Third Continuation
Perceval was pleased by the service he was provided by the King and the great meal they had just ate. He noticed two beautiful girls walking across with the grail, the lance and silver trencher. He questioned the King about where it came from and who was served with them. The King explained that the holy lance was used by the Jews to hit Jesus Christ. The King explained that the vessel Joseph used to catch Jesus Christ’s blood was shielded with a silver trencher now known as the Holy Grail. Perceval asked about how the Holy Grail ended up in this land. The King stated that Joseph took Christ down from the cross and therefore he was sent to prison for forty days. He wasn’t given anything to eat or drink but Lord God would send him the Holy Grail a few times a day to stay healthy. Joseph was then let go and he brought along the lance with the grail. He ended up settling in this land and even after he passed away, the grail remained here.
Perceval asked who the appealing girls were. The King explained that the girl who held the grail was a “royal descent,” a virgin and his daughter. The other girl who carried the trencher was King Goondesert’s daughter, his niece. Perceval then asked why his sword that he had fixed before broke again. The King told Perceval that his sword was used for the “mortal blow.” He explained that Goondesert, who was his brother, was a great emperor. He was trapped in the Quingragan Castle with Pinogres that waited outside with infantry and knights. Goondesert fought and destroyed most of them however, Pinogres nephew attacked Goondesert splitting him into two, which broke the sword as well. The sword was brought to the King by his niece and she told him that the knight who would take the sword and repair it would be the knight that would take revenge for her father’s wrongful death. The King stated he damaged his nerve with that sword that same night which was the reason why he couldn’t move. Perceval then asked the King for the nephew’s name. He told the King that if he ever came across him he promised to capture him, dead or alive. The King replied his name was Partinal and warned Perceval to not underestimate the situation unless he was sure he’d be able to take revenge. Perceval replied with confidence and said he would succeed and asked the King about the candles in the tree and the knight he witnessed lying in the chapel. The King once again explained to Perceval that the fairies met by the “tree of enchantment” and because Perceval didn’t see anything when he was around the tree, it meant that he had to complete the quests on this land. The King told Perceval about the chapel and body under the altar, he stated the chapel was Built for Pinogres’ mom but Pinogres killed his mom burying her under the alter which left a curse on the chapel killing knights everyday. Perceval asked is the curse could be broken and the King replied yes, however the person attempting to break the curse had to be brave in order to break it properly. Perceval went to sleep in a very beautiful silver and gold bed that was prepared for him. The next day he thanked the Lord for his service and left.
Perceval was traveling in the forest when he saw another knight who introduced himself as Sagremor, one of King Arthur’s Round Table companions. Perceval said his name and Sagremor was thrilled to see him and stated that he was out searching for him, Gawain and Calogrenant. Perceval refused to go with him and explained he still had tasks to complete. Perceval curious again, asked why he was riding that “clapped-out nag.” Sagremor explained, he found the nag in place of his destrier in the morning. In the midst of talking, they noticed 10 knights coming towards them and one of them carried a girl while the other had Sagremor’s horse. Perceval was ready to fight these men and ordered them to release the girl. However one of the knights charged towards Perceval and Perceval was able to knock him on ground and confiscate Sagremor’s destrier.
Sagremor wanted join in the battle but Perceval demanded to only join if he needed help. Perceval charged towards another knight hitting him on his shield which broke his lance. He had an opportunity to strike back in which he did, killing the knight. Perceval grabbed his lance and charged towards the other knight killing him as well and at this point all the other knights charged towards him. However one of the knights decided to flee and was chased by Sagremor. Even though Perceval’s blade broke in the middle of the fight, he was still able to defeat the knights. Although he did end up with a cut on his leg. Afterwards, Perceval was left with the girl who asked him to take her to her castle. On the way to the castle Perceval was given a beautiful saddle by the knights of the castle in honor of saving the girl. Once in the castle, with great respect and care, the girl showed Perceval his bed. Perceval stayed at this castle for a month until his leg recovered.
As for Sagremor, he chased the knight into a gate (knight’s residence) and threatened him for stealing his horse. In the meantime four other knights showed up to fight Sagremor, however he defeated the knights and one of them finally surrendered. Sagremor stated he would stop if he promised to always offer lodging to knights in need and the knight agreed. Sagremor lodged at his place that night and was well served. He left the following day, however he was quite unhappy not knowing where Perceval was. He came across a castle he was curious about and stopped to find out what was going on. A lady answered and took him inside the castle, he asked why there were palisades surrounding the castle. She explained that this was the Castle of the Maidens and a knight by the name Tallides was in love with one of the maids, but she was against it and that was why Tallides and his men were outside. Sagremor offered to fight Tallides and lady was very happy to hear this and she led him to his bed. The next morning he asked when the knight would be there and the lady stated he needed to go to mass first to be safer. In the meantime Tallides entered the castle with his men demanding for the girl he had loved. He did accept to fight Sagremor and stated if he lost, he would leave the castle and the girl alone. The battle began and Sagremor overpowered Tallides who eventually surrendered. However Sagremor told him he needed to surrender to the lady that he had troubled so much. Tallides refused, but Sagremor stated that if he wanted mercy that was what he had to do. Tallides went to the lady to surrender but the lady said he didn’t have to be her prisoner and that he was free to go. Tallides was happy but again asked to have the girl he loved and the lady realized his love was true and finally agreed to give the girl to him.
As Sagremor left, he noticed two knights in shelter made out of tree branches raping a girl. He killed the two knights and gave the girl a ride to her house. Once they arrived, her brother asked Sagremor what his wound was from, the girl explained and the brother immediately stated that his father could help with his wound. The father treated the wound and bandaged it up.
Nicole Magee, Third Continuation Pages 495-51
The Queen and Gawain are lamenting the death of a young Knight who, under Gawain’s protection, suffered murder. A beautiful maiden dressed in red and riding a beautiful white mule quickly approaches looking for Gawain. Kay tells her not to rely on Gawain’s help, because he will let her down. The maiden is seeking Gawain’s help in defending her honor and her land after the death of her brother. Her brother was the Knight who died under Gawain’s protection. The Knight’s death weighs on Gawain as well does the fact that Gawain fell asleep instead of asking about the Grail. He finds comfort in the thought that he may once again find the castle, and find the answers about the Grail. The maiden tells Gawain he did not learn about the mysteries of the Grail because of his sin. Gawain agrees to fight for the maiden and the set off.
They enjoy the hospitality of many on their journey. One day, they come upon a crowd gathered around two youths trying to throw a stripped maiden into a bonfire. A Knight claims that the maiden has killed her brother in an attempt to seize his land. The lamenting crowd denies this and explains that the maiden did not kill her brother, but that she holds a Knight captive. Gawain fights the lying Knight, rescuing the maiden. The Knight falls into the bonfire during his battle with Gawain and burns to death. Gawain asks the maiden for the Knight she holds captive as payment. The maiden tells Gawain that the Knight she holds captive killed her brother. Gawain sets the Knight, Dodinel, free. Gawain and the original maiden leave. They meet three Kings, who are nephews of the Knight killed in the bonfire. They want to fight Gawain to avenge their Uncle’s death. Gawain kills two of the Kings and sends one King to the maiden Gawain rescued from the bonfire. The King fears the maiden, but Gawain assures him that the maiden will treat him well when he tells her it is Gawain who sent him. The King goes to the maiden and she lets him go freely. They bury his brothers together.
Gawain and the original maiden reach her homeland. Her people are lamenting. She tells Gawain that King Margon wanted her to marry his son, Quagrillo, but she refused because she loved another Knight. King Margon killed the Knight, and she avenged the Knight' s death by killing Quagrillo and catapulting his body onto King Margon’s tent. The outraged King and is threatening to seize her land and put her to death if she is not able to defend herself against him. Her brother was supposed to defend her, but he was slain while under Gawain’s protection. Gawain successfully defends her and King Margon submits to the maiden and agrees to go to the Queen and King Arthur. When King Margon learns Gawain’s name, he is happy to go to King Arthur’s Court. He sets out with his 100 Knights.
The maiden then asks Gawain to avenge her brother by killing Kay. Gawain agrees. The maiden presents Gawain with a lance decorated with a red pennon emblazoned with a white lion to use in slaying Kay.
Meanwhile, King Margon and his 100 Knights set up camp. A hunchback dwarf approached the King and tells him that Gorgaris is threatening to rape and kill the King’s sister, The Lady of Malehaut. King Margon sets out with his 100 Knights to save his sister. King Margon forced Gorgaris to yield to The Lady of Malehaut, and she kept Gorgaris prisoner for seven years. King Margon continued to King Arthur’s Court with his 100 Knights. King Arthur made King Margon a Knight of The Round Table, and gave him the title The King of 100 Knights.
While on his way to King Arthur’s Court to avenge the death of the maiden’s brother by slaying Kay, Gawain comes upon the maiden’s niece and a Knight in a tower. The niece has the Knight battle Gawain to avenge her Uncle Silimac’s death. While the battle is underway, the original maiden arrives, and puts the battle to an end. She explains that Gawain is on his way to avenge Silimac by slaying Kay. Gawain and the original maiden make their way to King Arthur’s Court where Gawain battles Kay and defeats him. Kay, however, refuses to surrender to Gawain, putting Gawain in the dreadful place of having to decide between killing Kay and not honoring the maiden’s wishes. No one realizes that Gawain is the Knight who has defeated Kay.
The King, Queen, and all of Arthur’s Court are lamenting for Kay. The King asks the maiden to release Gawain from his obligation to kill Kay. She does and she leaves with Gawain. Gawain is very worried for Kay’s life, because the wound he inflicted on Kay could be a mortal wound. The maiden returns home, and Gawain takes to the road for new adventures.
One day, while journeying, Gawain meets his brother Agravain. They are overjoyed to see each other. Gawain asks about Kay, and Agravain confirms that Kay is well after eight weeks recovery in the infirmary. As they are talking, five Knights come galloping in on them. Agravain defeats Patriz of the Mountain. Gawain defeats Gilain. The other three Knights flee toward a forest. Patriz of the Mountain and Gilain set off for King Arthur’s Court. When they arrive they surrender to King Arthur. The King was overjoyed and pardoned them imprisonment out of love for his nephews, Agravain and Gawain. Agravain and Gawain journeyed on together for a week until the arrived at court. The King and Queen welcomed and honored the brothers. They were thrilled to see Agravail, but that was nothing compared with the honor they showed to Gawain.
Christopher DuBos, Third Continuation Pages 513-534
Perceval laid sick at the castle for a month without eating or drinking. Once he had healed, he left the castle, thanking the maiden for the lodging, which was the best he had ever experienced. The maiden gave Perceval a hauberk of gold and silver mail, and he rode away into a forest.
After he left the forest, a destructive storm of lightning and hail began. Perceval took refuge in a chapel, in which there was a knight’s body with a candle next to it. A black hand crashed through one of the windows and put out the candle. Perceval threw his lance at this hand, which then caught the lance and broke it. Perceval tried to catch the hand and saw The Devil with a 12-foot long sword (which was on fire). As Perceval began to pray, the giant demon with the black hand tore off part of the roof, and Perceval remembered a veil that the Fisher King told him would be in this chapel in a cabinet. The demon tore down a beam and set it on fire, and soon the blaze spread throughout the chapel. As Perceval attempted to go get the veil, the demon grabbed him. Perceval did the sign of the cross and a terrifying lightning bolt struck the demon, and Perceval fell unconscious. Perceval woke and found the cabinet. It contained a golden vessel which held the veil and a pitcher of holy water. He immersed the veil in holy water and used it to extinguish all of the flames. Then the storm also stopped. Perceval returned the items to their golden vessel and went to sleep.
When day broke, the candle lit itself (and it would stay lit until the world’s end). Perceval woke and rang the chapel’s bell, and a 100-year-old man in a gray cloak entered. He explained that 3,000 knights had tried and failed to defeat the demon. The man the said he was a priest, and Perceval and a group of brothers helped him bury the dead knight. In the graveyard were the weapons and shields of the defeated knights, hanging from tree branches. Perceval decided to read all of the inscriptions on the 3,000 tombs, and then went to his new lodging at the brothers’ house, accompanied by the priest. The priest asked about Perceval’s life and he told him of his adventures to win honor. The priest tells him that his soul will be damned unless he stops killing and turns to a life of kindness. Then they went to bed. In the morning Perceval made confessions to the priest, who told him to only kill in self-defense.
Perceval went off and was attacked by a knight, knocking him off his horse and breaking his lance. The knight grabbed Perceval’s horse by the reins and galloped away quickly. Perceval pouted under a tree and then a black horse came toward him. Perceval jumped on the horse and it just went nuts and crashed into trees. It went up to a cliff and was upon to toss Perceval off when he did the sign of the cross. The horse dropped Perceval and jumped off the cliff into a river.
Rain began to fall and Perceval saw 3 whirlwinds, each containing fire and, strangely, the face of a leopard. Perceval saw a boat in the river with a girl in it. When the boat reached the shore the rain and whirlwinds ceased, and the girl got out of the boat. Perceval then realized she was Blanceflor! They kissed and set up a pavilion. Some servants started serving them food but no one said grace. After dinner, Perceval and Blancheflor went to her bed. Before they could make love, Perceval did the sign of the cross and the maiden, who was actually a demon maiden, leapt away and swept away the bed and pavilion. The boat had also disappeared, and Perceval prayed to God to get him away from this place. Another boat then appeared with an old man on it. The man told Perceval that Jesus sent him and told him to hop aboard, and he did.
They arrived at a castle called Lindesore. Upon exiting the boat, Perceval received a new horse. Afterward, he was challenged by a knight who asked him to pay a toll. He defeated the knight and mercifully spared him, sending him off to King Arthur’s court as a prisoner. Perceval went off toward some plains and found a maiden in a pavilion. She was then abducted by a knight, and Perceval pursued them. He caught up with the knight and fought him. After defeating the knight he sent him to King Arthur’s court, and brought the maiden back to her pavilion. Her lover, Dodinel, had just returned to find Perceval returning with her. Dodinel was angry until he heard the explanation, and then he realized who Perceval was. They had a short reunion before a lady rode up to tell Perceval that Blancheflor’s land was being ravaged by Arides of Escavalon. Perceval then left to save her.
On the way, Perceval’s horse got a nail in its hoof. The band went to a nearby smith, who healed the horse and identified himself as Trebuchet, the forger of Perceval’s broken sword. Perceval handed him the sword and he quickly fixed it, asking Perceval to never draw it unless he truly needed it.
Perceval went to Beaurepaire and Blancheflor kissed him more than 30 times. They slept, and in the morning Perceval went outside to battle with Arides. Perceval defeated him and, astonishingly, sent him to King Arthur’s court as a prisoner. Blancheflor was happy and implored that Perceval stay until Pentecost, but he refused because he promised King Arthur he would be at court.
Perceval saw a cowardly knight riding around and chastised him for looking so shameful. They approached a band of knights and rogues who were attempting to burn two girls. Perceval began killing the knights, and one of them attacked the cowardly knight, cutting off a piece of his shield. This angered the cowardly knight and he split the enemy’s head with his sword. He defended himself against a second knight, killing him, and decided to aid Perceval and cease being a coward. He and Perceval killed the remainder of the knights and rescued the girls. The rogues ambushed them in the forest and shot Perceval in the thigh with a poisoned arrow. The formerly cowardly knight killed the rogues, and the band headed to the ladies’ castle. A doctor removed the arrowhead and Perceval laid in bed for 2 months, with the other knight by his side.
Darline Portillo, Third Continuation Pages 534-554
During a feast at King Arthur’s court, the king and the knights are concerned about Perceval’s absence from whom they have not heard a word. The knights vow to search for him, and the next morning, they leave Camelot.
While riding through a forest, Boort comes upon a dilemma of saving his brother or aiding a maiden that is about to be assault. He decides to save the maiden and kills the vicious knights. Then, he encounters a comely girl who gives him direction, but Boort gets lost. Meanwhile, Gawain who is looking for Perceval, comes upon Lionel and the ruthless knights. He saves Lionel and takes him to a nearby house where he is treated. Prior to Lionel’s recovery, both Lionel and Gawain set out together and part ways. At this instant, Lionel resents Boort and pledges to kill him.
Whilst still looking for Lionel, Boort comes upon a demon disguised as his brother. The demon tries to lead Boort astray, but it is defeated by Boort’s sign of the cross. In due time, Boort finds Lionel, who immediately challenges him to a duel. Lionel leaves Boort unconscious and is about to sever his head when Calogrenant interferes. Then, Lionel and Calogrenant start fighting, which results in Lionel killing Calogrenant. Boort recovers and is about to defend himself from Lionel, but they are interrupted by a cloud that warns Boort and leaves Lionel unconscious. After Lionel regains consciousness, the brothers reconcile. Shortly thereafter, they meet a priest who helps them bury Calogrenant. After that, they go their separate ways.
Once Perceval recovers, Perceval and the cowardly knight join a tournament, where they come to battle and defeat Gaherïet, Mordred, Baudemagus, Lionel and many other knights. In time, the cowardly knight renounces his cowardice. Next, Perceval changes the cowardly knight’s name from the Fair Coward to the Fair Bold Knight, and they both part ways.
Perceval lodges at a hermitage where he goes to church and confesses his sins. In due time, he meets a wrecked Ector, who defies him. They have a ferocious battle that results in both passing out due to exhaustion and the loss of blood. At midnight, an angel holding the Grail appears and circles them three times before departing. This act heals them, so Perceval tells Ector that they have just saw the Holy Grail. Then, they forgive each other and part ways.
Perceval sets out to find Partinal. He comes upon the Red Tower, and in this castle, he sees a gold shield that hangs from a pine. He takes it down and smashes it, which results in a boy using his horn to call Partinal. Partinal comes to meet Percival and finds the shield in smithereens, which makes him furious. He fights Perceval, and Perceval wins. Then, Perceval severs Partinal’s head, collects the shield, and heads to the house of the Fisher King.
Perceval rides aimlessly until he finds the Fisher King’s castle. He presents Partinal’s severed head and his shield to the king. The king orders for a pike with Partinal’s head on it to be mounted on the tower’s top. Shortly thereafter, the Fisher King throws a celebration for Perceval where the knight sees the Grail, the lance, and the silver trencher being passed before the tables three times. After the celebration, Perceval introduces himself to the Fisher King and learns that the king is his uncle, being his mother’s brother. Without delay, Perceval tells the king that he does not desire his lands, but that he will return if ever needed. Before Perceval’s departure, the Fisher King gives Perceval the black arms that the king he used to wear before getting wounded.
Perceval rides across an open country and sees pairs of laurels, pines, and olive trees, which each hang on a shield. He also notices a lance propped against each tree. Each pair of lances and shields was a different color: green, white, yellow, indigo, red and the last one was a mixture of all the previous colors. As he headed the way to the last shield, he noticed six knights being served by four girls. Perceval fights and defeats all six knights and orders them to go to King Arthur’s court. The knights were Salandre of the Isles, Dinolsoldre, Monastide, Lactor, Enariste, and Gorgone. The next morning, King Arthur and the knights receive Perceval with joy. Without delay, each of the knights tells his journey in full detail. The king gets upset to learn about Calogrenant’s death. Then, the king has the name and adventure of each knight written, sealed, and stored in a cabinet at Salisbury. Afterward, they dine and feast for 8 days. In the midst of the celebration, a damsel arrives at court and hands Perceval a letter that says that his uncle has passed away and wanted Perceval to be crowned the new king of Cobernic.
King Arthur and all the companions make their way to Cobernic to attend Perceval’s coronation. Perceval is crowned on All Saints’ Day. After the coronation, they all sit together around the high table, where they see the Holy Grail, the Holy Lance, and the silver trencher being passed three times before them. As these items pass, several dishes and glasses of wine were spread to every table. The court lasted a month and every day they were served by the grail. After the court ended, King Arthur and his companions return to their land. Perceval reins Cobernic for seven years free of conflict. During his reign, he rebuilds castles and arranges the marriage of the daughter of King Goondesert with Merïen, King of Lenval, and the marriage of the daughter of the Fisher King with the King of Maronne. Not that long into his reign, he learns about Agloval’s death, which leads him to bequeath his land to the King of Maronne and retire. Perceval goes to dwell at a little hermitage followed by the Holy Grail, the Holy Lance, and the Holy Silver Trencher. After five years, Perceval is made into a priest. He serves God for the remainder of his life, which ends on the eve of Candlemas and God sets him at His right side in Paradise. After Perceval’s death, nobody else ever saw the Grail again. Perceval was buried in a tomb of gold and silver at the Castle of Adventures beside the Fisher King.
