"Perceval"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the legend of "Perceval," which grew in popularity when the French writer Chretien de Troyes published a popular written version in both France and Britain. The paper focuses on the content and the plot of the legend as it was written down. The paper also briefly discusses the history of its writing, particularly the fact that de Troyes did not complete it.

From the Paper:

"The adventure of Perceval is similar to that of many other knights in these legends, beginning with the journey and the tests the hero must pass. This includes the need to maintain chastity, a test Perceval passes when he "has a close call with sexual temptation: slipping into bed with a demon in alluringly feminine form, he is only saved when his glance falls on the red cross inscribed on his sword pommel. The 'lady' and her silk tent disappear in a flash and a puff of smoke, leaving the tell-tale sulphurous stench of hell. A distraught Perceval stabs himself through the left thigh in penance" (Kaeuper 258). Such ability to resist is the mark of a knight, though many of the stories also suggest that the knight often fails this test at some point and then has to do penance to make up for his failure."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kaeuper, Richard W. Chivalry and Violence in Medieval Europe. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999.
• Loomis, Roger Sheman. The Development of Arthurian Romance. London: Hutchinson University Library, 1963.

More papers on "Perceval":

• Analytical Essay # 148170 : "Gawain and Perceval in the Arthurian Legend"
• Essay # 55467 : "Chretien de Troyes and Christ Imagery"
• Analytical Essay # 43394 : "Rituals - Way of Mythical Life"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: