Gerbert's Continuation

(Emily Nguyen - pgs 339-361)

Beginning

           Perceval is at the Fisher King’s castle, and he asks the king about the grail and the lance (which displays a difference from the De Troyes’ version in which he is unable to ask at all). The king tells him in response that Perceval cannot know the answer to his questions until he repents for his sins--one of the biggest ones being his mother’s death-- and then returns to the castle to repair a notch in the sword given to him by the king. The king also mentions that he knows only Perceval can learn the full truth about the grail and the lance. They go to sleep, but at midnight, Perceval wakes up to the sound of bells and a voice telling him to go back to his home to help his sister, who is currently surrounded by strangers. He goes to sleep.

Perceval Breaks His Sword

            Perceval wakes up alone in a beautiful meadow instead of in the castle. There is a river that goes through the meadow, and, confused about his situation, Perceval travels on his horse along this river in hopes that he will find his mother’s house. He comes across a red and white wall, and in the hopes that he would find someone inside the building, he starts knocking on the gate. No one replies to his knocking despite the music that Perceval hears through the door. Frustrated at being ignored, he hits the gate with the steel sword given to him. On the third hit, lightning crashes while the sword breaks in two. A man with white hair appears and tells Perceval that due to his broken sword, he has added an extra seven and a half years to his journey for learning the secret of the grail and lance. Perceval ignores his comment and asks to be allowed inside the gate because he sees everyone laughing happily inside, but the man tells him that he will not be allowed to see inside the gate anymore until he returns sin-free.

After giving advice on how to repair the sword, the man gives Perceval a short letter that is difficult to read. He tells Perceval that the letter will protect him from demons and keep him sane. He also tells Perceval that Perceval is searching for something sacred that is only available to a man who is free from sins, and Perceval is full of sins. He shames earthly pleasures and praises glory in the celestial Paradise to attempt to keep Perceval away from worldly desires such as power, fame, and wealth. The man leaves after this advice.

The Forge on the Lake

            Perceval, deciding to take the man’s advice, hangs the letter around his neck and leaves. Looking back, he sees nothing in the area where the enclosure and wall used to be. He travels through the meadow until he runs into a prosperous city with an abundance of arable and cultivated land where before, in the same place, he found a wasteland. In the town, he sees a beautiful 200 feet tall tower, which is a part of a castle named Cothoatre, next to a lake, and this lake contains in the middle of it the most charming house that Perceval has ever seen.

            A peasant working in the field tells Perceval that everyone is waiting for him in the castle, so Perceval leaves to go to the castle. The people there welcome him with joy and gratitude for restoring their land. A maiden, named Escolasse, greets him, and the author describes her as the most beautiful woman Nature has created. Escolasse reveals to Perceval that he has restored and repaired the entire country by asking about the grail and the lance.

            While talking with Escolasse, Perceval looks at the house in the lake, which is named the Lake, and asks about the blue fire that he sees coming from the chimney on the house. Escolasse tells him that the fire exists for the man inside to forge swords. She explains that the man has only forged three swords in his life and refuses to make anymore. According to the forger, one of the swords can only be broken by one hazard and can only be repaired by that man. Escolasse reveals also that since the man will die shortly after repairing that one sword, there are two serpents at the foot of his bridge to kill anyone who wants to come to repair his sword. This makes Perceval happy because he can repair his sword now.

            Escolasse and Perceval eat a marvelous dinner, and they go to bed. Escolasse offers to be intimate with Perceval, but he rejects her for fear of sinning by indulging in such earthly pleasures. This rejection upsets Escolasse, and she leaves to sleep in her own bed.

            Despite pleas from Escolasse and the townspeople for him to stay, Perceval leaves the next day to try to fight the serpents and repair his sword while everyone follows him. Upon discovering Perceval’s intentions, Escolasse and the townspeople attempt to dissuade him from fighting for fear of his death. Perceval fights the serpents and kill both of them with an axe. Perceval goes inside the house, and after initial resistance, the man, whose name is Trebuchet, agrees to fix the sword. He repairs it perfectly, and now the sword can never be broken again. Perceval returns to the town but leaves soon after against the wishes of the people for him to stay.

The Healing Letter

            Soon after leaving, Perceval hears church bells ringing for the death of Trebuchet. Perceval travels through the land until he runs into two girls hanging from a tree by their hair and two knights engaged in an intense battle. The knights collapse before Perceval can separate them, and after removing the girls from the tree, Perceval asks them about what happened. They explain that there is a pillar on top of Mount Dolorous that Merlin made years ago. Merlin put a demon inside, and should anyone who is not the most upright and boldest knight in the world ask who is inside the pillar, he or she will go insane. Thus, when the two knights, Sagremor and Agravain (Gawain’s brother), asked who was inside, they lost their minds, hung the girls on the tree, and started fighting each other, despite their close relationship.

            Perceval returns Sagremor and Agravain’s sanity to them with the healing letter he got at the gate of Paradise, and the two return to their senses but are confused as to how they obtained their severe wounds. They assume that Perceval is their attacker and prepare to fight him until the girls stop them, revealing that Perceval saved them. Perceval forgives them for their ungrateful behavior after they apologize to him. They all become acquainted and find a place to sleep for the night at the house of Gaudin of the White Shield. After dinner and wine, they all go to sleep.

The Perilous Seat

            Perceval leaves the next day after asking Gaudin to help heal the two knights. At the forest of Carlion, he hears a horn and finds a man under King Arthur’s service. The man tells him that King Arthur was coming that way to hunt the white hart of the Black Knight in the hopes of giving it to the queen, but Arthur cannot capture the hart. The queen is also coming with her ladies. The King and Queen arrive and, despite not initially recognizing Perceval, welcome him warmly upon realizing who he is.

            Perceval tells the King about his journey to search for the grail and lance, and he describes his second visit to the Fisher King’s castle. He explains that he is not worthy yet to learn the secret of the grail and the lance. Kay, who is also listening, insults Perceval and tells him that he has spent his summer accomplishing nothing but gaining attention for his impossible quest. Kay’s words offends the King, who deeply loves Perceval, and Perceval and the King shame Kay by mentioning his formerly broken arm, which Perceval broke in the past.

            They return to Carlion for dinner. Perceval notices that Gawain, Lancelot, Yvain, Eric, and twenty other knights are standing despite there being an ornate chair at the table. Confused, Perceval asks the King about the chair, and after pressing the King and making everyone else in the room upset, Perceval learns that the chair is meant only for the person destined to know the secrets of the grail and the lance. Six knights tried to sit in it before only to be swallowed up by the earth. The King cannot remove it because he promised the messenger who brought it that he would keep it there during every feast.

             Perceval sits on the chair, and the ground below him opens up. However, Perceval and their chair remain suspended in midair while the six knights who were swallowed up by the earth came back to the castle from the ground. The King asks the knights about their time beneath the earth, and they reveal that the worst suffering and fire is there, especially for “those deviants who prefer young men to girls” (351). They are thankful to Perceval for relieving them of their suffering. The King condemns homosexuals, and they continue dinner.

The Faithless Lover

             After dinner, Perceval sees a woman ride past on a mule, crying and stressing about a lover who has deceived her, and Perceval decides to leave the castle. The King, Queen, and everyone else try to convince him to stay, but Perceval leaves, explaining that for the sake of his honor, he must continue his quest for the grail and the lance.

            Perceval chases after the crying woman and asks her about her problem. She tells him that a knight wooed her, promised to marry her, and then left her after an intimate night together. Since then, he has ignored her and has planned to marry another woman soon, so the woman has been searching for her cousin, who is Perceval, to take revenge for her. Perceval, upon learning that the knight has many redeeming qualities despite his actions towards Perceval’s cousin, named Ysmaine, is now determined to make the knight change his mind and marry his cousin, so he and his cousin set off to find the knight. They stay for the night at a nice house, and they leave the next day to stop the marriage.

            They ride until they come across a wedding. When the priest asks if there are reasons why the marriage should not take place, Perceval’s cousin bursts in and declares that the groom knight is betrothed to her. Perceval rebukes the knight for his insincere actions, angering the knight and pushing the knight to call for a fight between them. The count, also the father of the current bride, arrives and asks why his daughter should not marry the knight. Perceval reveals the deceptive romance between his cousin and the knight. The knight accuses Perceval of lying and seeks to prove his innocence by winning in a fight against Perceval. Perceval and the knight fight. Perceval wins, the knight, named Faradien, marries Ysmaine, and the married couple goes to King Arthur’s court with Faradien as a prisoner. Perceval has dinner with the priest.

A Demon in the Shape of a Girl

             Perceval journeys through the forest, finds a church, goes inside, and prays to find the grail and the lance. He falls asleep outside the church. A demon in the form of a girl appears, wakes Perceval up, and tells him that she will reveal the secrets of the grail and the lance to him if he is intimate with her. In actuality, the demon wants Perceval to submit to earthly pleasures in order to sin and lose his ability to learn about the grail forever because the Devil loves to corrupt good men. Perceval rejects the demon for her unholy behavior, and the demon leaves.

The Meaning of the Broken Sword

            Perceval resumes his journey this next day and rides for a week until he finds his mother and sister’s home. His sister greets him happily, and they eat dinner. Perceval is treated with extravagant clothing, food, and pampering. The next day, he takes his sister to the holy hermit who lives near their mother’s tomb. Perceval talks to the hermit about his sufferings during his quest for the grail, and the hermit responds that Perceval should aim to repent for his sins to prevent the gates of Paradise from closing on him. The hermit explains that there are two edges to a knight's sword: one edge that protects the Holy Church and one that protects with an earthly edge the Christian people. Unfortunately, the knights use the earthly edge to hurt the people instead.

            Perceval and his sister leave the hermit and return home. At the end of the week, Perceval decides to continue his quest for the grail and the lance, and he convinces his sister to leave with him. She agrees, and they both leave, bringing sadness to the servants (who raised Perceval’s sister for ten years when she had no family to do so) and to Perceval’s sister.

(Lindsay Garrett - pgs 361-383)
 

Perceval Learns His Mother’s Name
 
  After an intense conversation with the hermit about Perceval needing to offer complete devotion to God in order to be “valiant and worthy”, Perceval rides along with his sister from the manor. They then encounter an armed knight by the name of Mordred who threatens Perceval, telling him he will take his sister away from him. They joust for her until they’re both knocked from their steeds and forced to commence in ground-fighting. Perceval is victorious, mounting his steed yet again and approaching Mordred, who now lies on the ground in surrender and begs for mercy. Percival is of course merciful, telling Mordred he must go to King Arthur’s court and yield as a prisoner. Perceval also insists that Mordred announce that he had been beaten by the mystery knight who had given them much difficulty in a recent tournament, and who’d proven himself a match for Gawain.

Perceval and his sister then continue on until they reach the Castle of the Maidens with it’s green walls and turrets. Perceval takes up a hammer and bangs it upon a table, at which point an older lady and her maiden appear above within the castle walls. The older woman demands to know what Perceval’s name is in exchange for safe lodging for the night. Perceval tells her his name, and that his father’s was Gales the Bald, which he only knew because the Fisher King had told him. He then lets on that he never knew his mother’s name because he never heard her say it. He also lets on how the Fisher King had told Perceval that he is burdened with sin and would not be able to discover the truth about the grail and the bleeding lance until he has “mended the notch in the sword.” The struggle to do so, he tells the lady, has caused him much trouble and strife. The woman takes pity on him, and upon informing him that he’s part of her lineage, gives him access to the castle grounds for lodging.

Upon entering the castle grounds, Perceval and his sister notice that there are no men or boys, no seneschal or constable, but only maidens, so he must stable his horse on his own. Still, the maidens take excellent care of the two of them. Inside, the older lady gives him a healing ointment said to be taken by the three Marys to Our Lord, which works instantly on his wounds. Inside the castle walls, they are treated like honoured guests.

Later during a conversation with the lady of the castle, she tells Perceval that his mother’s name was Philosofine, the lady’s first cousin, and that she was a strict devotee to God. She tells him how the two cousins had once taken the grail across the sea, and then how the “King of Kings” had called on angels to carry it away to where the Fisher King stayed, due to the land being full of sin. She then suggests that Perceval taking his sister with him on such a dangerous adventure would be a sin, and that he should leave her there at the castle. She assures Perceval that all the maidens within its walls are either virgins or chaste, probably in an effort to guarantee her safety while he’s away. Agreeing with the woman, he leaves his weeping sister behind with the maidens, and continues on with his journey, but not before learning that the lady of the castle’s name is “the holy Lady Ysabiaus.

A Stranger Challenges Arthur’s Knights

            Mordred arrives at King Arthur’s court and surrenders as he’s been asked to do, as does another man by the name of Faradien who arrives with his wife. Arthur is able to guess that the name of the man who has sent them, is indeed Perceval, and then there is a feast. After everyone has eaten a bell rings for Vespers, attended by several Bishops, some of which sing hymns. After Vespers there is clean water brought out so that the guests and the court may wash themselves.
  As Arthur is washing up, a squire bursts into the room and tells of a knight who is clad in golden armor and waiting down by the gate in order to challenge the knights of Arthur’s court! One by one his knights are prepped and sent down to the meadow in order to meet the mystery knight in combat as requested. One by one each knight is defeated, each one ending up worse-off than the last as 3,000 people look on. First Girflet the Son of Do fails and is sent back ashamed, then Lancelot of the Lake is violently un-horsed to the Britons’ shock, then Yvain Son of King Urion is defeated violently, each one having their horse led off to the watching ladies by this mystery knight, who only seems to become more powerful with each battle. Finally, Gawain is able to battle him until he’s at least exhausted.

            At this moment, one of Arthur’s minstrels recognizes the knight as Tristran, nephew of King Marc of Cornwall. He tells Arthur that Tristran is known for slaying the serpent and Morholt, as well as for falling sinfully in love with the fair Ysuet. King Marc had banished him from Lancien, at which point Tristran had sworn to wear golden armour until he had proven that he could defeat one of the renowned knights of King Arthur’s court. King Arthur then stops the battle because he believes Tristran has been sent by God. Gawain takes Tristran back to his own home where they are dressed royally. Upon being offered a broach in order to cinch his clothing, Tristran refuses, stating he will not wear a brooch or ring until he can place a ring on his beloved’s finger. The two of them ride hand-in-hand to court where Tristran is greeted joyfully and invited to stay.

Tristran’s Disguise

            During Tristan’s stay, he proves himself the best at everything he does. It is said that he is “tested by the finest and beat[s] them all!” Gawain then invites Tristran back to his home in order to challenge him to a wrestling match away from the eyes of the public. Gawain and Tristran wrestle for a bit, but Gawain must eventual admit defeat, about which the two laugh and joke.Gawain enjoys Tristan’s victorious company very much, taking him around to compete in several tournaments. The only one said to be a match for Tristran is Gawain himself.

            Tristran begins missing his beloved Ysuet, and it is said that his love for her is a “blissful torment”. He gathers some hand-picked knights of King Arthur’s so that they might journey out to King Marc’s territory. They disguise themselves as minstrels, dressing  in robes and cloaks and dawning an instrument a piece. Tristan carries a hurdy-gurdy, and is said to play it better than anyone ever has.

            Meanwhile at the castle of King Marc, him and his people ready for a tournament, during which they are expected to battle “the King of 100 Knights”. Ysuet is distraught without her beloved Tristran, who she hasn’t seen for 1 year and a half. Tristran and his knights ride through King Marc’s town hand-in-hand and in full disguise. Tristran’s hat flap is brought down in front of one eye in order to make it seem like he’s blind. Tristan approaches King Marc and shouts, “God save you my Lord King!” At this instant Ysuet feels as though she recognizes Tristran’s voice, but refuses to accept it might be him because she knows Tristran has the use of both of his eyes. Tristan and his band of men offer King Marc security and their musical talent as entertainment, and after playing a song for him, they are granted the job quite willingly due to their musical prowess.

             Meanwhile outside the city walls near a babbling stream, the King of 100 Knights and his men prep for the battle ahead. King Marc’s people prepare for the tourney as well, knowing there are many spectators expected to attend. The two sides approach the battle. Maudamodas of Galoee and Gogulor are the first pair to clash together, which begins a chain reaction; similar duels erupt all over the battlefield soon after. The battle rages on until dusk, at which point the castle group has suffered much greater losses than the outsiders. The two sides cease fighting, agreeing to return the following day after morning mass.

            Back at the castle, King Marc addresses his barons with encouragement. In the evening they feast and talk about the happenings of the day’s battle. From across the table Tristran can see his beloved Ysuet and is sad that she hasn’t yet recognized him. He then begins playing a sweet song, one that the two lovers had once composed together called Chevrefoil. She initially becomes angry at the thought that Tristran has betrayed her by sharing their song with this minstrel, but soon realizes that Tristran would never betray her, and that it must be her faithful lover after all! In the morning, the knights ask the priests to sing mass so that they can arrive at the battlefield early and honor their pledges, and all of the barons attend to hear the divine service.

Beaten By Minstrels

            The day carries on with an immense battle. Near sunset, King Marc’s side is close to being defeated. At the same time back at the castle grounds, Ysuet takes Tristran back to her chamber where they “[partake] of the pleasures that lovers do”. The narrator in this moment is sure to omit the details because as he says, he wasn’t there…

            Gawain after hearing about the soon to be defeated King Marc, persuades Tristran to come along so that they can offer their assistance to their gracious host. Tristran agrees to assist and King Arthur’s knights are readied for battle. They appear in battle as minstrels, still with their instruments around their necks, but they do very well regardless. With much thanks to the efforts of Tristran, the outsiders are eventually scattered and fleeing.

            In this moment, Perceval makes his way through the forest, downtrodden and pathetic-looking utop his exhausted and half-starved horse. He prays to God for assistance.He comes in contact with Kay who asks him about his adventures, inquiring about the whereabouts of his companions and whether he has slain the horned-beast with a spear or a club. Kay comes upon him, noting his pathetic appearance and that of his horse Sir Audigier, who he tells Perceval is near-death and useless. He offers to take the horse off of Perceval’s hands and save him for observance of Lent. Perceval then notices the instrument around Kay’s neck and threatens him for being so bold. He tells Kay that he would kill him on the spot if it weren't so demeaning to attack a “wretched crooner”. Kay then threatens to steal away Perceval’s horse and feed it to the dogs, saving it’s hide in order to make himself a new bag. At this, Perceval offers to swap his own sickly horse for Kay’s fine steed, which only infuriates Kay, prompting him to charge Perceval. Perceval, thinking Kay is nothing but a simple minstrel, turns his lance around backwards and stands still in order to await the blow. Perceval’s blow is a successful one, knocking Kay off of his horse. He then mounts Kay’s horse, and before carrying on his way, reminds Kay not to go around bothering knights. Perceval goes on to defeat several of the castle’s knights with his crude, bark-covered lance,which aides the outsiders, helping them to gain ground yet again.

Tristran becomes furious as he sees Perceval approaching. He battles Perceval well but is defeated and cannot even stand at the end of the fight. Perceval continues on, defeating knight after knight from the castle side until Gawain finally recognizes him as the powerful tourney knight who’d proven his worthiness, yet still wonders why he appears now in such a pitiful state. Gawain insists Perceval give him his name, to which Perceval insists Gawain give his up first. After exchanging names, Perceval tells him what he’d been through, what he’s seeking, and about the sword he needs to have repaired. He tells Gawain that he refuses to return to King Arthur’s court until he has proven successful on his quest. Gawain then explains the reasoning behind them wearing instruments and their intention to be spies within King Marc’s city. Perceval expresses his discomfort with being so dishonest as to spy on people. The two of them remove their helms and offer kindly gestures.

Tristran Forgiven

            The knights disguised as minstrels come clean to King Marc who then gives them license over his kingdom, except that Tristran isn’t allowed access to King Marc’s wife Ysuet without the King himself present. Ransoms are then exchanged between the two sides for kept prisoners. King Marc befits Perceval with arms and a reliable steed, and King Arthur’s knights head back home leaving Tristran behind to stay with his uncle. Gawain decides to head off on the same adventure as Perceval. King Arthur’s knights are indeed sad to lose the three of them, and upon discovery of their absences, King Arthur as well is filled with sorrow.

Gorneman and the Demon Knights

             Perceval makes his way toward a castle situated in the middle of a wasteland, where he sees 5 severely wounded knights plodding along. Upon communications, the knights invite Perceval back to their home so they might explain what has happened to them. They also assure Perceval that there is no where else to go for many miles. The 6 of them arrive at the castle where the 4 sons treat their father’s severe wounds and their own, then place their father on a bed and bringing him into the dining hall with them so that he might enjoy dinner with the group. The father tells everyone to treat Perceval with the utmost respect because he reminds him of a young man who he once turned into a knight. Perceval then recognizes the father as Gorneman the Gorhaut and announces that it is indeed he, Perceval, who he once turned into a knight. Perceval in this moment swears to avenge Gorneman’s honor by going after whoever has done this to him and his family.

Gorneman then tells Perceval about their predicament and its hopeless nature. He tells him that every morning, 40 knights appear at their gates in order to do battle with them. These 40 knights have been merciless, and killed many of their people. Every day him and his sons go out to fight these relentless knights, and no matter the outcome, they are expected to do the same every day after, as if they’re cursed. Perceval then tells his own story, and in the moment remembers the woman who he’d promised to marry, realizing that his deserting the fair Blanchflor is probably the “sin that taints [him] most”. Gorneman insists that Perceval go to mass in order to regain his worthiness, and that he must marry the girl. Only then will he be able to repair his sword and discover the secrets of the lance and grail.

Perceval offers to go to the battle the following morning in place of Gorneman in order to assist the 4 knightly sons. Perceval asks that wine and bread be brought to the men prior to heading out to battle, of which each man eats and drinks only once before leaving. The day unfolds with a ghastly, heated battle, which ends with all 4 sons in sad shape and unable to continue fighting. Perceval is left alone to battle the remaining knights, who tell him that his effort is hopeless and that they do not fear death. After finishing off the 40 knights, Perceval bandages the sons’ wounds and sends them home, insisting that he must stay behind during the night so that he might see the wondrous way in which these knights reappear daily. When the 4 sons return, they tell Gorneman what Perceval plans to do, and the 5 of them grieve for him. In the coldness of the night Perceval moves around in order to stay warm and awake until after midnight, while he awaits the mysterious wonder…

(Dana Swift - pgs 383-405)

Healing Balm

As the moon shone brightly, a light appears and Perceval hears a groan. The weird noise turns out to be a door and a huge old woman comes through the threshold. The woman carries two casks of fine ivory that are more precious than King Arthur’s treasures. Appalled by her hideousness, Perceval can only watch as the woman picks up a head of one of the dead men and pours the clear liquid from the cask onto the lips of the dead. Suddenly, the dead man regains life, jumping to his feet. The woman revives more men until Perceval leaps into action saying the potion can do her no good against him. The woman knows of Perceval, declaring he will succeed and find out the mysteries of the lance and grail, but she will not tell him. He will also obtain the healing balm if he can vanquish the revived dead men. Perceval then asks why Gorneman was attacked so many times. She reveals that the King of Waste City’s plan was to deliver these men to the mountain so they could be revived and sent to destroy Gorneman because Gorneman will guide and help Perceval. And Perceval’s destiny is to ruin the plan of the devil and bring joy to the world. Perceval wallows in the fact that he still has learned nothing of the grail and doesn’t know if he can trust the woman’s words.

            As the woman continues to bring men to life, Perceval jumps down and strikes the woman on the head. Six reborn warriors rush at Perceval and he beheads three at once. As they curse him for killing their lady, Perceval cuts another in two. The two left kill his horse and bring him to the ground. Perceval finally kills them and takes up the cask of healing balm. He wishes to save the men he just killed, and thus experiments by placing the balm on the lips of the nearest man. The twice revived man jumps to his feet and hits Perceval in the head, which pierces the helmet and draws blood on his forehead. Perceval damns him for hitting him after he just revived him. The two men battle once again. The newly revived man refuses to beg for mercy and Perceval kills him once again. Perceval then takes the balm himself to heal his wounds. Perceval is then excited to go to Gorneman to heal him and his four sons.

            Meanwhile Gorneman awakes with worry that Perceval is dead and demons will be attacking soon. A cry from the bridge alarms everyone and a girl finally asks who is there. Perceval calls up, announcing his name and how he has saved them all. Upon entering the castle Perceval relates the whole story of the woman and restored men. Gorneman wounded sons are brought forth and healed. They ask Perceval to stay, but he refuses wanting to get back to his love, Blancheflor because marriage will allow him to escape mortal sin. Together they all have a fine meal and slept soundly. The casks glow brightly in a holy way which awakes Perceval, but does not frighten him. When the castle awakes they attend Mass, which lifts everyone’s spirits and all is joyous.

Perceval Marries Blancheflor
 

            As Mass ends Perceval is eager to set off toward Blancheflor, the symbol of innocence and womanhood. Perceval eats breakfast then takes the casks and rides off through a crowd seeing him off. They rode until they saw Beaurepaire, a city of splendor and riches.

Two messenger boys ride on through the bustling streets until they see a damsel sitting at the palace door. Everyone is speechless at her beauty. Blancheflor is lamenting about Perceval, hoping he will be back soon. When Blancheflor hears Perceval is in town she runs off, only pulled back when the messengers say her dignity is lost when carried away with excitement. Instead of rushing to meet him she has the city decorated and honorable to great her love. Blancheflor sits upon a mule, decked out in jewels and ushered through the city towards Perceval. As the two lovers meet they greet in shyness and embrace in love. Perceval was honored by all for he had saved them from ruin before. At a glorious dinner that night Perceval speaks to the lords of the lands asking for Blancheflor’s hand in marriage. The Lords praise the idea and everyone celebrates more joyously. When Perceval goes to bed he lays under a coverlet that rids the user of suffering and murderous thoughts. Blancheflor debates whether to visit Perceval in his bed. She decides to go and they embrace and kiss, but decide not to go further.

The next morning knights come from all over because of Blancheflor’s invitation. They all note Perceval’s handsome stature. The two lovers rush to the church and get married. The lords and the couple celebrate again all day long. That night bishops bless the wedding bed and the couple embraces under the covers. However, they decide that possessing both chastity and maintaining their virginity would be for the best so they pray to God and then sleep without touching.

             In the morning a light from God appears before Perceval and tells him he should only touch his wife to make children and avoid sin. This messenger also tells Perceval an elaborate story of his future generations and warns him if he stops his search for the grail all the valour and strength of his line will be lost. At Mass Perceval calls forth the Lords and tell them to take care of Gorneman, who will be guardian to Blancheflor, for he is off to search for the grail once more.

            This sections ends with a proclamation that the narrator has picked up where Toyes left off and honors Gerbert's continuation.

Dragonel the Cruel
 

            Perceval sets off for the grail without delay as the people of Beurimarie weep and escort him. However, he forgot his casks of healing balm, which is referenced as the consequence of sin. Blancheflor mourns his leaving, thinking he would have stayed with her in love and joy.

            Perceval comes to a cottage with a white haired hermit and asks where he can find a place to spend the night. The hermit says he should sleep in the cottage there because the closest place, Port Molian is ruled by a wicked hand. Perceval accepts, but that night is not comfortable for the food is sparse and the bed hard.

The next morning goes to the spring and a knight rides up as he beats the maiden with him. The girl cries out that the knight has killed her true love and threatens to kill herself before allowing this murderous traitor to sleep with her. The knights says the maiden will be his and then beats her bloody. This knight then walks over to the hermit and threatens to beat him too if he does not marry the maiden and him. Perceval steps in with the declaration that this knight is mad for trying to force a woman into marriage. Perceval then gives him more advice about honoring women and God. The knight challenges Perceval to a duel so he goes to get his armour. With lances they clash in disaster. Shields splinter, lances break and the straps on the horse snap. They fight viciously until Perceval gets the upperhand, knocks the knight off his horse, tears off the helmet and punches the knight in the face until blood pours everywhere. The knights begs for mercy and Perceval says only if the knight never abuses and forces a woman again. The knight agrees and vows in the chapel with the Hermit. Perceval asks for the knights name - Dragonel the Cruel, and tells him to go surrender in king arthur’s court. The maiden, knight and Perceval eat food. The maiden notes how disgusting the food is, but Pereceval claims how how they should gives thanks not insult.

The maiden and Perceval ride off together. The maiden wishes to go back to her fallen love, not knowing if he is dead or alive. They find the wounded man under a tree and the maiden kisses him. He is alive and alarmed at Pereceval’s presence until the battle is explained. This is the moment Pereceval realizes he forgot the casks and thus tells the wounded knight and maiden to ride to Beaurepaire and Blancheflor to get healed. The wounded man gives him name - Arguisial of Carhais. The maiden is named Rohais.

The Knight of the Cart
 

Perceval sets off again through the forest until he comes upon a well fortified castle. Perceval meets a crying damsel coming out of the city. She is crying because he love has been shamed by the city’s wicked founder. She urges Perceval to not enter the gates because the Founder will take his armour and if he protests he must fight four great knights to keep his arms.  Her love tried and was shamed by the last of the four knights. Perceval says he and his horse and hungry and the threat of a fight will not stop him from seeking shelter. So Perceval rides into town as people rudely yell he will regret coming into the gates. He keeps riding until he sees a nice wagon. Inside is a crippled man who blasts his trumpet, which signals five knights and all the town to the spot. They carry with them a stripped knight. The cripple says the knight must pull the wagon through the streets carrying the cripple as people throw shoes and garage (this is the shaming custom the girl warned about). Perceval protests expresses how disrespectfully this custom is. The lord comes forth saying the same will happen to Perceval once he is defeated by the four knights and himself. However, if he wins all five fights then he will rule absolutely. Perceval takes up the challenge as a proud and noble knight. The stripped knight helps by picking out straight and strong lances then wishes him luck.

• During the first fight Perceval wins by hitting and breaking his opponent’s collarbone.

• In the second fight Perceval’s opponent flies off his horse and into water, nearly drowning.

• The third flight ends with the opponent dropping into a mud pile. Perceval criticizes him for bragging.

• The fourth opponent knight is known for never being unseated in a lance duel. Perceval however knocks him off his horse in one blow.

            Next Perceval must fight the Lord and wicked founder of the city. Their lances clash together and both men fall from their horse. At once they pick up their swords and battle in a furious action. Perceval knocks him in the head five times and the lord staggers backward. He pleads for mercy, saying he will mend his shameful ways. Perceval makes the Lord swear on the bones of Saint Amand. Two other knights find the weeping woman of the stripped knight and tell her the good news. Perceval, the stripped knight and the damel all eat a wonderful meal.

            Perceval leaves in the morning with the stripped knight and damsel. The town is said to never allow a Lord to abuse any knight. Perceval comes across a fork in the road with a sign that says the right way is safe and the left is adventurous and dangerous. Perceval, who has learned to read tells the knight to go right and he will go left, onto adventure and in search for the grail. The stripped knight says his name is Semiramin and his love is Roseamonde de Nobles Vals.

(Marisela Gonzales - pgs 405-427)

The Shield with the Red Cross
 

Perceval rode along hungry and thirsty without seeing anyone around until he came across two girls. The girls dragged a knight with burned legs, when Perceval asked what happened to the knight the girls were too upset to answer so Perceval rode on. Perceval came across a squire next with a burned knight and the same thing happened. Perceval then came across a beautiful wooden cross. At the cross he witnessed one Hermit who was repeatedly beating the cross and another who prayed and worshiped at the cross. Perceval asked why the Hermits were behaving this was but was distracted by a huge pregnant beast. He chased the beast and saw that the litter had slaughtered their mother and then attacked each other. Perceval left the scene quickly and followed a bright light that led him to a house were thirteen hermits lived. They did not have much to offer him but while he was there a girl came with a white shield that had a red cross around her neck. The shield contained a piece of wood from the cross Christ was tortured on. It was engraved on the shield that the Holy Grail and the bleeding lance could only be found by the bravest in the world who took the shield from the girl’s neck.  The shield would immediately defeat the unworthy. Perceval removed her shield and the maiden offered him food and wine for being the bravest in the world. Perceval is introduced to the Hermit king, Elyias Anais, who offers to answer any questions Perceval asks. Perceval asks about the beast and the hermits he saw and the Hermit king tells him of the importance of listening. He explains that the first hermit beat the cross because of the way Christ suffered and the second prayed because of the souls redeemed from hell. He also explains that the beast represents the holy church and the way people have become selfish and unfearful of God. The Hermit king also reveals that he is Perceval’s uncle. After mass Perceval left and forgot to ask about the shield until it was too late.

The Knight of the dragon

           Perceval came across a maiden who wore her clothes inside out and carried the body of a burned knight in her cart. The maiden explains to Perceval that she must avenge her burned lover’s death because no one else was willing to help seek revenge. She vowed to not eat meat, drink wine or change her clothes until she avenged him. After seeing Perceval’s shield she believes he will help her. The maiden tells Perceval about the Knight of the Dragon who carries a shield given to him by the devil. The shield has a dragons head in the center that is possessed by a demon who would burst into flames whenever someone challenged the knight, burning them instantly. Her lover was burned when he challenged the knight to help the maiden of the circle of God, who was being held captive by the dragon knight along with her castle and people.   The dragon knight plans on marrying the maiden and is starving her and her people until she turns herself over. Perceval agrees to help and so they go on to find lodging with nuns the maiden met before. Perceval has not eaten for several days but the next day he goes to challenge the dragon knight. However, he and the maiden run into a storm which led them to a group of men from the castle who fed them and advised Perceval to not confront the dragon knight. Perceval does not listen and challenges the knight. When the demon in the shield the knight’s shield sees Perceval’s shield he flees in the shape of a crow but first he burned Perceval’s lance. Perceval breaks the knight’s sword into pieces and they both collide killing their horses. The fight is long and bloody, Perceval is seriously injured. During the fight a girl steals Perceval’s shield. Perceval’s anger gives him the strength to defeat the knight and he offers him spiritual healing as mercy before his death. The maiden of the circle of God offers Perceval the kingdom but he just asks that the Dragon knight’s men bring food for the people and then rides off to find his shield. The maiden with the backwards clothes can finally consider her lover avenged and tells Perceval which way the girl went with the shield.

Mordrain

           Perceval travelled for a long time and could not find a trace of the girl who stole his shield. Perceval hears the sound of a bell as he is riding and he follows it to a place where he finds a monk and asks for lodging. Here Perceval witnessed a beautiful scene with an alter priest and an angel. He witnessed a man in a gold crown laying on the most beautiful receiving the body of Christ.  The man in the bed was completely covered in fresh wounds. Perceval tried to get in the room for a closer look but did not find a way in. He asks the monk about what he saw. The monk tells him a story of Mordrain and Joseph. Joseph converted people to Christianity and other deeds in the story. For this a cruel king Crudel puts Joseph and his followers in prison where he goes forty days without food or drink. However, Joseph has the Holy Grail which keeps him nourished.  The king of Mordrain found out about Josephs situation and assembled an army to save him. Mordrain’s army sets fire to everything and takes captives. Crudel and Mordrain face each other one and one and Crudel is beheaded. Mordrain finds Joseph and Joseph sees that Mordrain is seriously hurt even though his armor is intact. Mordrain suffered from never healing wounds because he looked at the Holy Grail and was punished by an angel. Mordrain would never heal or die and could only feed of the bread of Christ until a true knight saved him. SO far he has waited 300 years. Perceval was upset that he did not heal Mordrain and left.

The Ivory Chest

           Perceval is riding along and we are told that he is about to face a grave danger. Perceval comes across a castle guarded by towers and the sea. He describes the castle as one of the finest in the world. Perceval rode towards the heavily guarded castle nearly unarmed with only the sword on his belt. At the castle he is met by a lady and her two and a half year old son, along with twenty knights. Perceval asks for lodging and the lady grants it and had clothes brought to him. While dressing Perceval notices a beautifully decorated Ivory chest in the middle of the hall. When he inquiries about the chest and what is inside the lady tells him that no one knows what it contains and  the story of how it was found. The chest was brought to shore by a swan and in French it was engraved that only the true knight could open it. The ladies husband Lord Leander and his three brothers searched for a knight to open the chest, it was said that what was inside would bring them both happiness and sorrow. She also tells Perceval that the great knight Gawain tried to open the chest and was not successful. Since Gawain was a part of King Arthur’s court he was held captive. Previously the brothers father had rode to see King Arthur but never returned. Perceval is told to open the chest and when he does the body of a slain knight is revealed and in the knight’s right hand a scroll is found and in gold letters it accuses the knight that opened the chest of slaying the one in the chest. The Ivory chest let out a sweet aroma when opened and when the face of the knight was revealed the brothers recognized him as their father, the red knight. Perceval is concerned for his life and grabs an axe and Lord Leander’s young child. Perceval would not go down without a fight and threatened to use the child as a shield. He tried to explain that their father struck him first and that he was naïve. Leander offered Perceval two options, to either fight as he was unarmed with the child or to be armed as he pleased and to fight each of the four brothers one after the other. If Perceval were to beat the brothers he would gain control of all the captive knights. Perceval chose the second option.

(Joseph Hernandez - pgs 428-454)

 

The Body of the Red Knight
 

            Continuing on his quest to search for the Holy Grail, Perceval was intercepted by four brothers seeking vengeance against him. These four brothers were the sons of the late Red Knight sent to King Arthur’s court to claim Arthur’s land and his golden cup but slain by Perceval. Remembering this callous act, Perceval pleaded with the band of brothers that they spare him and make amends between all, but his words fell on deaf ears as the brothers refused to make amends with the man who cut down their father. The brothers gave Perceval two option: to be slain or face each of the four in a sequential series of battles to keep his life. Perceval agreed to the second option and prepared himself shortly for his first match against the eldest brother, Leander. They soon met in the arena and quickly engaged in fierce combat. Neither side gave an inch; receiving each blow and returning it with interest. Their battle drew on until evening, where the two called to suspend their battle until daylight. Each combatant returned to their lodging to tend to their wounds and rest to recover their strength for their continued fight. As all were resting, four wicked brothers, the ones responsible for sending the Red Knight to Arthur’s court, seized this momentary cease fire to execute Perceval and end his quest for the grail as he slept. Unaware of the closing danger, Perceval soundly slept in his bed until awoken by his minstrel of four intruders forcing their way through the door. Perceval armed himself quickly to ward off these treacherous beings and met head-on with his assailants. As these moments transpired, the young lady, Yslain, woke Leander and his brothers of the traitors seeking Perceval’s death. Enraged by these traitors, the four quickly took arms and met with the scoundrels callous enough to defile their truce. Through their combined effort, the four wicked brothers and most of their associates were captured and the remainder laid dead. After the turmoil had quelled, all returned to their lodging to recover and rest for tomorrow’s continuation. As the new day came, Perceval and Leander met once more in battle and their battle proved just as, if not more, fierce than their previous encounter. With quick wit and tactful movements, Perceval stood triumphant over Leander and again offered him and his brothers to make amends between them and forgive Perceval for their father’s death. Despite minor opposition between them, the four agreed to Perceval’s terms and made amends, no longer enemies but now allies. With this permanent truce in place, the brothers released their captive knights from captivity, and among them was Perceval’s fellow knight sir Gawain. With all that had transpired past them, Sir Gawain, Perceval, and Leander were led to a cross in the path; branching into three paths. Sir Gawain chose the path to the left in order to continue onwards with his quest. Perceval took the path to the right after being informed of its brutal nature and legend of no one returning from it. With the two parting ways, Leander turned back to return to his kingdom and his four brothers.        
 

The Hidden Knife

              Newly freed by his fellow knight Perceval, Sir Gawain continued onward with his quest until he stumbled upon a small tent occupied by a beautiful maiden and her two cousins. The voluptuous maiden, with her silver tongue, persuaded the knight to stay a night with her and her cousins on the one condition he must lay with her unarmed and bare. Stricken by the maiden’s beauty, Gawain readily agreed and was treated graciously and served fine meats and wine. As dusk drew near, Gawain quickly prepared himself for bed with his lovely hostess. Before so, he crossed himself before and noticed a slight prick upon him. It was there he discovered a knife laid hidden under; awaiting for the young maiden to be used to slay Gawain. Without doubt Gawain knew the knife’s malicious purpose and carefully hidden it in a different location in the tent. As the sly maiden came forth and embraced Gawain, she discovered her knife missing and was now at the mercy of Gawain’s sport; know fully realizing her misdeeds of treachery rebounding onto her. With cries of resistant, her cousins came swiftly to seize Gawain, but he proved too much for either of them. With quick work of the knife he hid prior, we cut down one of the two and the other narrowly escaping with his hand cleaved off. After the fighting was done, Gawain returned to his mistress and both embraced lovingly until morn. However, their night of exuberance was not meant to last as the escaped cousin found two brothers of the maiden and pleaded them to slay Gawain for what he had done. As morning came, Gawain was awoken by the alarms of his distressed lover, begging him to take arms quickly for her brothers were upon them. Quickly he took arms, but was cut off hastily by the brothers. Though at a great disadvantage, thanks to the helpful interference lent by his new lover, Gawain narrowly donned the last of his armor and mounted his horse with lance and shield in hand.  He met the furious brothers in combat. With a devastating thrust of his lance and swing of his sword, Gawain slew one brother and left the other without his arm. Gawain’s victory was but momentary as a band of 20 knights sent to retrieve the two brothers came forth. After exchanging parting words with his lover, Gawain charged forth at full speed; toppling and slaying several of the knights. Able to pierce through this barricade, Gawain managed to narrowly escape into the forest thicket and leaving his pursuers behind. This was not the last for Gawain, however, as shortly after his escape he stumbled upon a small castle. Shortly upon arrival in this kingdom, he was met with great praise and hospitality by the villagers and their ruler, Urpin. Though thankful for their hospitality, Gawain had to abide to the kingdom’s custom and tell of his recent endeavors with the young maiden and knights. It was here Urpin seethed with fury as the maiden Gawain spoke of was his daughter and brothers he fought his sons. Blinded by fury and desire to cut Gawain down where he stood, it was daughter, Gawain’s love, who beseeched to him that Gawain be put under her supervision. It was agreed and the two were left alone until morning. With borrowed time, the sly maiden conversed with Gawain and concocted a plan to where Gawain would appear hold her captive and demand to be free. As morning dawned, Upin was awake and stormed towards Gawain’s chamber to take care of this matter, but stunned at what he had found. His daughter at the mercy of Gawain, threatening to take her life if not allowed to leave freely. Instead of giving into his demands, Upin issued a challenge to Gawain that they would see battle as he would be damned to death than see him roam free of his transgressions. It wasn’t long until both met on the field, armed and readied for combat with Gawain prepared to fight valiantly and Upin boiling red with burning desire to kill Gawain. Both matched blow for blow with neither giving one side headway. Fortune was smiling on Gawain as he managed to best Upin and was ready to drive his sword into his body. He offered Upin one last chance to plead mercy, but was met with Upin expected refusal. However, Gawain’s lover, Bloesine, came forth swiftly and begged Gawain to spare her father’s life; if not for him, but for her. Gawain answered his distressed lover’s pleas and spared Upin. Triumphant in besting Upin in battle and winning his lover’s undying love, Gawain set forth and continued onward. After long days of traveling, Gawain soon saw an army of four thousand horseman in the distance bearing the royal flags of his uncle, King Arthur. He approached and was immediately recognized among the number of horseman and was quickly reunited with his uncle and his fellow knights, Lacelot, Sagremor, Kay, Yvain, and Bran de Lis.

The Worm in the Stone

            After meeting and parting ways with Gawai, Perceval continued onward with his quest in searching for the grail and learning the purpose of the bleeding lance. His quest led him down on a path rumored where no traveler has ever returned from. He soon met a hermit, who served whatever food and lodging he had to offer. He told Perceval many tales of travelers disappearing from the path never to be seen again, but these tales didn’t deter Perceval. As a new day began, Perceval set off on his way, but not without a warning from the hermit to never deceive nor trust a deceitful being. As he pushed onward, Perceval began to hear an unearthly cry from a distance ahead. Curious of this, Perceval moved toward the sound to discover its source. At the foot of the mountain, he soon came across a block made of red marble pierced by an iron spike. The cries echoed from the stone begging Perceval to release him from his stone imprisonment, which Perceval agreed to in order to learn the owner of the enigmatic voice. As the spike was removed, a small worm inched forth and moved with the speed of a serpent and disappeared from sight. Perceval, perplexed by the sudden appearance and disappearance of the strange creature, stood in terror as he realized what he had done. Shortly, he saw a beastly figure approach him; a beast with the head of a man and the body of a serpent. It was the demon he foolishly released. The demon approached him, giving thanks to Perceval for his release and spoke of his origin of being sealed in the stone by Merlin. Now freed, he is now able to cause even greater chaos and evil and lay waste to all. Perceval refused to believe the being in front of him to be the same creature that emerged from the stone. Seeing his stubbornness, the demon morphed back into his prior form and returned back into the crevice. Perceval acted swiftly and stabbed the iron spike back into place, the demon now imprisoned once more. With his triumph over the demon, Perceval advanced onward and climbed the mountain; now standing on the mountain’s peak. The demon had said he laid waste to the land a day’s travel from where the stone stood, and what Perceval saw confirmed what he was told. The countryside now laid barren and burnt with no signs of villages or castles to be seen. All that Perceval could see from the mountain top had been completely destroyed.

(Haley Alexander - pgs 454-475)

 
Lugarel the Jealous
 
          Perceval follows a path of burnt leaves into the forest where he decides to rest awhile under the statue of a fair maiden. A knight, mourning the loss of his love, charges into the meadow and threatens to kill Perceval, determined to slay everyone he meets until he finds the man who killed her. Perceval attempts to dissuade the knight from fighting, but the knight’s rage is too great and they engage in battle. The knight becomes increasingly fatigued during the battle but God watches over Perceval to keep him from being mortally wounded and he doesn’t tire as easily. Perceval is about to finish the knight off when a girl suddenly comes into the clearing and asks that he spare him. Perceval remembers the kindness of a maiden who gave him a shield and decides to honor her wishes. The girl rides off before they can get her name, and neither man can identify her. The knight tells Perceval the story of how his sweetheart was killed by a man in this same clearing while he was off hunting, and how at that moment, he had vowed to kill any man who came that way, until he was defeated. The statue in the clearing is one he had built in the likeness of his sweetheart, and it stands where she was killed. Now that he has been beaten, he says he shall live the rest of his life as a hermit and turn all his love to God. Perceval asks the knight’s name and he says it is Lugarel the Jealous, and when Perceval asks the name of his beloved, Lugarel slumps over and dies of a broken heart. Perceval decides to keep watch over the body but falls asleep, and when he awakens the body is gone, a marble tomb in its place. Perceval prays over the tomb, admires the statue, and rides away.


The Maiden in the Spring
            Perceval is riding along when he comes across a beautiful maiden standing naked in a spring. He asks who has made her stay there like that and she tells him that a knight who loved her asked her if she knew of any knight as gallant, handsome, and courteous as he, and she replied that Perceval was the most righteous knight she knew of. Her lover was so offended that he made her strip and stand in the spring. Perceval says that he’ll do whatever he can to get her out, when her lover rides up. He claims that Perceval must pay and they fight. Perceval kills the knight, beheading him, and he gets the maiden out of the spring and into some clothes. As Perceval falls asleep in her lap, a young man approaches who inquires about Perceval’s identity. The maiden tells him that Perceval is the foulest man who ever lived and asks the youth to behead him as he sleeps in exchange for her company. The youth refuses, and Perceval wakes up, having heard everything. The maiden pleads for mercy, but Perceval doesn’t wish to punish her. He merely laments the waste of such a lovely appearance on a person with such poor character, and leaves. 


The Brigand’s Girl
            Perceval comes across a forlorn-looking maiden who claims to have been attacked and kidnapped in the forest, and to have just escaped. As Perceval approaches her to help her, five men jump him and attack him. The woman had deceived him in order to lower his guard so the group could rob him. However, Perceval is able to defeat all five men. He is looking for the woman so he can slay her too, when a young boy tells him about the group of brigands who murder and steal from good fellows lured by the woman who has just run into a nearby house. He goes in and kills more brigands and the woman and burns the castle to the ground. He then comes across a lord’s fortress who treats him to a lavish dinner when he hears of how Perceval has slain the evildoers. Perceval then spends the night, and although they don’t want to see him go, leaves promptly the next morning.


The Hermit’s Injunction
            Perceval comes across a hermit’s house, to whom he confesses his sins. The hermit chastises him for leading a life of violence, claiming that knights were not meant to wage war but to uphold justice and love God. Perceval says that he will do his best, then leaves, praying to find the Fisher King. Perceval comes across a knight named Mandiex, whom he engages in battle. Perceval wins and says that he will spare the knight from imprisonment if he will deliver a message for him to the King. The knight agrees and they part ways.


The Black Giant
            Perceval spends the night at an elderly man’s house, musing over whether the sin involved in his journey has been worth it. The next day he comes across a giant who is looking for the man who killed his brother, who is revealed to be Perceval. Perceval reveals himself and they fight. Perceval manages to best the giant and meets a friendly vavasor, with whom he spends the night.