is
related to
which
including many of are independent
the legend of the Arthurian
of
the
Grail
theme, are full of allusions to Magic; and corresponding talismans magic vessel, cup, spear,
sword,
etc.
and
events, are to be
found
in the
folk lore tales of
many
nations.
In almost every
story
is
the theme
of Black Magic, which in
The fairy tales also, plays an important part. whole meaning of that much abused term of
260

is
Magic
nest
known
a
only to those
who through
its
ear-
study have penetrated

is
Mysteries,
for
Magic
give
Knowledge which,
over
all
if rightly
used, will
man dominion
things in Nature, lead
him
its
to a consciousness of another life
and prove
existence.
is
Black Magic
sorcery, spells, enchantments,
hypnotism
this
wrongly used) or any misuse of Knowledge and Power for wrongful ends,
(if
involving always the destruction of the person
who
in
practices
it.
The
the
Parzival speaks openly of Magic, while
High History and
the
Galahad
stories
are
many magical occurrences, but the only exponent of Black Magic in the Grail Legends, is
Klingsor.
RELATION TO FREEMASONRY.
to
We
trace a relation
Freemasonry in the High History and the Galahad, through the allusions to a Brotherhood and a Red Cross, which we find first in the
Joseph Legend, the Prologue to the Hero story, and in the Parzival, through the Brotherhood
of the Templars, and the various references to
Masonic Legends. Joseph of Arimathea makes a Red Cross Shield and Perceval and Galahad both bear Shields marked in the center with a Red Cross. From the White Knight who dwells in the White Ab-
261
bey, Galahad hears the story of Joseph's Shield, which has been preserved miraculously for him;
and when he arrives

by the Brothers
ceval's
in Sarras,
he
is
welcomed
Per-
who
also,
it
recognize the Shield.
Shield
though no story of
salute
it.
belonged once to Joseph, is given, and the Brothers
"A
with a
is
Red
Shield banded azure and argent, Cross thereon and a boss of gold,"
its
description,
and
in its boss,
Perceval cartake
ries
"The Hallows."
The Brothers
Per-
ceval on a journey in a Ship which has a white sail, marked with a Red Cross; later they carry
him away
and he is seen no more, "nor did earthly man know what became of him."
in
it
In the Grail Legends, the personality of Joseph is shrouded in a mystery which is solved
only by supposing him to have been an Essene, a sect of Jews who had embraced the ancient
Teaching,
India.
members of
through the secret instructions of a Brotherhood who had come from
It is stated that Jesus belonged to the Essenian Order, and that he was being instructed
by the Brotherhood, in India, during the eighteen years of which we have no record.
That Mystic Brotherhood to which Joseph belonged, and the one which he formed, were branches of the priestly Order which promulgated the ancient Traditional Teaching, and in
262
312 A. D., we find that Constantine, whom we assume was a follower of the Teaching, founded another branch in memory of his conversion to
Christianity
the
Order
of
the
Red
Cross
Knights. In that mysterious city of the East, Sarras, Joseph founded an Order of the Brotherhood, and then in Britain, where for centuries before
his arrival there, the
Druids had been spreading

ancient
to
the
Teachings
their
of
the
Tradition.
to
In
the
time
the
Teaching had
its
church, but in
Joseph
give way early years, as witnessed by Brotherhood and the Constantine
Order,
Christianity united harmoniously with the ancient Teaching and many of its symbols and doctrines have been developed from it.
secret
In the fourth century Architecture was yet a profession, and Constantine, Master of
the College of Architects at Rome, would have passed down to his Knights, not only the knowledge of building, but also the ancient Teaching.
The
close connection
between
to
Rome and
the
Britain
would have
eventually founding in of an Order similar to that of the Red Britain,
led
Cross Knights. There Merlin, whom we may assume had been taught by members of the
Joseph Brotherhood, and also by the Druidical priests, was chosen to found the new Order of

the
263
and elected for Head, the young Arthur, who had won for himself great renown. To one only was passed down by
Table,
Round
Merlin,
sessed
the
to
Galahad
pared for his Brotherhood in Sarras, to

precious Vessel.
Most Secret Knowledge he posand he, chosen and premission, is made one of the mystic
whom
he carries the
Joseph, the
first first
band were the

sionaries;
Grail Keeper, and his little Christian Pilgrims and mis-
the
Order of the Round Table was
Knighthood applied to the needs of a King's

Court, while the Knights of
the Knights of
The Red
Cross,
St.
The Holy Sepulcher, The Knights

John and the Cru-
Templar, The Knights of
saders, share the glory of having defended the Christian possessions in Jerusalem, from the
fourth to the twelfth century. From these Orders comes a literature which
is
largely historic, even what we deem fanciful was doubtless at first an expression of an ancient tradition.
The
stories of each
Order are
are an im-
related to the other Orders,
and
all
portant part of the history of Freemasonry and the Philosophy of Magic, through which we gain a new and inspiring insight into life.
THE LEGEND
OF
is
Parzival there
SOLOMON'S TEMPLE. In the no allusion to a Red Cross,
264
but

we assume
that the
Knights of the Grail carried the shield marked with the special Cross
of
the Knights Templar. No shield save Gamuret's is given special mention; nor is there In the Galahad story we a mysterious Ship.
in the Parzival, but they differ
find reference to legends of
Although there
is
in
and Eve as from each other. the latter no mention of
Adam
Solomon as in the Galahad, the Parzival is the only Grail story that reflects the Temple of Solomon tradition, and emphasizes for us the Masonic application of the building of the Temple of Character. read also in the poem of
We
"The Pelican," and 'The Phoenix," are which legends of Freemasonry, but Eagle," they are not explained in the story. "The
THE LOST WORD.- -In the High of "The Widow Lady," and
History
in
we
of
read of
Crestien,
"The Widowed Dame," suggestive Widow's Son. The desolation of

Temple through
the
The
Grail
the
the
Wounding
of
King,
suggests the sorrow which followed The Death of the Widow's Son. Joseph speaks to Brons,
"The Secret Words," and Brons may not

until he has
die
supposed
to
spoken them to his son, and Jesus is have uttered them on the Cross.
"The
Secret
Words" and "The Question,"
are
akin to
The Lost Word of Masonic Legends.

The sorrowful
seems
of
to
265
The
episode of The Wounded King, be a repetition of the ancient theme Death of Horus (Osiris), and its later
development by different peoples, as, in The Death of Dionysius, also, in The Death of
Hiram of Tyre, the Widow's Son; in the stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, Adonis, Hiawatha, and Balder. In "Horus," "Persephone," "Adonis,"
and "Balder," we have the joyous Return to Life, and in the "Balder" we have also "The Secret
Words," which Odin whispered
in his ear
the
promise of Immortality. Further suggestions of the relation to ancient

tradition in the Parzival are found in the coun-
of Herzeleide, Gurnemanz and Trevrezent, which are similar to those found in the Proverbs and the Talmud. To understand the passages
sels
Kondrie and her brother, and Sekundille, one must study the Kabrelating
to
Eve,
Klingsor,
balistic
Legends.
BOOKS FOR REFERENCE.

further of this
Those who wish

tradition
will
to
know
the
ancient
find
"The following books most interesting reading. Lexicon of Freemasonry" and other books on
this subject
by Albert G. Mackey; "The History of The Knights Templars," Addison; "Stellar Theology and Masonic Astronomy," by Arthur Hewitt Brown; "Mysteries of Freemasonry,"
266
A KEY TO
THE PARZIVAL
John Fellows; "Signs and Symbols of Primordial Man," Albert Churchward; "Magic, Black and White," Franz Hartmann; "The History of The Rosicrucians," "Alchemy," "Paracelsus" and "The Hidden Church of the Holy Graal," by Arthur Edward Waite; "The Essenes," Dr. Ginsberg; "The Philosopher's Stone," or "The Quest of The Absolute," and "Seraphita," by Balzac "The Great Work," by "T. K."; "The Kabbalah
Unveiled," Matthews; "The Mysteries of Magic"
(Levi-Waite) "Zanoni," and
"A
by Bulwer-Lytton
"The Flute of
Strange Story," the Gods," by
Marah
Ellis
Ryan.
THE GRAIL STONE OF THE PARZIVAL AND THE STONE OF THE

PHILOSOPHERS
THE LEGENDS
Legend of
zival,
OF THE GRAIL.- -Unlike any other

the
Grail
is
the Grail of the

is
Par-
for this Gift of
God
a Stone, pure and
precious.
Wholly independent at first of the Perceval story, the Legend of Joseph and the Grail, founded on the Apochryphal Gospel of Nicodemus, finally merged with the Hero story, when the Celtic talismans magic caldron, spear, and
sword, were replaced with the Sacramental Ves-

sel,
267
(Lance) and sword, which is which beheaded John the Baptist, The Perceval, Galahad or the sword of Joseph. and Parzival stories while showing a relation to
the
Spear
variously, that
ancient tradition, express different of Grail Legend; the first two tell the phases of the Vessel of the Last Supper, made additionally sacred by having received into it, the
the
same
Drops of Blood
of the Parzival
at the Cross.
is
The
Grail Stone
not connected with the Last
Supper, nor with the Crucifixion, and the Spear though reverenced is not definitely explained,
nor the magic sword. The Graal of de Borron and the Sangreal of Mapes are a glorification of
the Sacrament of
Communion, but of
this
mean-
ing of the Grail the author of the Parzival seems to have had no knowledge. do read that on
We
Good Friday, a Dove from heaven descended upon

Stone and laid a wafer upon It. Is this merely a token of heavenly blessing, or does it
the
suggest that the Grail Stone was renewed by the
Host?
The
itself
Grail Stone in
common
with the other
Grails has a twofold

is
significance.
The
object
venerated, gives forth a marvelous ra-
diance, brings joy to those
who
look upon
It,
and bestows material food

gives
Spiritual
as
in all cases the Grail
well
as
material
sustenance.
268
Arthur's knights, lured by the vision, search for
may see it openly and solve but mystery, only for Galahad is the supreme There is no Quest in the Parzival, only vision.
the Grail that they
its
those
who
are chosen
may go
and
to the
there only
may
the Grail be seen,
openly.
King
Arthur
his
Temple and always knights have

;
heard of Anfortas and his suffering but fear to venture near the Temple, presumably because
they did not wish to intrude without an invitaThe tion, into the domain held by all as sacred.
known only by
been,
Promise of the Deliverer seems to have been those who served, or who had
Not from physical within the Temple. did Anfortas pain only pray to be released
healing herbs, fires to warm him, the Spear to draw the ice from his wound, the hours spent in
fishing,
perceive that he yearns for the spiritual healing which the Grail
prove a solace, but
we
denies.
Can we
find a clue to the Grail of the Parzival
Could the idea have arisen from the rumor that the Grail Vessel was cut from a single stone, an emerald? Crestien's mention of a "Graal,"
covered with precious stones was certainly not its Is there then some Eastern tradition, derivation.
some Legend about
a Stone, that
would account
for this Grail being represented as a Stone?

Every theme of the poem
269
relates to the East
the story begins and ends there begins with Gamuret, the father, and ends with the son,
Feirefis,
who
takes the Grail maiden back to the
East with him; the grandson, Prester John, and the great-grandson, Godfrey of Bouillon, the
son of Lohengrin, become famous Crusaders. The relation of the poem to an ancient tradition,
makes it seem more than mere conjecture to assume that this story of the Grail was first told by the Arabian Flegetanis, who read it in the stars a vision as clear to him as was the vision of the Revelation to St. John and that the Grail is related to some ancient tradition of a
Stone, antedating the
Grail.
Legend of the Sacramental

Grail
is
In
the
Parzival
the
called
"Lapis
Exillis," but the meaning of Exillis is a mysCould the author have meant to say, The tery.
We
Stone of Exile, or The Stone of Foundation? read that through the Grail Stone the life
is
of the Phoenix
renewed.
In the story of The Terrestial Paradise, which bears a resemblance to the setting of the Grail
who in some story of the Parzival, the hero is greeted upon his arversions is Prester John
rival in this
wonderful
place,
by mystic messen-
gers
who bestow on him
a "Stone."
270

Among
the
the Initiate
John cometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written which no man knoweth save
he that receiveth
In
St.
it."
promises in the Vision of St. we read "To him that over-
builders
Matthew we read of "the stone that the rejected, the same is become the head
of the corner."
In the history of Freemasonry
we
find
leg-
ends of "The Jewel," the "Perfect Ashlar," "The Foundation Stone," "The Seal of Solomon."
read of the occult Cube of Knowledge, the mystic White Stone of the Egyptians and other
peoples; and of the Emerald Stone of Horus and Buddha which are the most important of several
We
green stones held as sacred by many of the Eastern peoples. It is of interest to note that the
color green predominates in the Parzival and that the Grail rests on a cushion made of green Arch-
mardi.
THE STONE
seem
OF THE PHILOSOPHERS.
These Stones
to be related to the
Great Stone of the
ancient tradition
THE STONE OF THE PHILOSOall
PHERS
to
be read of in
books on Magic
all
(Alchemy).
Alchemists sought to transmute
gold
;
metals to
they
strove
to
make The
Philosopher's
KEY TO THE PARZIVAL

The Great Work,
tried to find
271
Stone, and in teaching, oral and written, gave formulas for the process. They strove to ac-
complish
The
the
Elixir of Life and undertook Absolute.
The Quest of
We
their
know
preted only by those

their
that their writings could be interwho had "The Key," for
meaning was concealed, in order to deceive The Great enemies, and the curious. Work was to find the silver Key that fits the
lock of the
Temple of Wisdom;
their transmuta-
tion of all metals to gold, was a symbol of man's striving to spiritualize life and bring the Golden
Age
to
earth.
To make The
Self-control
Philosopher's
and Wisdom; tO USe THE STONE OF THE PHILOSOPHERS was tO use the Hidden Sweet Knowledge that comes to
Stone,
to gain
was
the Initiate.
and
The Sacramental Grail is a Legend, simple beautiful, known to all readers and asso-
Church calling us all however, whether within the Church or without, The to the Quest which the symbol typifies. Grail Stone and THE STONE OF THE PHILOSOPHERS are veiled in a mystery, who shall solve?
ciated with the Christian
They are symbols of a Philosophy taught by the Hidden Brotherhood, that philosophy which Buddha and Jesus proclaimed.
272
"From heaven came THE STONE OF THE PHILOSOPHERS" -'and Jesus possessed it," we read. The Great Teacher spoke in parables which only those who "had ears to hear," understood. Tothose who have "ears to day, only hear," and
those
see, may understand the Mysteries. In the history of the Rosicrucians, we read
w ho
r
much about THE STONE OF THE PHILOSOPHERS,

and
it
would seem
as if the author of the Parzival
story, familiar with the teachings of the Rosicrucian Brotherhood, had introduced into his story
some of
know
is
their mysterious philosophy, which we an expression of the ancient traditional
Teaching. Did an
Initiate
pass
down
the
story
it
from
"mouth
the
to ear,"
and did another write
with the
purpose of concealing its meaning, so that only initiated could understand it? And did
the author of his source without comprehending the mystic philosophy of the story? Since we have no definite clue to the mystery of the Grail Stone of the Parzival, we cannot
also, write
Wolfram and perhaps
be far
the
wrong
in
assuming that
It
originated
from
traditions surrounding
THE STONE OF THE
PHILOSOPHERS.
NOTES
has been the aim in this Story of Parzival, to preserve as much as possible of the mediaeval
It
spirit in setting and language; to add nothing to the original story save in a few situations where so much is left to the imagination, that some ampli-
fication
was necessary; to omit such passages only as are beyond the child's interest, or which are too
vague
to render satisfactorily.
The
Parzival of
Wolfram von Eschenbach may
be studied through the editions of Simrock, Bartsch, Hertz and others, whose Notes and those in Miss
Weston's translation, are of great value to the teacher or student. Comments on the Titurel will be found also in these books.
PROLOGUE.
in the
Grail has never the prefix "Holy," It is spelled "Gral," in the Parzival.
The
German, and the Temple is called "Gralburg," is Monsalvasch or Monsalvage; called by Wagner, Monsalvat, and is otherwise
The mountain
known
vation.
as,
Montsauvage, Terre de Salvage
the
wild or remote mountain, or the

273
Mount of
Sal-
274
NOTES
On Mountseraat in the Pyrenees, are the ruins of a Monastery which appears to have been occupied by a Brotherhood of Knights Templar.
The author may have known of
this
Brother-
hood and from them derived his inspiration for There seems to have the Knights of The Grail.
been a close connection in the Parzival between
the
East and Spain, and Gamuret's journey from Toledo to Kanvoleis, does not appear to
have been a long one. The relation of the various places to one other is not clear however,
and the action of the poem passes quickly from one place to another.
CHAPTERS
I,
II.
Wolfram
divided his
poem
into
The mavarious Books, giving each one a title. terial contained in chapters i, and ii, has been
abbreviated from a
much
longer story, which
is
found
in
Books
and
II of the
poem, Gamuret
and Herseleide. Gamuret's brother having succeeded to his father's kingdom, offers him lands which he refuses, then gives him a title and names him Angevin. Gamuret's mother and the people urge him to remain in Anjou, but he decides to seek
a
kingdom
for himself.
When
defending Belain the Scot-
kane he discovers a cousin

tish
Kailet
army, and after Gamuret and Belakane are

they
entertain
married,
Kailet
and
his
com-
NOTES
panions
royally.
275
After leaving Zassamank, met on the sea by messengers who are taking to him the wonderful armor and diamond studded helmet of Eisenhart. Having won the Tourney at Kanvoleis, Gamuret is ap-
Gamuret
is
proached by the chaplain of the Lady Anflise, who sends a message to the hero offering him
her love and her lands.
It
appears that Gamuret
when a young man had visited this Queen and learned the ways of Knighthood at her Court. The two Queens quarrel over him but it is to Herzeleide that he gives his love. The law of
the time did not consider valid a marriage be-
tween a heathen and a Christian, which

explanation of the second marriage, before the death of Belakane.
III.
is
an
arranged
"Bon
of
fils,
Cher
fils,
story
Beaufis,
or
Beau "The
fils,"
suggests the
Fair
Unknown"
(Libeau Desconus), a variation of the Perceval The name of the bird Parzival killed is story.
not mentioned; Wagner following the Buddha theme introduces a swan. IV.
Chapters three to ten are adapted from Book It is of III of Wolfram's poem, Gurnemans.
to
interest
note that
Parzival
on hearing the
noise of the
approaching horses, says: "Perchance 'tis the Devil that cometh, my Lady Mother is o'er much afraid of him." Herzeleide
276
is
NOTES
used instead of Herzeloyde.
Lahelein
is
which we may translate as "Heart's Sorrow,"

V.
the only character mentioned in special connection with the story who does not are make his proper appearance again.
We
not told of
how
Parzival recovered his lands.
Lahelein and Gurnemanz fight in the Tourney at Kanvoleis.
VI. --Parzival
until Book III, al"The Welshman," a The reference to his rustic and simple manners. most reasonable interpretation of the hero's name
is
not
named
though he
is
spoken of as
seems to
be, perce
to pierce,
and vale
forest;
he who pierces or penetrates the forest. Sigune's meaning that he has pierced his mother's heart
may
In the High fancy of Wolfram's. his father benamed is so Perceval by History, his lands. cause he has been deprived of Wagbe a
ner's
fal, or "pure fool," suggests the the folk lore tale of "The Lay of of meaning the Great Fool." The first part of the story of Sigune and her
Parsi
lover,
Schionatulander,
is
found in the Titurel.
This knight,
one of Parzival's Princes, follows the bidding of Sigune to restore to her a lost brachet, and meeting with Orilus is slain
is
who
by him.
VII.
King
Arthur
appears
to
hold
Court
at
NOTES
Nantes as well as
Karidol, as
it is
277 **
at Karidol (Carduel, Carlisle, Caerlleon, Camelot), but the chief Castle is at
called in the
German.
VIII. The Red Knight of the other stories has quite a different character and merits the death he received at Parzival's hands; he has insulted
and the young hero who dares go forth to meet him.

the Queen,
is
the only one
X.
From Book IV
Kondwiramur, who
is
the fair
Blanchefleur, "colored as of ivory and gold," of Crestien. She does not appear in the High History, in the
Galahad
story, nor in Parsifal.
In
the
first
story the
Damsel of the Car wishes
to be
released by Perceval; in Sir Galahad, Percivale's sister serves the Knight; in Parsifal, Kundry un-
him and serves him when she receiving through him her release from The meaning of Kondwiramur Klingsor's spells. is "Ideal of True Love." XII. Chapters xii, xiii, and xiv are from Book
willingly tempts
can,
V, Anfortas.
Trevrezent
he
We
are to assume that Parzival

is
does not realize that his mother

tells
dead
until
him.
He
leaves his wife that
may
is
tion
No explanaseek tidings of his mother. of and the the Sword, and given Spear
else
nowhere
do we
find the elaborate
and beau-
tiful description
of the Procession- of the Grail,
and the Feast.
NOTES
XIII.
Sigune having been brought up in the Temple knows the Prophecy of the Promised Knight and gives Parzival the first knowledge of his
failure,
and of the Mysteries he has beheld unNow his one desire is to recomprehendingly.
turn to the Temple to repair his error. XIV.- -Parzival takes a spear that he finds on
this
altar; four years later he mentions it to Trevrezent who tells him that the owner was much
vexed
inal
Orilus' speech concerning Parzival's lands has been interpolated to complete the orig!
no mention in Wolfram's poem of Parzival and Orilus recognizing

incident.
There
is
each other in the relation stated in the

of the story.
first
part
XV, XVI.
Chapters xv and xvi are from Book VI, Arthur. The Love Spell is called "Frau Minne," and the incident of the drops of blood is described
in the
Peredur.
best I love,
"I
was thinking of
I
the
Lady
whom
and
whiteness was like
bethought me that her that of the snow, and that
the blackness of her hair and her eyebrows

like that
was
upon her cheeks were

blood."
of the raven, and that the two red spots like the two drops of
Here the lady has "raven"
locks.
NOTES
"Gainst
the
279
blood-drops, that ruddy-gleaming, beneath mine eyes, crimson glow
I find
ever thy face so gracious
my Lady Kond-
wiramur,
Red
as blood-drop
it
and white
evermore."
as the snowdrift,
rejoiceth
me
Parzival:
JESSIE L.
WESTON.
XVII.
XVIII.
ter
is
From Book
VII, Obilot; a most beautiful
part of the poem.
From Book
a
summary
This chapVIII, Antikonie. of a rather confused story;
Gawain, The Lady, and the Chessboard, appear

in other stories.
XIX.
Chapters xix, xx, xxi, are from Book IX,

hero's time of trial
is
Trevrezent.
The
we hear
for the
first
time in
detail,
almost over, and of the Grail.
The mention
Friday, found also in Peredur and Crestien, is one of the few allusions to Church doctrine, and as in the other
of
Good
stories,
Parzival is rebuked for wearing armor on this Holy Day. The observance of prayers and attendance at services which the young Perceval follows,
is not emphasized in the Parzival. Trevrezent has quite a little to say about Hell, and speaks of the Atonement, how men were
saved from Hell and lifted high by God's love.
28o
The weird
NOTES
allusions to
Adam
and Eve and
the Earth are ancient legends. It is interesting to observe that when Saturn draws nigh, the
King's suffering
is
increased; he dreads the cold
and
is
affected
In Le
by the changes of the moon. Morte D'Arthur, we read of the four

Paradise.
Rivers
of
Within
the
Garden
of
Paradise was the source of these Rivers, at the foot of the Tree of Knowledge.
"Now Adam
of
all
men
father, of
God
did he
learn such
skill,
All beasts, wild and tame he
knew them, and
he named them
at his will.
And
he knew the stars and their pathway, as

they circle the silent sky, the power of the seven planets,
rule
And
how
they
men from heaven
high.
'Then
we
sent to the mystic waters, in a far off

rise,
land they
Pison,
Paradise,
Gihon, Tigris, Euphrates, the rivers of
And
so near they flow that the perfumes which breathe from its scented air
Shall yet to their streams be wafted."
Parzival:
JESSIE L.
WESTON.
NOTES
XXII.
281
Chapters xxii to xxv are from Book X, Orgehtse; Book XI, Arnive; and Book XII, EideThey tell the thrilling story of Gawain's gast.
adventures with the
Lady Orgeluse (The Proud

Klingsor and Book
is
Lady).
XXV.
From Book XIII
XIV
Gramoflanz.
This chapter
It is
written from a most
impossible to determine the relationship between Gawain and the four Queens, and Arnive as the mother of Arthur,
confused narrative.
to
seems quite involved, as are also the references Arnive and Klingsor. We learn that Klingsor
"Came from
the land of Ethisne,
where forth
from fair Paradise Flow the streams of the river Tigris, and he thought him that heathen wise, He should win the Grail and should hold It."
Parzival:
JESSIE L.
WESTON.
We
read that Kondrie and her brother were
Queen Sekundille to serve Anfortas, of whose renown she had heard. The King of the Grail sends the dwarf to serve the Lady Orgeluse > and we see that Kondrie dwells at Chateau Merveil and must obey Klingsor. At
sent by
times she
she
is
able to serve the Grail,

to
for twice
comes as messenger
Parzival,
and she
takes food from the Grail to Sigune.
282
NOTES
We
read some weird legends of
Eve which
are related to Kondrie and the dwarf, Malcreature.
dramatic telling of the story is obscured in the Gramoflanz Book, and a brief
simple,
The
XXVI.
summary only is given in this chapter. From Book XV, Feirefis.

Chapters xxviii, xxix, and xxx, are from
XXX.
Book XVI, Loherangrain, which is Wolfram's name for the Knight of the Swan and his story
merely a suggestion of the early Lohengrin See 'The Knight of The Swan," by story. Robert Jaffray, and the chapter on the Swan
is
Knight, in "The Arthur of the English Poets,"
by
Howard Maynadier.
'The Parzival
is
book of the black
art,
not to
be understood without a key," says Hartmann Aue; but Wolfram tells us that black art might
not avail to help
men
read the story of the Grail.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE TEMPLE OF THE GRAIL

"It
was
circular in
octagon choirs,
belfry.
form and had seventy-two every two of which supported a

arches.
In the midst rose a tower with
dows and pointed
many winThe topmost point of
NOTES
the tower
283
was a ruby, out of which rose a Cross
of clear crystal surmounted by a golden eagle with
Within the building, sculpwings. tured vines, roses and lilies, twined about the pillars, forming bowers, on whose branches birds
outstretched
to flutter as if alive. At every intersection of the arches was a glowing carbuncle that turned night into day; and the vaulted roof was of blue
seemed
sapphire, in
which a miracle of
stars,
art
was
to be seen.
The
sun,
moon and
moved
in
builders,
the
placed there by the same order as the real
luminaries in the heavens.
"In the wide inner space of the great Temple, a second and smaller sanctuary was the first, but far more beautiful.
to earth."
built,
resembling This was the
place intended for the Grail, should It
come down
From
"Epics of the Middle Ages,"
WlLHELM WAGNER.
"The Temple was one hundred fathoms in diamAround it were seventy-two chapels of an To every two chapels there was octagonal shape.
eter.
a tower six stories high, approachable by a windIn the center stood a ing stair on the outside. tower twice as large as the others, which rested
on
vaulting of the tower was of sapphire, and at the top was a plate of emerald, with the Lamb and the banner of the Cross
arches.
The
284
enameled upon
sapphire.
it.
NOTES
All the altar stones
were of
Upon
the inside of the cupola of the
main tower, the sun and moon were represented in diamonds and topazes, and shed a light as of
The winday, even in the darkness of the night. dows of the Temple were of crystal, beryl, and other translucent stones. The floor was of crystal,
and underneath it, onyx, and seemed alive.
fishes
were carved out of
The towers were adorned
with precious stones inlaid with gold; their roofs were of gold and blue enamel. Upon every tower there was a golden eagle with expanded wings
which
seemed to be flying. At the summit of the main tower was an immense carbuncle, which glowed like a star and served to guide
at a distance
the Templars thither at night. the structure under the dome,

r
In the center of
was a miniature representation of the w hole Temple, and here on an altar of gold the Grail was kept."
From "Legends
of the Middle Ages," E. A. GUERBER.
"IN
This
is
HOC SIGNO VINCES"
used by the
the motto adopted by Constantine and Red Cross Knights and the Knights
It is
Templar.
said that
when Constantine went
NOTES
285
forth to meet Maxentius at the Milvian bridge, A. D. 312, there appeared in the sky a flaming cross with In hoc signo vinces "By this these words on it
sign thou shalt conquer." The victory that day
declared that he
was Constantine's and he was now a follower of Christianity.
His mother Helena had been converted to the Christian teaching through a dream in which was
revealed to her the burial place of Jesus. In memory of this discovery, Helena organized the Knights
of the Holy Sepulcher. This is the cross symbol used by Constantine.
PRONUNCIATION OF PROPER NAMES IN THE

PARZIVAL STORY.
We
find a curious combination of
French and
German proper names

cases, save
spelling,
etc.,
in the Parzival, but in all
where the words have a definite French as, Chateau Merveil, Arnive, Bon fils,
German
!"* pronun<;ia.tiQn V
"
''
.
'
should be given.
' '
__
*..*
*.:
31
1S3i

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Welfratnl

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

DONNELL LIBRARY CENTER CENTRAL CHILDREN'S ROOM

library card in this pocket.

books. per calendar day for children's

THE BRANCH LIBRARIES

3 3333 18278 8865

HERZELEIDE AND PARZIVAL

MARY BLACKWELL STERLING

WILLIAM ERNEST CHAPMAN

31 West Twenty-Third Street

BUTTON & COMPANY

DEDICATE THIS BOOK TO THE MEMORY OF MY FATHER

HENRY SOMERS STERLING KNIGHT TEMPLAR

of the Spirit, which

ye not that your body is the Temple of the I Corinthians; 6:19.

"Freemasonry is a science of morality, veiled allegory and illustrated by symbols."

one among you

to the Spirit of Truth,

upon anyone, and he Franz Hartmann.

"To know God

overcome Death and the

Gamuret Angevin, the King of Zassamank, Took

Herzeleide Queen Brought Her Child to the

with Jeschute and Sigune

Parzival's Adventure with

Overcame and Klamide, and Kingron

How Parzival was

Kondrie and of Gawain's

Became the Little Maiden

Parzival met Again with

Sigune, and of His Adventure with the Templar .151

Parzival Sought Counsel

Gawain met with

Adventure of the Chateau

Of how Peace was Declared Between Gawain and King

and of the Good Kondrie Tidings Brought 219

Parzival Healed Anfor-

Meeting and Kondwiramur

The Six Themes

Relation to Ancient Tradition

Grail Stone of the Parzival and

the Stone of the Philosophers

Notes on the Story of Parzival

Herzeleide and Parzival

Parzival and Iwanet

The Fisher King The Hermitage of Trevrezent The Arrival

THE STORY OF PARZIVAL THE TEMPLAR

who comes under

the spell of the led along a way

THE STORY OF PARZIVAL

Wolfram von Eschenbach,"

Stone of the Parzival.

much of the meanthem brings us into

THE STORY OF PARZIVAL

tunity he cannot grasp. The author of that remarkable book,

interest, but the Galahad By many of us the story

average reader that the Galahad