WvEP-1: Prologue: A man in whose heart shame and honor are together may yet obtain happiness for Heaven and Hell have equal part in him. He who is the friend of Infidelity however is black all over whereas the man of loyal temper holds to the white. The author considers this a winged comparison which only will be grasped by wise people. The man who can follow the vicissitudes of the tale can be called a wise man. The author does not alone speak to men but to women as well, who ought to follow Modesty. A woman’s beauty may be praised but if the heart is not up to her outward appearance he will rate them as a glass bead (safer) set in gold. The heart is more important than the obvious beauty.

Motif References:

WvEP-4: The story will tell of great fidelity, of true womanhood and of the straight manly virtue of a man yet unborn to this story. Of him the tale is told and all the marvels in it. There is a custom that the eldest brother should have his father’s whole inheritance which is the cadets’ misfortune. Thus Gahmuret loses lands and castles after his father’s death in knightly combat. King Gandin is bitterly lamented and his elder son summons the lords of the kingdom. When their fiefs are confirmed they ask the king not to dispossess his brother. Galoes declares that he is willing to share everything with his brother. Gahmuret however refuses to stay at his brother’s court and will be off for adventures. He asks Galoes to give him four pages for he owns nothing but his equipment and sixteen squires. He recalls the times when he and his brother used to ride in company and take risks for the sake of love. The king is grieved by his brother’s words and promises to give him an equal share of their father’s wealth. Gahmuret then receives fine chargers and numerous vessels of gold and riches and his squires are given fine equipment. Then he goes to see his mother and the queen gives him many length of fine fabric. From his lady love Gahmuret receives costly gifts. The hero takes his leave never to see his mother, brother or brother’s lands again.

Motif References:

P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
P 251.5 Two brothers
P 251.7 Older brother has birthright.
H 1221 Quest for adventure

WvEP-13: Gahmuret has the virtues of self-control and moderation in all things and is never given to boasting. Yet he has made up his mind to serve only the most powerful ruler on earth. He has heard of a mighty monarch at Baldac, who is called in heathen tongue Baruc. In the heathen order the Baruc is equivalent to the Pope of the Christians and he gives them indulgence for their sins. The Baruc has seized Niniveh from two brothers of Babylon, Pompeius and Ipomidon, who defend themselves valiantly, when Gahmuret arrives there and enters his service as a mercenary knight. He has changed his coat-of-arms which now displays anchors as a symbol of his state as an errant knight and an exile. Gahmuret by his prowess as a knight wins great fame in heathen lands.

Motif References:

P 10 Kings [King’s famous court]
P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
V 301 (Li) Heathens and Christians
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War

WvEP-16: From Baldac Gahmuret makes his way to the kingdom of Zazamanc. There people are lamenting the death of Isenhart who has lost his life in the service of a lady, Belacane, who never rewarded his love. His kinsmen are avenging him in open war and ambush. Her land has been burnt by Vridebrant of Scotland when Gahmuret comes there. He finds the town besieged by two large armies. His envoys sent out to inquire about the town are told that it is called Patelamunt and that they are in great need of aid. Gahmuret offers his services for hire and the besieged gladly promise to give him all their riches. Yet he has no need of hire for he has brought much gold of Arabia with him and he does not wish to stay long with the people of Zazamanc who are all dark as night. The ladies from their windows take careful note of his outfit and the royal marshal is very pleased to see the stranger’s coat-of-arms. He has seen the anchor before at the Baruc’s siege of Alexandria where this knight’s prowess has been unequalled.

Motif References:

P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
P 525.3 He nearest to blood of slain man must avenge his death [Blood-revenge]
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

WvEP-19: In splendid style Gahmuret rides into town with his squires, his baggage-train and his pages. Trumpeters and other musicians are in the train. The town is in distress and there is weeping and wailing. His host receives him in a friendly way. Then the marshal takes the news to the queen that a high-born warrior has come to their aid. She asks him about the stranger and his rank. Rich robes are brought for Gahmuret and then his hosts and the knights ride up with him to the palace. When the queen catches sight of the stranger she falls in love. She is a beautiful and noble black woman and she carries a ruby crown. Belacane complains about her sorrows and Gahmuret offers his service. One of the princes tells them that mighty Vridebrant has sailed away home to free his own country (the kinsmen of King Hernant whom he slew for the sake of Herlinde are harrying him) but that he has left some excellent fighters behind. Vridebrant and his four allies brought many warriors there and many mercenaries. Down by the sea lies Isenhart’s army and his men do not stop weeping for their lord’s death in a joust.

Motif References:

V 301.1 (Li) The high-minded, noble heathen
P 525.3 He nearest to blood of slain man must avenge his death [Blood-revenge]
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege

WvEP-26: Gahmuret asks his hostess why the armies besiege her. She tells him that a brave and noble knight served her. His name was Isenhart and she let him serve her for love without rewarding him. People believe that she sent him to his death which is not true. She put him to the test to see if he would prove a lover. He gave away all his war-equipment for her sake and fought without armor. In the forest of Azagouc Isenhart met Prothizilas, a lord of her court, and both perished in the combat. Gahmuret takes Belacane’s sincere grief and her tears as a baptism although she is a heathen. Then she tells him that Isenhart’s cousin, the king of Scots, invaded her with his army. Through her tears she casts many a glance at the stranger and Gahmuret and Belacane start longing for each other.

Motif References:

W 32 Bravery
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
V 81 Baptism
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-30: His host takes him out to see the battlefield and the defenses. The besiegers’ standard shows a knight pierced through with a lance in the manner of their lord’s death. The answer of the besieged is Queen Belacane’s image in black on white ground with two fingers of one hand raised in oath proclaiming that his loss was her greatest grief. This standard is planted above the gates. The other eight gates are hemmed in by Vridebrant’s army of Christians. Each gate is in care of a prince. They have captured one of Gaschier’s counts who is a son of Kaylet’s sister and he is offering ransom. There is a knight by the name of Hiuteger who never fails to seek a joust before the walls and he thrusts his costly love-tokens through their shields and has unhorsed many of their knights. He likes to show himself and the ladies praise him. Then they ride in again and have a fine supper. The queen herself sees to her guest’s needs and honors him in every way. Their hearts are burdened with their love for each other. The lady withdraws and Gahmuret goes to his bed as well.

Motif References:

T 10 Falling in love
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege

WvEP-36: On fire from love and battle Gahmuret lies without sleep till dawn. He hears mass and rides off to jousting. His horse’s covering above the iron is of green samite and the knight’s tabard and surcoat are of green Achmardi. The shield has a costly thong and a gold boss. The queen watches with her ladies from a window. Gahmuret gallops up toward Hiuteger and overcomes him in combat. At the knight’s question Gahmuret identifies. Hiuteger surrenders and is sent in. Then Gahmuret defeats Gaschier of Normandy and sends him to the army of the Scots to force them to stop the fight. He has to follow him in town after that. The order is duly carried out. When Kaylet rides up Gahmuret turns aside since he is his cousin. Kaylet’s helmet displays an ostrich-crest. He is clad in fine silk with little bells on it. Kaylet outshines all in beauty but two of a later generation: Lot’s son Beacurs and Parzival. Gaschier tells him not to fight the Angevin for he has promised to turn them all from battle. As Kaylet gets to know that the challenger is his cousin he refrains from combat. The townsfolk hurries along to watch the jousting.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
P 205 Refusal to fight relatives
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
F 575.2 Handsome man
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-41: Gahmuret defeats Razalic of Azagouc, who is fighting in a black lady’s service, and takes him prisoner. He orders him to turn back his men coming in the direction of the town and then to follow him in. Meanwhile Gaschier has arrived there too which tells Gahmuret’s host that his guest has left for fighting. Fearing for his honor if the knight is overwhelmed in the fighting he hurries toward the gate with his men. The sight of a heathen shield, a helmet and a sword brought in by a squire makes him glad. Then he gallops to the field and leads Gahmuret in town again. Lahfilirost tells Gahmuret that by defeating Razalic who is lord of all the Moors he has ended all their troubles. The queen comes to meet Gahmuret and leads him through the town for all to see. When they come to the palace she sends away the squires with the knight’s horse and disarms him with her own hands. Gahmuret and Belacane are left alone in a chamber and they yield to their love though their skins do not match in color.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
T 121 Unequal marriage
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-45: The townsfolk brings rich offerings for their gods. The princes of Zazamanc come to the palace to thank the champion who has defeated 24 knights. Three noble captives come riding to the court. Gahmuret who now is lord of all these lands is attired in magnificent robes. The queen leads him out and proclaims that she and her lands now are subjects to this knight. Gahmuret makes the request that Razalic, Gaschier and Hiuteger kiss the queen and asks her to free his relative, the young count Killirjacac. The beautiful youth, who resembles Gahmuret, has gone to war in a lady’s service. He is made to kiss the queen and Gahmuret. At Gahmuret’s question he tells that he has been brought to the wars by Gaschier for whom he asks his relative for mercy. Then Kaylet is sent for and received with affection. Kaylet’s uncle Schiltunc has made him join this expedition for Vridebrant is his son-in-law. Some of the bold warriors he brought have since gone away, among them two kings from Greenland with their troops and Morholt. He will dispose of his men as his lady instructs him. Then he asks Gahmuret what brought him there.

Motif References:

Q 53.3 Maiden queen offers her hand as reward for rescuing her town
T 68.1 Princess offered as prize to rescuer
T 121 Unequal marriage
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)
N 746 Accidental meeting of cousins

WvEP-50: Kaylet declares that he did not recognize Gahmuret’s anchor and therefore did not know that he challenged his relative. But Gahmuret knew his ostrich and the serpent’s head on his shield. Kaylet praises Gahmuret’s achievements. Then Razalic is summoned and Kaylet speaks to him. He says that the land of Azagouc recognizes their new lord for Isenhart was killed in Belacane’s service. If Gahmuret will follow chivalric custom and make amends for Isenhart he will become his liegeman. Isenhart’s body lies embalmed with the army and Razalic draws the spear’s head from his bosom by a silken cord – he is wearing it next to his bare skin. Then Killirjacac is sent with his message and a ring to the army to summon the princes. Gahmuret enfeoffs the princes of Azagouc and then the lords of Zazamanc. Prothizilas has left a duchy which Gahmuret gives in fee to Lahfilirost. At the lords’ of Azagouc request Gahmuret sets Hiuteger and Gaschier free. They urge Hiuteger to make the king a present of the tent. It cost them Isenhart’s life that the precious helmet of hard adamant was given away to Vridebrant. Hiuteger promises to recover the helmet from his lord and to return it. Then all the princes take leave from the king. Although his lands have been ravaged Gahmuret bestows riches on his vassals and kinsmen, which pleases the queen too. Isenhart is buried with royal honors.

Motif References:

H 30 Recognition through personal peculiarities
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
H 82 Identifying tokens sent with messenger
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Q 112.0.1 Kingdom as reward
Z 150 Other symbols
P 681 Mourning customs
P 683 (Bm) Embalming

WvEP-54: They leave a year’s revenue from Isenhart’s lands to Gahmuret who decrees that they should retain Isenhart’s possessions. Next morning the besiegers leave the field before the town, only the tent is left behind. The king commands it to be taken aboard his ship, telling them that he would take it to Azagouc, but he is deceiving them. Gahmuret stays there but finding no deeds of arms to perform his happiness soon turns to sorrow though he loves his wife who is a virtuous lady. He asks his shipman to make ready for sea in secret and has his gold brought to the ships. That night he sets sail and leaves his wife who is twelve weeks with child. Gahmuret leaves her a letter in French telling Belacane that he had to leave her because she is a heathen although his passion for her gives him endless torment. If their child would be a son he will be brave. His kin is subject to love and bravery. Both his grandfather Gandin and Gandin’s father Addanz met their death in battle. The latter who was a Bertune and Utepandragon were the children of two brothers, Lazaliez and Brickus. Their father was Mazadan, who was lured to the land of Feimurgan by the fairy-woman Terdelaschoye. In the end the letter says that Belacane could still win Gahmuret if she were baptized. Belacane wishes to be christened if only Gahmuret came back to her.

Motif References:

T 121 Unequal marriage
Z 202 (Bm) Fanciful ancestry of hero
T 230 Faithlessness in marriage [love]
F 302.3.1.3 Man is carried to fairyland by fairy and marries her.
F 305 Offspring of fairy [dwarf] and mortal
H 1221 Quest for adventure

WvEP-57: Belacane is in grief for Gahmuret. When her time has come she is delivered of a son whose skin is both black and white like a magpie’s. The queen gives the boy the name Feirefiz the Angevin and he becomes a brave hero. After more than a year Gahmuret is still at sea. He comes upon a ship bringing messengers from Vridebrant to Belacane asking her to pardon him for having attacked her and bringing her the adamant, a sword, a hauberk and a pair of greaves. They make it all over to him and Gahmuret promises to deliver the message when he returns to the queen. The hero comes to a haven from where he goes to Seville after he has richly rewarded his mariner. Gahmuret’s cousin Kaylet is the king of that land of Spain and he sets out for Toledo to find him. But the king has left in search of tournaments. Gahmuret has made many lances each displaying his coat of arms, the three anchors, and makes ready with a splendid train to range after his cousin. Finally he comes to a camp of foreign knights before the town of Kanvoleis in the land of Waleis. He sends a squire to find lodging in town.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
F 527 Person of unusual color
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

WvEP-60: The houses are covered with shields and palisaded with lances of the knights who have come into town. The Queen of Waleis holds a tournament at Kanvoleis and offers two lands and her person as prize. The queen and her ladies are sitting at the windows when Gahmuret’s squires are raising his luxurious tent. When it is ready Gahmuret prepares to ride up in great style. The news have reached the queen that a stranger from a distant land has arrived: A page has told her that he is the rich king of Zazamanc and his attendants are both French and heathen. She sends him to inquire. Meanwhile Gahmuret is marching through the town in high state and the din of his train is heard all over the town. The noble knight is very handsome and his robes are exquisite. He is impressed by the queen’s radiance. A knight tells Kaylet of his cousin’s proud arrival and that the famous tent which he acquired at Patelamunt has now been reared on the Leoplane. He carries green banners and his coat of arms, the three ermine anchors. Kaylet sends messengers to Gaschier and Killirjacac and they go to Gahmuret’s pavilion to welcome him. Gahmuret asks them what knights have come to attend the tournament. They tell him that many knights of distant lands have come in service of their ladies. King Utepandragun has brought many Briton knights.

Motif References:

T 68 Princess offered as prize
H 331.2 Suitor contest: tournament
P 561 Tournaments

WvEP-66: King Utepandragun has lost his wife, mother of Arthur, three years ago. She went off with a priest versed in magic and her son chased after them since. Lot of Norway, his son-in-law, and his son Gawan, who is only a boy but already eager for deeds of arms, are here, the king of Patrigalt, the daring men from Portugal, the Provencals with their colored blazons, the Waleis, they are all encamped inside the town. Among those who have camped on the field outside are the king of Ascalun, the king of Arragon, Cedegast of Logroys and Brandelidelin king of Punturteis, Lähelin, Morholt of Ireland, the Alemans, the duke of Brabant who has been given Alize the sister of king Hardiz of Gascony as a reward in advance for coming with him to this tournament. Then Kaylet rides back to his tent. The Vesper Tournament begins and soon Gahmuret makes his way there to watch the jousting. The queen and her ladies are watching the warriors from the palace.

Motif References:

R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted
R 39.1 Abduction by magician.
T 481 Adultery
P 561 Tournaments
H 1385.15 (Bm) Quest for lost mother

WvEP-69: (29) At this time the king of France has died and the queen has sent to Kanvoleis to inquire if Gahmuret has returned from the heathen lands. The queen is longing for him and the knight used to serve her for her love. Many a brave knight does great things at Kanvoleis not aspiring to the tournament’s high prize but for other riches. Gahmuret is caparisoned in the armor sent as a gift from Vridebrant of Scotland to make amends for the war to Gahmuret’s wife. It is very precious. Gahmuret’s helmet is the Adamant which they adorn with the Anchor. He has a shield with a boss of gold and adorned with a sable Anchor. He wears a fine tabard made of a fabric shining like fire and made from the gold torn from a rock in the Caucasus by the claws of griffins. They guard it there and people from Arabia go to obtain it by guile to work green Achmardis and rich brocades from it.

Motif References:

B 42 Griffin
N 575 Griffin as guardian of treasure.
F 752.1 Mountain of gold
F 821.1.1 Golden clothes
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor

WvEP-72: Gahmuret leaps into the saddle and turns to jousting. He overcomes many fighters and obtains their surrender. Kaylet’s ostrich follows Gahmuret’s anchor. Gahmuret gives his captured horses to the poor knights. Four troops with identical banners displaying a griffin’s tail ride against him. The griffin’s forward half is born by the King of Gascony. Gahmuret makes him prisoner. There is a great melee and many knights are unhorsed. The ladies watch the fighting which goes on in a fury. Kaylet unhorses Lambekin of Brabant and the king of Arragon downs old Utepandragon who is covered by his followers. Gahmuret unhorses the king of Punturteis, but Kaylet is taken prisoner by his men. Many beautiful noblemen who came there for the sake of love are treated roughly.

Motif References:

P 561 Tournaments

WvEP-76: Meanwhile the chaplain of the queen of France, Ampflise, arrives with three pages and greets Gahmuret on behalf of the Queen who is in love with him. The chaplain hands him her letter with greetings and a ring as a token which the lady once had as a gift from the Angevin. She urges him to return to her and to receive from her hands crown, scepter and kingdom that have come to her by heritage. He should be her knight at Kanvoleis and she sends him costly gifts. Being lovelier and mightier than the queen of Waleis she does not care if the lady of Kanvoleiz sees this. If Gahmuret would requite her love he will be king of France. Having read the letter Gahmuret arms again and engages in combat. In their fury the fighters do not care any more for friendship or the rules of chivalry. If a man wins anything he keeps it. Gahmuret complies with Ampflise’s request to be her knight and excels in fighting. He takes king Schaffilor of Arragon prisoner. The vesperie has turned a thorough-going tournament. Lähelin grows furious and attacks Gahmuret who unhorses and captures him.

Motif References:

T 51 Wooing by emissary
T 55 Girl as wooer. Forthputting woman
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
H 82 Identifying tokens sent with messenger
T 92 Rivals in love

WvEP-80: Gahmuret stops fighting as a prince from Anjou comes with upturned shield toward him: Gahmuret knows the blazon. His brother Galoes gave it to him before he was killed at Muntori for the sake of his love for a noble queen who subsequently died of grief for his death. Gahmuret unlaces his helmet and stops jousting. Gahmuret rides back to his tent followed by a page of the queen of Waleis. The boy carries his pierced tabard and shows it to the ladies. The queen says that Gahmuret has won most praise. The others continue their jousting till nightfall. Gahmuret sits in his pavilion where many fine quilts and carpets are spread. The queen of Waleis rides up with her ladies to have a look at him. Gahmuret and the captive kings welcome her politely and she welcomes him with a kiss. At his request she kisses the lords as well. She makes Gahmuret sit near her. Her name is Queen Herzeloyde, her paternal aunt is Rischoyde the wife of Gahmuret’s cousin Kaylet. The lady is so radiant that they could do without candles. After a while cup-bearers appear with magnificent goblets, which Isenhart gave to Belacane in hope for her reward. The guests are offered drink.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 81 Death from love
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
P 681 Mourning customs
F 1041.1.1 Death from broken heart

WvEP-85: (5) Two knights ride up to the tent, who have been taken by the outer company and are now returning on parole. Kaylet, who is one of them, asks Gahmuret why he is downcast although he has won the lady Herzeloyde and her lands. He asks him to release the lord Brandelidelin for otherwise he and his nephew will be held to ransom. The vespers have been such hard going that there will be no tournament at Kanvoleis. Queen Herzeloyde requests that Gahmuret satisfies her claims on him. At this Ampflise’s chaplain objects and says that his lady should possess the knight since she loves him more than any other woman. He presents her three princely envoys who are Lanzidant from Greenland, Liedarz fil li cunt Schiolarz and Liahturteltart, the son of Beaflurs and Pansamurs, who both had fairy ancestry.

Motif References:

T 68 Princess offered as prize
T 92 Rivals in love
Q 112.0.1 Kingdom as reward
Z 202 (Bm) Fanciful ancestry of hero
H 331.2 Suitor contest: tournament

WvEP-88: The envoys say that Gahmuret should take the love of the queen of France. Herzeloyde asks Kaylet, whose wife is her aunt, if he has received injuries and she feels his bruises. Then she tells Gahmuret that he should let her bring her case to court and he gives his word. After the Queen has left Kaylet goes back to his friends and asks Hardiz to put aside his anger for Kaylet once accepted his sister’s Alize love who now is married to prince Lambekin. Meanwhile Gahmuret is suffering grief from his old love and Kaylet blames him for his inconsiderateness. Gahmuret says he cannot help longing for Belacane whom he left for she kept him from chivalry. He did not run away from her black skin for she was an excellent woman. The other thing he has to lament is the death of his brother Galoes, who died in the service of the queen of Averre. For his sake his companions have turned their shields’ broad ends. Gahmuret asks Kaylet how his mother takes Galoes’s death and he tells him that she has died from grief for the death of her husband Gandin and her son Galoes. Gahmuret bursts into tears.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 200 Married life
T 211.9.1 Wife dies of grief for death of husband
T 257 Jealous husband or wife.
P 681 Mourning customs
F 1041.1.1 Death from broken heart
F 1041.1.2 Death from grief for death of lover or relative

WvEP-93: (11) In the morning the tournament parties agree that there would be no jousting. The queen fetches her knights back into town and asks her nobles to ride with her to the Leoplane. When Gahmuret has heard mass Herzeloyde lays solemn claim to him. He replies that he has a wife. She says that he must give up the mooress in favor of her love for there is greater virtue in the Sacrament of Baptism. She declares that she is desperately in love with him and asks if the queen of France is her rival. Gahmuret says the queen of France is his true mistress since they both were children and she supported him in every way. Herzeloyde should not press him for he is in deep grief for his brother. As she insists, he says that there was no tournament and therefore there could be no prize. The knight and the queen then appoint an arbiter who pronounces judgment: the queen shall have the knight.

Motif References:

P 52 Knight jousts with all comers
T 55 Girl as wooer. Forthputting woman
T 92 Rivals in love
P 510 Law courts

WvEP-96: (11) Still Gahmuret is tormented by his grief. Yet springtime inspires his heart and Gahmuret is fated by his fairy blood to love. He requests that Herzeloyde will not keep him from fighting otherwise he would leave her as he left his first wife too. Herzeloyde agrees and promises to allow him to attend one tournament a month according to his request. Ampflise’s envoys remind him that their queen has to offer a kingdom too but Gahmuret is bound to the laws of chivalry. They should tell Ampflise that he will be her knight as before and that he is still longing for her. The messengers who are very sad decline the gifts he offers them and return to their county without asking leave. Meanwhile the mourning company out in the field get the news of the queen’s marriage to the Angevin and learn that this is their lord. They hurry to embrace him and Gahmuret kisses them. He tells them that he will now be their lord. They should turn up their shields and he will wear his father’s coat-of-arms for the anchor marks an errant knight which he is no longer. Gahmuret and the queen beg their guests to defer their departure and the nobles readily assent.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
M 150 Other vows and oaths
T 200 Married life
Z 202 (Bm) Fanciful ancestry of hero
F 305 Offspring of fairy [dwarf] and mortal

WvEP-100: Gahmuret and Herzeloyde withdraw to their chamber and all the knight’s sorrow vanishes. This done Gahmuret frees the prisoners he has taken and reconciles Hardiz and Kaylet. Then follow great festivities and Gahmuret gives rich gifts to the poor knights and to the princes and does not forget the vagrant minstrels. Then the guests ride off. The sable panther, his father’s blazon, is hammered on Gahmuret’s shield and over his hauberk he wears a white silken shift of Herzeloyde as it came from her naked body. Eighteen such shifts pierced in fighting he took home again to his wife before he left her. She uses to slip them on again on her bare skin when he returns from jousting.

Motif References:

T 59 (Bm) Love tokens
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
T 136.1 Wedding feast
Z 150 Other symbols

WvEP-101: (21) A message comes to Gahmuret that his lord the Baruc has been overrun by Babylonians, Ipomidon and Pompeius. The latter is a proud and noble man, the nephew of king Nabuchodonosor who read in lying books that he was himself a god. They are brothers of high descent, from Ninus who reigned before Baldac was founded and who founded Niniveh. They are tributary to the Baruc and therefore started a war. Gahmuret embarks without delay and is received overseas with great joy. In the meantime lady Herzeloyde lives happily and by her virtues she wins the sympathy of her people. She is the mistress over three lands, of Waleis and Anjou and wears the crown of Norgals in its capital city Kingrivals. When Gahmuret has been away for half a year she is hoping for his return. But her joy turns to grief at once.

Motif References:

P 10 Kings [King’s famous court]
V 215 (Hi) Heathen gods
P 531 Taxation and payment of fines and tribute
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War

WvEP-103: (25) One noonday Herzeloyde has a dreadful vision when she lies in her sleep: It seems to her as though a shooting-star sweeps her to the upper air where fiery thunderbolts fly at her so that her tresses crackle with sparks. The thunder resounds with loud claps and showers down tears of fire. As she comes to herself again a griffin snatches her right hand. She is mothering a serpent which then rends her womb. A dragon sucks at her breasts and flies swiftly away and vanishes from her sight. It has torn her heart from her body. She falls to writhing in her sleep, to moaning and wailing and some maidens sitting there wake her. At this point Tampanis, her husband’s squire-in-chief, rides in with numerous pages. With weeping and wailing they tell her of their lord’s death. Herzeloyde swoons from grief.

Motif References:

B 11 Dragon
B 42 Griffin
Z 100 Symbolism
M 302.7 Prophecy through dreams
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
D 1812.3.3.5 Prophetic dream allegorical

WvEP-105: (8) The knights ask how their lord was overcome and the squire tells them that because of the great heat Gahmuret removed his coif. A heathen knight had got blood of a ram into a flask and smashed it on the Adamant thus softening the helmet. The companies fought with mighty valor but Gahmuret was the most excellent fighter of all. But then Ipomidon rode up and cut through his helmet and his head. The hero rode out of battle, and before dying made his confession and sent the shift and the lance that killed him. Gahmuret was conveyed to Baldac where the Baruc has made a splendid tomb. His body was embalmed. The stone above his grave is a costly ruby through which his body shines. The Christian squires set a cross above his grave made from an emerald of the Baruc. Because of his manly loyalty the heathens worship Gahmuret as their god. Upon his helmet they engraved an epitaph and fixed it to the Cross. The inscription tells that this is the grave of a noble Christian hero named Gahmuret, mighty king of three lands and the most valiant knight, who lost his life in the Baruc’s cause. Many men of Waleis weep.

Motif References:

T 59 (Bm) Love tokens
V 153 (Hi) Heroes’ grave
Z 200 Heroes
Z 292.1 (Bm) Hero’s corpse embalmed
F 778 (Bm) Extraordinary tomb
D 1016 Magic blood of animal
D 1414 Magic object renders weapon [armor] useless

WvEP-109: The queen is carrying a child but they let her lie unaided. Herzeloyde is near death but then a wise old man looks after her and saves her life. She wails in lamentation for her husband. She clasps her belly and the child within in her hands and prays to God to keep her from desperation. She presses her breasts to her lips and when she sees the milk within her breasts she presses it out. Then she asks them to bring the bloody shift and the lance. But when she is about to put the shift on they take it from her hands. The lords lodge the lance with its blood in the church as people lodge the dead. All in Gahmuret’s land show their grief. A fortnight later Herzeloyde gives birth to a son, who is so big that she barely survives the birth. This tale is dedicated to this boy. Herzeloyde herself is his nurse. They conceal from him know-ledge of chivalry. The Queen rejoices in the birth of her son yet she is in deep sorrow.

Motif References:

L 101 Unpromising [clumsy] hero
L 111.3 Widow’s son as hero
T 617 Boy reared in ignorance of the world
T 682 Hero a posthumous son
N 825.2 Old man helper

WvEP-114: (5) The author is pleased with what pleases women to hear. From one alone he withholds his loyal service, for she was found unfaithful. He is Wolfram of Eschenbach and a minnesinger. But he will clench on his anger for a woman who has mistreated him. For this he suffers the hostility of others. He once wronged his lady and thus wronged himself which will not happen again. But he will defend himself against his enemies. Yet he will be ready to fight for the good name of any virtuous woman. When a poet cries check-mate to all ladies to advance his own particular one his praise limps. The author’s office is the shield and he aims at love through chivalric exploits. He is illiterate and his story goes its way without the guidance of books. Many bear the name of woman but many are quick to deceit, some are free of it. Womanliness and fidelity must remain inseparable. If one suffers poverty for fidelity’s sake one’s soul will escape Hellfire.

Motif References:

W 200 Traits of character - miscellaneous

WvEP-116: (19) Herzeloyde gives up her earthly riches and withdraws from her three kingdoms to a forest in the wilds of Soltane where she orders her followers to clear the ground. She forbids her people on pain of death ever to speak of knights. The child is reared in the wilds in ignorance of knighthood, except that he cuts bow and arrows with his own hands and shoots at the birds there. He is proud and handsome and only the sweetness of birdsong is troubling his heart. His mother realizes this and turns her hatred on the birds. She orders her people to kill them all. The boy asks her about this and when she mentions the name of God he questions her about Him. She tells her son that He is brighter than the sun and he should pray to him when in need. But he should turn his thoughts away from the Lord of Hell who is all black.

Motif References:

L 101 Unpromising [clumsy] hero
L 111.3 Widow’s son as hero
P 231.3 Mother-love
T 617 Boy reared in ignorance of the world

WvEP-120: The boy learns to swing his javelin and with it he shoots many deer for the household. He is very strong so that he carries home a beast so heavy it would have burdened a mule. One day he is hunting down a slope and has just broken off a twig for a decoy-call when he hears the echo of hoof-beats. Eager to fight the devil if this would be him he stands ready. Three fully armed knights come galloping toward him. The boy thinks each a god and falls to his knees on the path. The foremost gets angry at what he calls a stupid Waleis. The author says that the Waleis are even more foolish than the Bavarians though excellent fighters. A knight rides up in a splendid armor who is in pursuit of others who have carried off a lady [Imane] from his country. His name is Karnahkarnanz leh cuns Ulterlec and the other three are his vassals.

Motif References:

R 10.1 Princess (maiden) abducted
L 101 Unpromising [clumsy] hero
P 715 Particular nations (races, religions)
J 1766.2 (Bm) Child thinks knights are gods.

WvEP-122: The prince is very beautiful and magnificently caparisoned, his stirrups and his right arm jingle with tiny golden bells. He asks the boy if he has seen two knights but the child only falls to his knees in prayer. Karnahkarnanz replies that he is not God. The boy asks what “knights” are and who gives “knighthood”. The knight tells him that King Arthur does so and that he thinks him of noble origin for the youth is very handsome. He examines the knight’s armor wondering at the numerous iron rings tied on him and on his sword. The knight explains that he has to put this on to defend himself. The knights are angry at their prince talking with this foolish boy. Then they ride off and find Herzeloyde’s ploughmen and ask them about the abducted lady. They tell him a lady in distress and two knights rode past this morning. This is Meljahkanz, whom Karnahkarnanz is to overtake and win back the lady, Imane of the Beafontane, from him. The ploughmen are in despair fearing that the boy has seen the knights.

Motif References:

R 10.1 Princess (maiden) abducted
H 41 Recognition of royalty [nobility] by personal characteristics or traits
P 53 (Bm) Obtaining knighthood
R 111.1 Princess (maiden) rescued from captor
F 575.2 Handsome man
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
J 1730 Absurd ignorance

WvEP-125: (27) The boy goes to find his mother and tells her what he has seen. His words give her such a shock that she swoons. When she recovers she asks him who told him about chivalry. When he replies that he has seen four knights who told him about knighthood and that he wants to be made a knight by King Arthur she is stricken with grief. Her son keeps pestering her for a horse and she decides to give him a wretched nag and fool’s clothing, for she thinks people will mock him and he will come back to her. She cuts him a fool’s clothes with a cowl. Before he sets off she gives him some teaching: He should avoid dark fords, greet politely all people he meets, and if a wise grey-haired man offers to teach him good manners he should do as he says. Wherever he can win a lady’s ring and greeting he should take it and kiss and embrace her. Then Herzeloyde tells him that Lähelin has taken two lands, Waleis and Norgals, who should belong to her son. Turkentals was killed by him and many of his people were killed or taken prisoner. The boy promises to avenge this. Next morning the boy is impatient to be off. Herzeloyde kisses him and runs out after him. When she can no longer see her son she falls to the ground and dies from grief.

Motif References:

M 161.2 Vow to revenge (king, friends, father, [husband, queen]) (or die)
P 231.3 Mother-love
P 231 Mother and son
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
F 1041.1.3 Death from sorrow or chagrin

WvEP-129: (5) The boy is riding towards the forest of Brizljan. When he comes to a stream darkened only by the flowers and grass on its banks he follows the stream all day. Next morning he comes to a clear ford. On the meadow on the farther bank there is a splendid tent with a leather cover protecting it against rain. The boy finds lying there the lady Jeschute, the beautiful wife of Duke Orilus de Lalander. The lady has fallen asleep and her coverlet barely reaches her hips. She is very beautiful. The boy sees a ring on one of her hands and remembering his mother’s advice begins to struggle with her to obtain it. Though the lady wails loudly the youth pays no attention to her but enforces a kiss. He embraces her, tears off a brooch and takes the ring. He complains of hunger and eats and drinks what has been served by a maid. The lady takes him for a page who has lost his reason. Jeschute asks him to leave her ring and brooch behind and to go away for if her husband came he would punish him. The boy takes another kiss and rides off without taking leave, but he gives her his greetings as his mother told him.

Motif References:

L 101 Unpromising [clumsy] hero
J 2450 Literal fool.

WvEP-132: (25) The boy is delighted with his spoils. When Orilus comes back to his tent he can tell from the traces that his lady has had a visitor. He accuses her of having another lover. She protests her innocence telling him that a handsome fool rode this way and took her ring and brooch but he does not believe her. The duke thinks that his wife might be annoyed that for his sake she renounced the title of queen. Only her brother Erec overcame him in combat at Prurin. He reminds her of his exploits in her service and the knights he unhorsed and that he has killed Galoes and Pliopliheri. The knights of the Round Table hate him for he has unhorsed many of them when he won the prize of the Sparrow hawk for her. Arthur was watching this who has his sister Cunneware with him in his palace. She will not laugh until she sets eyes on the most praiseworthy man. Then Orilus tells her that he will no more love her and rob her of all happiness. Jeschute begs him to show by how he treats her that he respects the honor of knighthood. But he insists that there will be nor more eating and drinking together or sharing one bed. She will have no clothes other than she has put on now and for bridle a rope of bast. Her horse will go hungry and he smashes her saddle and reties it with strings of bast. Then they ride off. The lady does not mind whatever she endures but only her husband’s unhappiness.

Motif References:

M 151.7 Heroine will not laugh till arrival of destined hero.
T 257 Jealous husband or wife.
Q 470 Humiliating punishments
F 591 Person who never laughs
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament
H 1568 Test of the champion.

WvEP-138: The boy ahead greets all people he sees adding that his mother told him to do so. He hears a woman’s voice lamenting and rides towards her. Sigune is sitting there tearing out her hair in despair. In the maiden’s lap is a dead man, Prince Schionatulander. The boy greets her and asks her about the knight promising that he would be glad to avenge him. She tells him that the man was killed in a joust. Then she asks his name but the boy only can tell her that they called him “Bon fiz, cher fiz, bea fiz”. She at once knows who he is and tells him his name is Parzival, which means “Pierce-through-the-heart”, for great love ploughed a furrow through his mother’s heart. His mother is her mother’s sister and his father was an Angevin. He is a Waleis and born of Kanvoleis and he is king of Norgals. Lähelin robbed him of two kingdoms, and the latter’s brother Orilus has slain this knight who is his cousin (veter). His mother fostered her and Parzival is her cousin. Then he tells him how Schionatulander was killed: A dog’s leash brought him his death serving Parzival and her, but she denied him her love. Parzival is impatient to fight but she gives him the wrong direction fearing that he would be killed.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
L 101 Unpromising [clumsy] hero
Z 183 Symbolic names.
Z 252 Hero at first nameless [unaware of birth]
P 272 Foster mother
P 295 Cousins
H 602.3 Symbolic interpretation of names.
N 746 Accidental meeting of cousins
N 762 Person accidentally met unexpectedly knows the other’s name
J 2450 Literal fool.

WvEP-142: (2) Parzival takes a broad road that leads to Britain. He greets all people he meets, referring to his mother’s advice. In the evening he comes to the house of a fisherman and asks for something to eat. But the man will only take him in if he could offer pay. The boy gives him Jeschute’s brooch and the fisherman invites him to stay at once and treats him with respect. He promises to show him the way to Arthur in the morning according to the boy’s request. Early in the morning they hurry off until they are approaching a great city, Nantes. There the fisherman leaves him and the boy rides on alone. He knows nothing of good manners, has a bast bridle and a bad horse and carries his javelin.

Motif References:

L 101 Unpromising [clumsy] hero
W 158 Inhospitality
P 413 Ferryman [fisherman]

WvEP-145: (7) A knight comes riding towards him and Parzival greets him in his usual way. The knight is a son of Arthur’s paternal aunt, has been reared by Utepandragun and is laying claim to Britain as his heritage. His name is Ither of Gaheviez and he is otherwise called “The Red Knight” for all his gear, clothing and weapons are red. His skin is white, his hair red. From the Round Table he has seized a fine goblet of red gold. Ither who is the king of Kukumerlant addresses the youth and says he never saw such a handsome boy. He asks him if he is going in to tell Arthur and his men that he is waiting there for a joust. He snatched the cup so that the wine was spilt into the queen’s lap and he did this to assert his claim to the land. If he upended a burning wisp of straw he would have smeared himself with soot. But he spilt wine on Queen Ginover without intent. Parzival promises to do as Ither asks and rides into Nantes.

Motif References:

P 293.1 Mother’s brother as foster father
F 527.1.1 Red knight
P 548 Miscellaneous legal customs [problems]
P 556.3 (Bm) Feast interrupted by man offering challenge.

WvEP-147: (12) Parzival enters the courtyard before the palace and is at once the centre of a crowd. Iwanet, a young page, offers him company and Parzival greets him. Then he asks who is to make him a knight for he sees a lot of Arthurs there. The page leads him into the palace. Parzival gives them his greeting and asks who is master there. He delivers the red knight’s message: the knight wants to fight and he is sorry that he spilt the wine over the queen. Parzival would be happy if he would receive this knights splendid armor. The youth is jostled from side to side, they examine his appearance and see that he is very beautiful. He is brought to Arthur and the queen has a look on him too. Parzival asks the king to make him a knight at once. The king promises to do so and to equip him the next day but the youth insists on being given the armor of the red knight. At first Arthur dares not give it to him though Ither has turned his enemy for the boy may easily be killed in fighting this valiant hero. But Keie advises the king to be generous and to unleash this boy on Ither and the king agrees.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
L 101 Unpromising [clumsy] hero
F 575.2 Handsome man

WvEP-150: (28) Parzival races away and Iwanet leads him past a low gallery. The queen is sitting there with knights and ladies at the window and they observe the youth. Lady Cunneware is sitting there too, who has vowed not to laugh till she would see the man destined to earn the highest praise. Else she would rather die. But as the boy comes riding past she laughs. At once Keie seizes her by her curly hair and beats her with a staff. He says that so many worthy men failed to make her laugh and now she laughs for an unworthy one. His anger leads to excess and he has no right to strike the maiden. Her friends are very sorry for her. Mute Antanor, whom from his silence people think a fool, has refrained from speech till Cunneware would laugh. Now he speaks up and tells Keie that this boy will punish him for having beaten her. Keie beats Antanor too. Parzival is angered when he sees Cunneware and Antanor suffering but because of the throng before the queen he cannot hurl his javelin. Then Iwanet leaves him and he sets out to join Ither.

Motif References:

M 151.7 Heroine will not laugh till arrival of destined hero.
M 301.9.1 Fool (entertainer) as prophet.
Q 470 Humiliating punishments
F 569.3 Silent person.
F 591 Person who never laughs
H 1568 Test of the champion.

WvEP-153: (25) Parzival tells Ither that none of the knights at the court wants to fight him and that the king made him a gift: Ither must give him his horse and his armor, for he is to be made a knight in it. Ither replies that he would have to win it from him and Parzival orders him to hand it over. He says that he might well be Lähelin of whom his mother complained to him. The knights thrusts the lance at the boy who tumbles down, then he beats him with the shaft. Enraged Parzival throws his javelin and pierces Ither through the eye that he falls dead. Many a woman grieves for his death and his lady’s happiness is destroyed. Then Parzival tries to twist the armor off the dead man and turns him over and over. Hearing the horse’s neighing Iwanet hastens down. He congratulates Parzival who asks him how he could get the armor.

Motif References:

L 101 Unpromising [clumsy] hero
N 320 Person unwittingly killed
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-156: (18) Iwanet helps him to despoil Ither of his armor and to put it on him. Yet Parzival refuses to put off the clothes his mother gave him. Thus he is armed over his buskins. Iwanet does not hand him his javelins, for the order of chivalry forbids it. He girds a sword on him and teaches him how to draw it and commands him never to flee. Parzival leaps into the saddle scorning the stirrups. Iwanet teaches him how to fight and hands him a lance telling him how to use it. Then Parzival sends Iwanet back to the king. He should return the golden goblet and tell him of the deep disgrace he suffered when a knight struck a lady who honored him with her laughter. Parzival leaves Ither lying in a pitiful state. Iwanet covers the body with some bright flowers and plants a javelin-shaft above him. He forces a stick through the javelin-head to make a cross. When he tells the news in the city they all suffer great grief. Ither is brought in with great solemnity. The queen grieves at his body and laments the death of this courteous hero. Then Ither is laid to rest with royal pomp. His armor has proved his ruin. Later Parzival wishes he had not done it.

Motif References:

V 69 Funeral rites - miscellaneous
L 101 Unpromising [clumsy] hero
N 832 Boy as helper

WvEP-161: (9) Fully armed the naive young man rides Ither’s fine horse in that one day remarkably far and he never reigns the horse in. In the evening Parzival sees the pinnacles and roofing of a tower and it seems to him as though towers are growing until a whole castle stands there. He imagines Arthur must have sown them, and he puts it down to Arthur’s sancticity. His mother’s men cannot farm like this and he thinks that there might be too much rain. The lord of the castle is Gurnemanz de Graharz, a master of true courtesy. He is sitting alone in the shade of a lime tree below the walls. Great weariness makes Parzival swing his shield in a manner not correct. Gurnemanz receives his guest in a friendly manner and Parzival greets him too saying that his mother asked him to seek advice of a grey-haired man.

Motif References:

J 1730 Absurd ignorance
J 2460 Literal obedience

WvEP-163: (7) Gurnemanz casts a sparrow hawk with a golden bell from his fist, which is a messenger to the castle. A troop of pages join them and Parzival is led to the castle. In the courtyard they beg him to dismount but at first he refuses for a king commanded him to be a knight. Finally they get him off his horse and into a chamber. They unarm him and gaze at his fool’s clothes. With deep dismay they inform their lord who is pained about it. A knight says that the youth is very beautiful and that he must be of noble birth. The lord says the boy’s strange attire might be done at the bidding of some lady, but the knight says no lady would accept his service. They go to see Parzival and Gurnemanz cares for the boy’s wound from a lance. Supper is served. Parzival is famished and regales himself. Then Gurnemanz leads him to his sleeping quarters. Next morning he orders a bath to be got ready for the guest and some lovely girls bathe and massage him. Parzival is very beautiful. Being ashamed he only leaves his bath after the maidens have left. Then he puts on splendid clothes which have been prepared for him.

Motif References:

F 575.2 Handsome man
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
J 1730 Absurd ignorance
J 2460 Literal obedience

WvEP-168: (21) Then the host appears in order to welcome him followed by some knights. They all declare they have never seen so handsome a youth and that his beauty will win him the favor of ladies. Gurnemanz goes with Parzival to where Mass is sung. The host teaches him that to make his offering and cross himself and turn away from the devil increase a man’s good luck. After this they have a meal. At Gurnemanz’s question the boy tells him where he journeyed from, about the ring and the brooch and how he won his armor. The host recognizes the Red Knight and is sad because of his tragic end. But he insists that the boy should bear the name The Red Knight.

Motif References:

P 340 Teacher and pupil
F 575.2 Handsome man

WvEP-170: (7) After the table has been removed Gurnemanz starts to teach the youth. He says that he speaks like a child and that he should stop talking of his mother. Then he teaches him never to lose his sense of shame. Good looking as he is Parzival may well be ruler of a people. He should bear in mind his lesson: kindness and generosity to the needy, humility, thriftiness and moderation. Further he should not ask too many questions, temper daring with mercy, and if he has won a man’s submission in battle let him live. When his arms are laid aside he should wash his face and hands, be manly and cheerful and hold the ladies in high esteem and never deceive them. Parzival thanks his host for his teaching. Then Gurnemanz teaches him more of knightly ways: Parzival learns horsemanship and jousting. He is a strong and skillful jouster and thrusts down some of his host’s best knights. Those knights who have watched his riding think their lord should give him his daughter as a wife for this youth amends for his three dead sons.

Motif References:

P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
P 340 Teacher and pupil

WvEP-175: (19) When they return to the castle in the evening the host summons his daughter Liaze to table and tells her to allow the knight to kiss her and show him all respect. Parzival blushes when Gurnemanz tells him that he should leave the girl her ring if she had one and her brooch - but she has not got riches like the lady in the forest. As the host has bidden her charming Liaze cuts whatever Parzival wants to eat. After supper the girl withdraws. In this way the youth stays a fortnight at Gurnemanz’s castle. But he yearns for more fighting before courting ladies and one morning he asks for leave. Gurnemanz rides out with him. He is very sad of losing him for he is dear to his heart like a fourth son. He already has lost three sons. Schenteflurs was killed by Clamide and Kingrun when he came to the aid of Condwiramurs when she had refused to surrender land and person. His second son Count Lascoyt was killed by Ider fil Noyt for the sake of a sparrow hawk. His third son Gruzgri lost his life on his way to the city of Brandigan at Schoydelacurt. He rode with lady Mahaute who had been given to him in marriage by her brother Ehkunat. From grief for his death she lost her radiant beauty and his mother died from grief. Parzival sympathizes with his host’s suffering and says if ever he wins fame as a knight such as would entitle him to sue for love he will ask Gurnemanz to give him Liaze. Then he takes his leave.

Motif References:

T 211.9 Excessive grief at husband’s or wife’s death
F 1041.1.2 Death from grief for death of lover or relative

WvEP-179: (13) Parzival rides away and he has the marks and bearing of a well-bred knight. Having lost his youthful rawness Gahmuret’s nature claims him and he is thinking of Liaze. He is so sad that he does not care which way his horse takes or whether it wishes to gallop or trot. His paths lead him through the wilderness passing between high mountains and to the kingdom of Brobarz. He rides down a wild torrent and in the evening reaches the city of Pelrapeire. The land has been bequeathed by King Tampenteire to his daughter. The town is well-positioned for defense: a rickety wood-bridge covered with much wattle-work spans the torrent which enters the sea. Many knights are stationed on the farther side and they order Parzival to go back. They think he is Clamide. Parzival dismounts and leads his horse over the bridge. Meanwhile the knights withdraw and shut the gates for they fear there are others to follow. Parzival finds an iron knocker an the gate and bangs it. A girl observes the knight through a window and asks him if he has come as an enemy – they have suffered enough from a strong army already. Parzival offers to help her. The maiden goes to the queen and Parzival is admitted.

Motif References:

N 118 Issues left to fate (luck).

WvEP-183: (4) People stand in a great throng on both sides of the street. All of them are well equipped for defense but they are emaciated and weak. Famine has reduced them to starvation. The king of Brandigan has brought this to them for Clamide’s wooing had been rejected. The author says that he himself, Wolfram of Eschenbach, has to make do with such comfort too, for at home in his own house even the mice are starving. The people of Pelrapeire are in great distress and they receive their guest shamefacedly. He has no inkling of their need. After they have unarmed him and he has washed himself they offer him a cloak. Then they lead him to their queen. Kyot of Katelangen and Manpfilyot are escorting their niece the queen, who is very beautiful. Each is a duke but they have renounced their swords for the love of God. They are noble grey-haired princes. The queen welcomes the knight and kisses him. Though she and her court have lost all happiness Condwiramurs excels all women in beauty. Men and women there gaze at this beautiful pair sitting together.

Motif References:

P 16.1 King (prince) retires from world (becomes hermit [monk, pilgrim], swineherd [beggar])
T 75.2.1 Rejected suitors’ revenge
T 104.1 Rejected suitor wages war
P 426.2 Hermit
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 969.7 Famine

WvEP-188: Parzival thinks he has found another Liazem, but the queen outshines her in beauty. But since Gurnemanz has forbidden him to ask too many questions he sits beside the queen without talking. Puzzled by his silence she addresses her guest and asks him where he came from. When he tells her he came from Brubarz she says that his host’s sister was her mother. She tells him of their trouble by famine and her uncles promise to send her some food. They leave for their hunting lodge nearby. They live in a wild mountain gorge unarmed and under truce from the besiegers. Soon their messengers return and the queen orders the victuals to be shared among her people. Many have already died of starvation before. Little is left for the hostess and her guest to eat. Then a bed is made ready for Parzival and he sleeps till the queen’s tears wake him.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 969.7 Famine

WvEP-192: Condwiramurs comes to her guest’s bed and kneels down before him on the carpet. He asks her to sit down and after he has promised to treat her honorably she lies with him. Then she tells him that king Clamide and his seneschal have laid waste to her lands and castles except for Pelrapeire. Her father Tampenteire died leaving her an orphan and many of her kinsmen and vassals were killed fighting in defense. Clamide killed Schenteflurs, Liaze’s brother, with his own hands. Next morning Kingrun who thrust down many of her knights in joust will come again. She would rather commit suicide than become Clamide’s wife. Parzival promises to defend her and she leaves.

Motif References:

P 58 (Bm) Knight aids man [woman] unjustly besieged [assailed]
T 75.2.1 Rejected suitors’ revenge
T 104.1 Rejected suitor wages war
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

WvEP-196: (9) In the morning Parzival hears mass and gets armed. Clamide’s army arrives and Kingrun comes spurring in advance of the others. This is to be Parzival’s first sword-fight. They unhorse each other and continue fighting afoot. Parzival wounds his adversary, hurls him to the ground and forces him to surrender. This joust is a blow to Kingrun’s high prestige. Parzival declines Kingrun’s surrender and tells him to submit to Gurnemanz. Kingrun would rather be put to death for he killed Gurnemanz’s son Schenteflur. Parzival tells him to submit to the queen, but Kingrun says they would kill him. Therefore Parzival sends Kingrun to King Arthur and his wife to a maiden who suffered for his sake because she greeted him with laughter (Cunneware). Kingrun has to tell them that Parzival will not return until he has wiped out his and Cunneware’s dishonor.

Motif References:

P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-199: (15) Parzival goes back to the city and is escorted to the queen. The besiegers are bewildered at Kingrun’s defeat. Condwiramurs embraces Parzival and says that she will be his wife. A wretched breakfast is served. The people of the fortress do homage to him and declare that he must be their lord. The queen asks him to become her husband. Now two vessels come to the port laden with food. The citizens are delighted and pour down to pillage the cargo. But the queen’s marshal puts the ships under his protection and forbids anyone to touch them on pain of death. He leads the merchants to his lord and Parzival orders them to be paid double the price of their wares. Parzival first distributes the victuals himself not wishing the famished to gorge themselves on empty stomachs. In the evening he gives them some more. Then Parzival and Condwiramurs celebrate their nuptials and the knight lies beside his bride but leaves her a maiden. Yet she thinks she is his wife and in the morning puts up her hair in a fillet. Then she bestows her lands and castles on her husband. For two days they remain thus with one another till the third night when they consummate their marriage.

Motif References:

Q 53.3 Maiden queen offers her hand as reward for rescuing her town
T 68.1 Princess offered as prize to rescuer
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
Q 112.0.1 Kingdom as reward
T 165 Girl may remain virgin for three days after marriage
T 350 Chaste sleeping together

WvEP-203: (12) Clamide who is approaching with powerful forces is told the news of Kingrun’s defeat by a page. Kingrun is on his way to Arthur. Pelrapeire is well defended and they have got a valiant knight within whose blazon is that of Ither of Cucumerlant of the Round Table. As the king rides on a knight comes riding toward him and tells him the same story. The king is distressed. But one of his men, Galogandres of Gippones, advises him that they should not lose heart for Kingrun did not fight as their champion. The king should urge his men to attack the city. Meanwhile the citizens look to their outer defenses and strengthen their fortifications. Moreover Greek fire has come to their land with the provisions. The besiegers’ war-machines and scaling-towers and whatever has come on wheels is burnt down. In the meantime Kingrun has arrived in Britain and offered his submission to Cunneware. The vanquished knight presents himself to the king and delivers his message. Keie is alarmed and turns crimson. He asks Kingrun to help him with large pancakes to win Cunneware’s pardon.

Motif References:

P 552.4 War-machines
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)

WvEP-207: (4) Clamide arrives before the walls of Pelrapeire and a mighty assault begins. The besieged resist the besiegers. The gates are left wide open and Parzival fights in advance of his men. He fells many knights and the citizens avenge themselves by stabbing them through their hauberks. When it becomes clear to him that Clamide and his company are fighting in some other place he makes for the king’s standard and attacks them. He kills their standard-bearer Galogandres and Clamide who is in peril himself calls off the attack. The army of the city has won the battle. Parzival gives orders for the prisoners to be well cared for till the third morning. Then he takes their parole to come back when he summons them and they rejoin their army. They tell them that the besieged have got an abundance of food and that the queen has the most handsome husband that ever was dubbed a knight. Hearing this Clamide sends in messengers to announce that he would have a truce between the armies if the queen’s husband would dare to fight him. Parzival is overjoyed by the challenge and a truce is fixed.

Motif References:

H 217.1 Decision of victory by single combat between army leaders
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 558 (Bm) Truce
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-210: (4) Parzival and Clamide arm themselves. Clamide mounts a Castilian named Guverjorz which together with rich gifts has been sent to him from his kinsman Grigorz. He has sent a thousand men-at-arms and many knights as well to support him. Parzival, dressed in red, rides out to the field of the ordeal. Clamide starts the duel. They fight till their mounts are exhausted and continue fighting afoot. Parzival is still unwearied whereas it seems to Clamide as if the truce has been broken from the direction of the city for mighty blows are falling on him from his adversary. He asks his adversary to keep his side from breaking the truce but Parzival says that he is the only one fighting him. Parzival defeats Clamide, bares the latter’s head of helmet and coif and is about to kill him when the vanquished man begs for his life.

Motif References:

H 217.1 Decision of victory by single combat between army leaders
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-213: (29) Parzival follows Gurnemanz’s counsel that a brave man should be ready to show mercy. He tells him to submit to Gurnemanz, which frightens Clamide for he has killed his son. Parzival tells him to go to King Arthur and offer his submission to Cunneware, the lady who laughed to see him and was mistreated because of him. Clamide swears his oath and leaves the field. He goes to where his horse is waiting and leaps up without using the stirrups. The citizens are delighted at the outcome but the besieging army is in grief. Clamide has the dead put on biers. Then the army leaves and Clamide rides toward Löver. All the knights of the Round Table are at Dianazdrun with the king to hold the Whitsun festival together with many ladies. King Arthur and his retainers are sitting at the table when Clamide arrives. He dismounts and offers his submission to Cunneware as the Red Knight has commanded him to do for she was beaten because of this knight. Hearing this gives Keie a shock.

Motif References:

P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
P 634 Feasts

WvEP-219: The lady has him disarmed and they recognize Clamide. Kingrun is very unhappy to learn that his king has been defeated. Clamide laments the loss of his fine army and, even more bitterly, that his love Cundwiramurs is beyond his reach. Then he asks King Arthur to overlook the dishonor that has been done to him in his country. The king at once pardons him for his wrongs. Clamide asks to be allowed to join the other knights and the household gives him a warm welcome. Kingrun laments that the Britons have ever seen his king as captive, whom he thinks to be mightier than Arthur.

Motif References:

P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)

WvEP-222: (10) The devastated land in which Parzival wears his crown is made habitable and happiness and rejoicing are seen in it again. His father-in-law Tampenteire has left him jewels and gold, which he doles out very generously. People love him for it. Parzival and his men ride to many tournaments and he is praised for his exploits against intruders on the borders. The queen is very happy too. But one morning he asks for leave to go to see his mother and to search adventure. Condwiramurs does not deny his demand for she loves him. Parzival rides away all alone.

Motif References:

W 11.2 Munificent monarch
P 12 Character of kings
T 200 Married life
H 1221 Quest for adventure

WvEP-224: Parzival, distressed that he is far from his beloved wife, is lost in thoughts for her and does not guide his horse. He rides a great distance that day. In the evening he comes to a lake where fishermen whose lake it is have anchored. One of those he sees in the boat is clad in costly garments. Parzival asks him where he could seek shelter for the night and the man who is in deep sorrow directs him to a castle nearby. He will be his host there but he should mind to find the right way. Parzival takes his leave and sets off. Soon he arrives at the castle, where nothing has been spared to make an impregnable stronghold. A page asks him what he wants and where he comes from and Parzival tells him that the fisherman has sent him there. The page lets down the drawbridge and the knight rides into the fortress and on to a courtyard. Its green lawn has not been trampled down in chivalric sport. Although the men are suffering grief Parzival is not made to feel this and he is welcomed.

Motif References:

F 110 Journey to terrestrial otherworlds
N 118 Issues left to fate (luck).
F 159 Other means to reach the otherworld
N 770 Experiences leading to adventures
N 771 King (prince) (lost) on hunt has adventures
N 858 (Bm) Fisherman as helper

WvEP-227: (25) They conduct him to his room and disarm him. The young knight washes. He is so beautiful that it seems to them as though another day were dawning. Parzival is given precious clothes, which the queen Repanse de Schoye has woven, for they judge him a man of worth. They entertain him in such a way that despite their grief they care for his pleasure and treat him with honor and esteem. His equipment has been taken away, a thing which he soon regrets, for the jester brusquely summons the guest to join his host. He almost loses his life at the hands of the hero. Parzival clenches his fist so hard that the blood shoots through his nails. The knights tell him to calm down for this man is licensed to jest and that he was merely meant to understand that the fisher has arrived. They go to a splendid hall where many chandeliers are hanging and with candle-dips round its walls. On the floor are many couches with quilts over them each seating four companions. There are three square fireplaces of marble where the wood of aloe is burning. The lord of the castle has himself seated on a bed near the central fireplace.

Motif References:

F 163.1 Castle in otherworld
P 192 Madmen (fools, professional fools)
P 320 Hospitality
F 575.2 Handsome man
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
F 781 Extraordinary rooms

WvEP-230: (18) The host who is suffering from illness welcomes his guest and has him seated close beside him. Because of his illness he maintains great fires and wears warm clothes which are of costly fur. A great company of knights is sitting there. A page enters bearing a lance from whose steel blood issues and then pours down the shaft to his hand. At this there is weeping and wailing throughout the hall. The page carries the lance round the four walls back to the door and runs out again, whereupon the wailing ends. Then at the far end of the hall a steel door is opened and through it comes a pair of noble maidens – the countess of Tenebroc and her companion – who are very beautiful. For head-dress each wears a garland of flowers and each bears a golden candelabrum. Then there come a duchess and her companion, carrying two trestles of ivory, which they set up before their lord. All four are very pretty and dressed alike.

Motif References:

V 80 Religious services - miscellaneous
F 171.0.1 Enigmatic happenings in otherworld.
F 184.1 Wounded otherworld king (in Ireland).
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 991.1 Bleeding lance.
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief
D 1086 Magic lance

WvEP-233: (12) Eight more ladies, who are also dressed alike, enter the hall. Four of them carry large candles whilst the other four bring in a precious stone, through which the sun can shine by day. It is a garnet-hyacinth, very large and broad, and cut thin to make a table-top. The lord of the castle dines at it. They place the table on the trestles. Then the daughters of Count Iwan of Nonel and Jernis of Ril advance carrying a pair of knives on napkins. They are of hard white silver, ingeniously fashioned and so keen that they would have cut through steel. Four maidens go before the silver and bear a light. Two maidens carry the silver to the table and set it down. Then they return to the other ladies. There are now eighteen ladies standing there. Another six advance, dressed in costly garments. After these comes the queen, Repanse de Schoye, whose face shines like sunlight. Upon a green achmardi she bears a thing called “The Grail”. Such is the nature of the Grail that she who has the care of it is required to be of perfect chastity and to have renounced all things false. Lights move in before the grail, six fine vials of glass in which balm is burning. The queen sets the grail before the lord.

Motif References:

V 80 Religious services - miscellaneous
T 300 Chastity and celibacy
H 411.1 Magic stone as chastity test.
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 784 Extraordinary table
F 838.1 Extraordinarily sharp knife.
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)
D 1714.1 Magic power of chaste women

WvEP-236: (12) Parzival gazes at the queen. The seven ladies rejoin the first eighteen. Twelve maidens now are standing on either side of the queen. Chamberlains with gold bowls come and pages carrying towels. Every group of four knights sitting there is served by a chamberlain and a page. A hundred tables are fetched in, each of which is set up before four knights. The host washes hands, as does Parzival. At every table are four pages to serve the knights. Four trolleys have been appointed to carry numerous precious drinking-cups of gold. They draw the trolleys along the four walls. A hundred pages receive loaves in white napkins before the Grail and carry them on to the tables. One finds any dish and any drink desired there by virtue of the Grail.

Motif References:

Z 71.16.2 Formulistic number: ten
Z 71.2 Formulistic number: four
F 183.1 Automatic service in otherworld: any sort of food desired furnished
D 1472.1.2 Stone provides food.

WvEP-239: (8) Parzival well observes the wonder of it all, yet, remembering Gurnemanz’s advice, he refrains from asking any question. A page approaches carrying a costly sword with a ruby hilt. The host bestows it on his guest. Even now Parzival remains silent, although when he is given the sword it is to prompt him to ask a question which could have taken away his host’s misfortune. The meal has ended and the tables are removed. In reverse order of entry each lady performs her service. Then the queen and the ladies carry back through the door what they have brought in. Parzival glances after them and before the doors have been shut behind them on a bed in a chamber he glimpses a handsome old man with silvery hair. The author will tell later in detail who that old man is and the names of the lord, his castle and lands. He will give the bowstring not the bow, which is meant as a parable of storytelling.

Motif References:

V 80 Religious services - miscellaneous
F 575.2 Handsome man
C 651 The one compulsory question.
D 810 Magic object a gift
F 833 Extraordinary sword
H 1550 Tests of character
J 2460 Literal obedience

WvEP-242: Parzival has come to a place where there is no amusement, for people there are given up to mourning, although there is abundance of all one could desire. Parzival takes leave of his host and is led to his chamber which is magnificently furnished and has got a splendid bed. Many pages rush up to him and take off his clothes. Then four ladies each preceded by a page carrying a light come in to see if he is being well cared for. Parzival hastens to cover himself in bed. They carry in fruit and wine. Parzival drinks some wine and eats a little after which they take leave. Parzival is troubled in his sleep by anxious dreams, harbingers of coming sorrow, which equal the dream of his mother for Gahmuret. His dream shows him sword-blows and knightly combat. He wakes up sweating all over.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality
F 771.4.8 (Li) Castle of deep sorrow
D 1812.5.1.2 Bad dream as evil omen

WvEP-245: (21) Seeing no pages he falls asleep again. He wakes up for the second time about mid-morning. Seeing his armor and two swords lying on the carpet Parzival arms himself and goes out the door. He finds his horse with his shield and lance. Before taking the saddle the knight runs through many a room calling for the denizens but neither hears nor sees a single person. Roused to fury he races to the courtyard where the lawn has been trampled down by hooves and with angry shouts leaps into the saddle. He finds the gate wide open and through it runs the track of many horses. He crosses over the drawbridge, which is pulled up so sharply by a page who has remained hidden that the end nearly topples Parzival’s horse into the moat. The page shouts at him, calls him a silly goose, who did not open his mouth to ask his lord the question and thus let slip a marvelous prize. Parzival who shouts that he wishes to know all about it is left without an answer. The page slams the gate. All his happiness has vanished from Parzival.

Motif References:

F 152.2 Slamming drawbridge to otherworld.
Q 470 Humiliating punishments
F 771.4.3 Abandoned castle
C 980 Miscellaneous punishments for breaking tabu [for failing unique compulsion].

WvEP-248: (17) Parzival sets out in pursuit on the tracks he sees. He imagines that the men who have ridden out ahead of him are fighting in the lord’s cause and he wants to join them. But those riding ahead have scattered so that Parzival loses the trail. Then he hears the voice of a woman lamenting. Seated in a linden is a maiden, fidelity has brought her grief. In her arms she holds a dead knight whose body has been embalmed. Parzival turns his horse towards her, she is his cousin Sigune but he fails to recognize her. He greets her and offers his help and she thanks him for it. She asks him where he has come from and why he is traveling through this wilderness where many have lost their lives. She advises him to turn back if he values his life. Parzival tells her that he comes from a splendid castle nearby and she does not believe him. If anyone seeks this solitary castle out of purpose he will not find it though many have tried. Yet when someone is meant to see the castle he comes there unwittingly.

Motif References:

F 150.1 Way to otherworld hard to find.
F 163.1 Castle in otherworld
T 211.4.2 Husband’s [lover’s] corpse kept after death.
Z 254 Destined hero
F 562.2 Residence in a tree.
N 746 Accidental meeting of cousins
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
D 1131 Magic castle

WvEP-251: (2) She tells him its name is Munsalvaesche and the land is Terre de Salvaesche. Ancient Titurel bequeathed it to his son king Frimutel who impelled by the passion of love met his death in joust. He left four noble sons and daughters, of whom three live in misery. The fourth, who is called Trevrizent, lives in poverty to do penance in God’s name. His brother Anfortas, the lord of Munsalvaesche, can only lean, he can neither ride nor walk, nor lie down or stand. If Parzival would have made his way there the lord would have been rid of his suffering. The knight says that he saw great marvels there and she recognizes him by his voice. She says he is Parzival and asks for the glad tidings. If an end has been put to the king’s agony he has been assigned majesty without confine. Parzival asks her how she recognized him and she says she is the maiden who lamented her sorrows to him once before and told him who he is. His mother is her maternal aunt. She tells him that she is mourning her friend who has been killed by a lance-thrust.

Motif References:

F 163.1 Castle in otherworld
F 166.1.1 ”Silver bowl”: Grail in otherworld.
F 184.1 Wounded otherworld king (in Ireland).
F 184 Otherworld king
Z 254 Destined hero
N 746 Accidental meeting of cousins
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
D 1131 Magic castle

WvEP-252: (27) It seems to Parzival almost unbelievable that this lady should be Sigune who looked so lovely and now has lost both color and strength and whose head has been bared of her brown tresses. He says they should bury the dead knight. Sigune whose fidelity is to praise begins to weep. Only one thing could give her pleasure, if the king would be released from his suffering. She sees the sword Parzival is wearing. He will be able to fight without fear if he knows its secret magic. It has been worked by Trebuchet. Beside Karnant there is a spring by the name of Lac from which the king takes his name. The sword will stay whole for one blow, but at the second it will fall apart. If he will then take it back, it will be made whole again in that same stream if only he takes the water where it leaps from under the rock before the light of dawn shines on it. As soon as the sword is wetted by this water it will be made one again and far stronger than before. The sword requires a magic spell which she fears Parzival has left behind. Yet if he has learnt this spell good fortune will be with him forever.

Motif References:

F 663 Skillful smith
Z 730 (Bm) Eponymous account of personal name
F 833 Extraordinary sword
D 925 Magic fountain
D 1081 Magic sword
F 1098 Object miraculously mended.
F 1098.0.1 Object miraculously broken.
D 1273 Magic formula (charm)
D 2163.1 Broken weapons magically restored.

WvEP-254: (20) If Parzival had asked the question at the castle all the wonders he has seen would be at his command and he would have abundance of all that one can wish for on earth. As Parzival replies that he did not ask, Sigune reproaches him for having witnessed such great marvels, the Grail, the silver and the lance without asking. She blames him bitterly for not having had compassion on his host and inquired about his suffering. Parzival says he will make amends, but Sigune replies that his knightly honor and esteem have vanished with him at Munsalvaesche and he will have no more word from her. Parzival leaves in great remorse that he did not ask the question.

Motif References:

Q 85 Reward for asking proper questions.
C 651 The one compulsory question.

WvEP-256: (11) Then he comes upon a fresh trail for ahead of him a well-shod horse has gone and a shoeless palfrey. The latter is carrying lady Jeschute. Her mount has been given up to misery, it is white and has a halter of bast and its mane sweeps down to its hooves. On it is a wretched saddle, the girth is a mere rope. Thorny branches have torn her shift, but beneath it her skin is gleaming whiter than a swan’s. Elsewhere she has suffered from the sun. Yet her lips are gleaming red. The ill will she endures is undeserved for she is a virtuous woman. Parzival greets her and she recognizes him for he is the most handsome man in all the lands about. She says that as a result of their first meeting she now is in distress. Parzival replies that ever since he took shield no woman has been put to shame by him. She weeps and tries to cover herself with hands and arms from Parzival’s gaze. The knight offers his surcoat to her, yet she refuses and advises him to ride at some distance from her to ensure that they are not killed by her husband who is venting his anger on her. Parzival thereupon gets ready for fighting.

Motif References:

T 257 Jealous husband or wife.
S 410 Persecuted wife.
Q 470 Humiliating punishments

WvEP-260: (16) When his horse neighs the knight riding ahead hears it and wants to see who is with his wife. The Duke Orilus turns back and gets ready for combat. He has a fine lance, his helmet has been made by Trebuchet in Spain, and he is wearing a costly surcoat. His charger has a fine chain-mail and a costly covering. His entire armor is excellent and his warhorse has been won in a joust by his brother King Lähelin: it is from Brumbane de Salvaesche ah muntane. Parzival gallops towards Orilus de Lalander, whose shield displays a life-like dragon. There is another dragon on his helmet and numerous tiny golden dragons are on his horse’s covering and on his surcoat. They are embellished with precious stones and their eyes are set with rubies. The fighters give no challenge. Jeschute stands there wringing her hands for she wishes neither hero harm. The two knights fight fiercely on horseback and Parzival strikes down many gems from his adversary’s outfit.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-264: Orilus is angry because his spouse has suffered violence some time past. He imagines that she has brought dishonor on her chastity and her good name by taking another lover. Therefore he is treating her harshly and this without fault on her part. Both knights fight with all their skill and Parzival overcomes Orilus. Unless the latter takes his wife back in favor he will lose his life. Orilus at last has to surrender but he refuses to be reconciled with his wife. He offers him one of his brother’s kingdoms and he will hold his duchy in fee from him. Parzival will not have any gifts but makes Orilus pledge that he will ride to Britain to surrender to Cunneware and give Arthur Parzival’s compliments and he has to restore his wife to his favor. Orilus is reconciled with Jeschute. Then the two knights ride with the lady to a hermit’s cell. The hermit is named Trevrizent.

Motif References:

T 298 Reconciliation [reunion] of (separated) couple
P 426.2 Hermit
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-269: Parzival swears on the relics that he was a young fool when he tore ring and brooch from the lady and that Jeschute is an innocent woman. He gives him her ring. Orilus kisses his wife, covers her nakedness and thrusts the ring on her finger again. He says that the defeat has brought him back his happiness for his wife stands cleared of infidelity. He admits that he should not have left her behind all alone in the forest of Breziljan. Parzival takes away with him the lance from Troyes which has been forgotten there by Dodines’s brother, the Wild Taurian. He takes leave of Orilus and Jeschute who go back to his pavilion where his people are overjoyed to see him reconciled with his wife. Twelve maidens attend on Jeschute. Ever since she had gained her husband’s displeasure they had seen to it that she always wore bed-clothes at night. A knight tells Orilus that King Arthur lies encamped not far away on the banks of the Plimizoel. Orilus and his wife have a fine meal. Orilus has brought his armor and Jeschute is dressed beautifully. After he has ordered his retinue back to Lalant Orilus leaves with Jeschute who is riding a fine horse.

Motif References:

M 114 Oath taken on sacred object
T 298 Reconciliation [reunion] of (separated) couple

WvEP-274: (19) Soon they come to Arthur’s camp. The king and queen welcome him. Orilus then in full armor offers his submission to his sister Cunneware, who by the dragons on his surcoat recognizes him as one of her brothers, but she will not accept the submission of neither. He identifies as Orilus and tells her that the Red Knight has compelled him to submit to her. Cunneware receives his pledge and sets him free. Orilus then makes public complaint that a man dared to strike his sister. He and the Red Knight will make common cause in this affair. The knights and ladies show their animosity toward Keie. Lady Jeschute is brought in and the king and his queen welcome her. Arthur tells her that he knew her father King Lac of Karnant and that he deplored her sad state from the moment he learnt of it. Her charms won her the beauty-prize of the sparrow hawk at Kanadic. However much Orilus has wronged him Arthur is happy that she is back in her husband’s favor.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
H 126 Identification by coat of arms
Z 150 Other symbols
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
H 1596 Beauty contest

WvEP-278: (8) Cunneware leads Jeschute and her husband to her pavilion. Above it it seems as though a dragon would be holding half of the entire button in its claws. The dragon is fixed to four ropes as if it were alive and carrying the tent off into the air. Orilus’s device is the same as his sister’s. The courage of the Red Knight is praised throughout the camp. Keie’s sense of propriety makes him ask Kingrun to wait on Orilus instead of him. Cunneware looks after her guests and Arthur does not omit to call.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols

WvEP-280: King Arthur has left his castle at Karidol and his country following the advice of his retainers in search of the Red Knight whom he wishes to invite to the Round Table as a companion. All his knights have promised Arthur on oath that they would refrain from all jousting unless they first have his leave to fight. He does not want them to dash ahead of each other when they see lances upraised in the lands they have to cross, but he will help them if there is no avoiding battle. During the night there has been a heavy fall of snow yet it is not the time for snow for it is the month of May. One evening Arthur’s falconers have lost their best falcon, who lodges that night near Parzival. In the morning he sees his path ahead snowed under. The falcon strikes one of the geese on a clearing and from its wound three tears of blood fall upon the snow. When Parzival sees the drops of blood on the white this reminds him of Condwiramurs whose fair person is reflected in these colors. The hero becomes lost in thought till he falls in trance.

Motif References:

P 19.0.1 (Li) King Arthur as leader of outstanding chivalric society (Round Table)
T 26 Attention distracted by sight of (remembering) beloved [because of love]
Z 65.1 Red as blood, white as snow
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
M 100 Vows and oaths
Z 201.9.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous possessions - Arthur’s Round Table
H 1574 Tests of social position

WvEP-283: (24) Cunneware’s page sent with a message to Lalant comes running towards him and when he sees the armed knight he hurries back and alarms the court. Segremors, who is ever lusting for battle, runs forward to the king’s tent, where Arthur and his queen lie fast asleep. He rips off the coverlet from them and asks to be allowed to fight in an adventure that has presented itself. Arthur does not want to have his fighting-strength reduced for now they are approaching Anfortas’s men. Ginover wins leave for Segremors and he hastens out of the camp to challenge Parzival standing there still robbed of his senses. Parzival remains silent for all his threats. Segremors turns away to deliver a joust and Parzival’s horse turns so that he loses sight of the blood. Thereby restored to his senses Parzival unhorses Segremors and turns back to the blood-drops. Once more he is bereft of his senses. The army is encamped near enough to be able to see Parzival standing motionless there, defeated by Love which even vanquished Solomon. Segremors returns to the camp.

Motif References:

T 26 Attention distracted by sight of (remembering) beloved [because of love]
Z 65.1 Red as blood, white as snow
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
W 212 Eagerness for combat
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-290: (3) Keie brings the news to the king that Segremors has been unhorsed and obtains leave to fight. He is armed and intends to clear a whole forest of lances. Parzival bears Love’s great burden. Love’s joy is short-lived, anybody is overpowered by her, and she has harmed and wronged many men and women. Love has denied her help to the author and he has lost his trust in her. Parzival has fallen in trance because of Love, who also took the life of her brother Kardeiz. Keie rides forth against the stranger and challenges him. He strikes him with his lance, charges at him hard and forces Parzival’s horse round. The Waleis loses sight of the blood-drops and is given back his senses. Keie is brought down from his horse with the result that he is wounded and his horse is dead. Keie’s right arm and his left leg are broken in this fall. Thus the stranger avenges the beating of the maiden and his own. Parzival again finds the blood-drops which rob him once again of his wits.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
T 26 Attention distracted by sight of (remembering) beloved [because of love]
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-296: (13) Keie has the manners of a ruffian but he has his due share of honor. King Arthur’s court is the goal of many strangers, noble and ignoble alike. Keie is not impressed by those who are out to deceive, but those who are truly well-bred he always honors. He is a critical observer who knows how to sort out imposters and dishonest folk from the honest. He comes down on their misbehavior like a hail-storm. The author says it was people of this sort who perverted his good name. Prince Hermann of Thuringia could have done with a Keie seeing that his true generosity has brought him so mixed a following. Keie is fetched at once and carried into Arthur’s pavilion. Gawan laments for Keie but the latter angrily says that if he were in Gawan’s place he would not be slow to fight whereas the finest hair of a lady would keep Gawan from battle. Gawan says Keie has no cause for anger for he always has been at his disposal. Then he leaves.

Motif References:

W 34 Loyalty
M 402 Satire [satirist]

WvEP-300: Gawan rides up to the stranger. He greets him but Parzival made all oblivious by his inherited vulnerability to Love from his father’s and mother’s lines does not hear him. Gawan counsels him to go with him to the king whom he has brought disgrace. All this is lost on Parzival. Gawan has had experience in such trouble: He stabbed a knife through his palm under Love’s power. A noble queen saved him from death when after a great joust Lähelin had him at his mercy. She offered her own head as pledge. Her name was Inguse of Bachtarliez. Gawan thinks that Love is oppressing the stranger and therefore takes note of where the stranger is looking. He then covers the blood-drops with a cape. Parzival is restored to his senses but laments that he has been robbed of her presence. He looks for his lance and Gawan tells him that he broke it in a joust. Parzival does not remember what has happened. Gawan asks him to follow him to the king’s camp. At Parzival’s question he tells him that his lord is King Arthur and that he is called Gawan. His mother, the wife of King Lot, is the king’s sister.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
T 26.1 Finger cut because of absorption in the charms of beloved
T 26 Attention distracted by sight of (remembering) beloved [because of love]
N 837 Queen as helper

WvEP-304: Parzival says that before he can meet the king or the queen with honor he must pay back an offense done to a noble maiden who greeted him with laughter. Gawan tells him that this has been avenged already and that the seneschal has broken his arm and leg. Upon this Parzival consents to ride with Gawan. He learns that he has defeated Segremors too. When they arrive at the camp they are given a noble welcome. Cunneware is delighted and receives Parzival with joy. With Jeschute and her brother Orilus she goes to meet the knight. She has refrained from laughing till Parzival appeared and was beaten for it by Keie. But Parzival has avenged it fully. Cunneware makes him sit down with her, then sends a maiden for some fine clothes. He washes away the grime and there emerges a young man red of mouth and of white skin. He is robed and all who see him praise his handsome appearance. Cunneware gives him a precious brooch and a costly and splendid girdle.

Motif References:

Z 65.1 Red as blood, white as snow
F 575.2 Handsome man

WvEP-307: (13) After King Arthur has heard mass he goes to Gawan’s pavilion with men of the Round Table. Antanor runs ahead and says that Keie’s threats now have come to an end because of him. Young Parzival is beautiful like an angel. Arthur and his nobles welcome him amiably. Then the king tells him why he has ridden in search of him and all entreat Parzival to become their companion. The young knight complies to join the Round Table. Arthur has a rule that neither he himself nor the knights should dine before an adventure has turned up. Although the Table was left behind in Nantes according to Arthur’s command the ceremonial of the Round Table is transferred to the meadow where they are encamped to honor the Red Knight: A costly silk fabric has been cut round like the Round Table itself. Their courtesy dictates that all seats have to be equally honorable. Arthur commands that knights and ladies are to join them for the meal. Queen Ginover appears with her ladies and the ring is so ample as to allow the ladies to sit beside their beloved. Arthur leads Parzival to the queen and has her welcome him by kiss. Ginover forgives him for having grieved her by killing Ither. Parzival excels over all other knights in nobility and beauty and men and women alike are drawn to him.

Motif References:

P 14 Particular practices of kings
P 19.0.1 (Li) King Arthur as leader of outstanding chivalric society (Round Table)
M 151 Vow not to eat before hearing of adventure
Z 201.9.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous possessions - Arthur’s Round Table
F 575.2 Handsome man

WvEP-312: (2) A damsel comes to court. She is mounted on a wretched and ugly mule, with a costly bridle and harness. The beast’s gait is as it should be, but she herself does not look like a lady. She is so talented that she speaks all languages – Latin, Arabic and French – and masters dialectic, geometry and astronomy. Her name is Cundrie and she is called “the Sorceress” (surziere). The damsel wears a blue coat, a costly robe, and a hat of peacock-feathers hangs down over he back. A plait of her hair falls down over the hat to the mule, it is long, black and as soft as boar’s bristles. Her nose is like a dog’s and a pair of long boar-tusks jut from her jaws. Her eyebrows push past her hair-band and droop in tresses. Her ears resemble a bear’s. In her hand she holds a knout with a ruby stock and silk lashes. Her hands have the color of ape-skin and her finger-nails look like a lion’s claws. Cundrie rides to the king and addresses him in French.

Motif References:

F 511.2 Person unusual as to his ears
F 511.1 Person unusual as to his face
F 512 Person unusual as to his eyes
F 513.1 Person unusual as to his teeth
F 514 Person unusual as to his nose
F 515.2.2 Person with very long [and sharp] fingernails
F 527 Person of unusual color
F 542 Remarkable ears
F 543 Remarkable nose.
F 544.3.5 Remarkably long teeth.
F 552.1.3 Extraordinary fingernails
F 555 Remarkable hair
F 576 Extraordinary ugliness
F 645 Marvelously wise man [woman].
N 770.0.1 Feast as occasion for the beginning of adventures or the arrival of questers
D 1711 Magician

WvEP-314: (23) Cundrie tells the king that what he has done here has put him and many Britons to shame, for he has allowed Perfidy to join the Round Table and ruin it. The presence of Parzival has maimed the reputation of the Round Table. This knight wears nothing but the insignia of knighthood and though they call him the Red Knight their qualities are far from being alike. Then Cundrie rides to Parzival and says that he has caused her to deny her salutation to the king and the court. She curses his fair looks and his manly limbs and accuses him of having failed to free the sorrowful fisher from his pains. He ought to have had compassion on his sufferings. She heaps insults on him and says that by his silence he acquired great sin and is a man devoid of honor. Although he saw the Grail carried into his presence, the knives and the Bloody Lance, he did not think of asking the question at Munsalvaesche. The question would have brought him more than Tabronit, city of fabled wealth in heathendom. Feirefiz Anjevin, Gahmuret’s son, won the queen of that country with deeds of arms. This son of the queen of Zazamanc is mottled black and white. Parzival’s father was a man of high renown and manly loyalty and his mother’s great constancy brought suffering to her.

Motif References:

Q 85 Reward for asking proper questions.
M 410 Pronouncement of curses.
F 527 Person of unusual color
C 651 The one compulsory question.

WvEP-318: Cundrie deplores that it was ever made known by her that Herzeloyde’s son has strayed thus from the path of fame. She abandons herself to grief, wrings her hands and weeps. Then she turns to the king again and tells them that she knows of four queens and four hundred young ladies, all very beautiful, residing at Schastel marveile. Compared with what one could achieve there, with its prize of love, all other adventures are vain. She intends to be there that night. Without asking leave to go Cundrie rides away, complaining under tears that none will bring aid to Munsalvaesche.

Motif References:

R 41.1 Captivity in castle
H 1385.0.1 Unspelling quest: journey to disenchant (free) captives.

WvEP-319: Cunneware is the first one to weep because Cundrie has denounced Parzival. The other ladies are seen weeping as well. A knight comes riding up who wears a magnificent armor The pages dart towards him to welcome the nobleman unknown to them. The sorrowful man does not remove his helmet and carries his sword in his hands, covered in its sheath. He asks after Arthur and Gawan. Then he goes to the king, offers his greetings to all the vassals and ladies with the exception of Gawan, whom he accuses of having murdered his lord. If Gawan denies this charge he is to fight him in single combat forty days later in the presence of the king of Ascalun in the capital city of Schanpfanzun. If Gawan desires to share the company of the Round Table he should remember that no traitor is to sit at it. The king answers that his nephew will make it plain in battle that he is not guilty of treachery. The stranger should not slander Gawan if some other man has wronged him.

Motif References:

Z 71.12 Formulistic number: forty [Forty days’ limit]
H 218 Trial by combat
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
P 556.3 (Bm) Feast interrupted by man offering challenge.

WvEP-323: Beacurs, Gawan’s brother, says impetuously that he will fight the duel in Gawan’s stead. He then goes to his brother and implores him to let him be his champion. Gawan refuses the request for the sake of his honor. The stranger says that he has offered the challenge for the sake of his lord and kinsman. Their fathers were brothers. He identifies as a Prince of Ascalun, Landgrave of Schanpfanzun, by the name of Kingrimursel. Gawan will have to prove his innocence in fighting him if he cares for his honor. Kingrimursel promises him peace outside the dueling-ring. He takes his leave and departs. As soon as Kingrimursel has named himself all recognize him, for he is famous for his manly deeds. From Cundrie they have learnt Parzival’s name and lineage. Many a man recalls how Gahmuret, who had been tutored by Ampflise so that he became a courteous knight, won Herzeloyde at Kanvoleiz. The nobles try to console Gawan and Parzival.

Motif References:

P 251 Brothers [Half-brothers]
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]

WvEP-326: (15) Yet it seems to Clamide that he has lost more than any there for all wealth of the earth and the splendor of the Grail could not recompensate him for his pain before Pelrapeire. He asks Parzival who parted him from his happiness to help him to win Cunneware. The heathen lady of Janfuse, Arthur and his queen, Cunneware and Jeschute come over to console Clamide. They give him Cunneware for he is suffering from love for her and she will become his wife and queen. The heathen lady of Janfuse then tells them about Parzival’s half-brother Feirefiz, the wealthy king of Azagouc and Zazamanc, whose skin shows both black and white. People worship him as if he were their god. The lady is the daughter of his maternal aunt and on her way to Arthur’s court she passed through one of his lands. Feirefiz is a valiant jouster and a munificent man free of all falsity who does exploits for ladies’ sake. The lady then praises Parzival’s courtesy, his fair looks and manly ways, his youth and strength. The heathen lady who is also very rich and discerning speaks excellent French.

Motif References:

P 10 Kings [King’s famous court]
W 11.2 Munificent monarch
F 527 Person of unusual color

WvEP-329: (14) Parzival thanks her for consoling him so kindly but he cannot be released from his grief. He will never be happy again till he has seen the Grail. If he has failed by following Gurnemanz’s instructions to refrain from asking questions freely then his teachings may have had some flaws. He begs them to advise him how to win their good will after he has been mortified and to treat him justly if he regains distinction. He declares them free of the pledge of friendship. Then Parzival takes his leave of them and they are all very sorry to see him ride away. Arthur promises him that if his country were ever again attacked as it was by Clamide he would defend it and he says that it vexes him that Lähelin took two kingdoms from Parzival. Lady Cunneware leads him away. Gawan embraces him and says that he wishes that God may help him and let himself serve him as well.

Motif References:

M 151.7.1 (Bm) Vow not to be happy until conquest is achieved [revenge is taken]
M 183.3 Vow to find Holy Grail before returning to Round Table.
H 1223.1 Quest to recover one’s honor through feats.
H 1320.1 Quest for magic object: [grail].

WvEP-332: Thereupon Parzival asks what God is. He should not have brought them to such shame. Ever since he knew of Him Parzival always was His humble servitor. But now he will quit His service. If combat is ahead of Gawan he should not trust in God but in the love of a virtuous lady. Then Cunneware arms Parzival and they take leave of each other. The knight is clad in shimmering steel while his surcoat is adorned with gems. Parzival rides away. Many of Arthur’s knights then set out to see the adventure of Schastel marveile. Before they leave Clias the Greek admits that he has failed there, for the Turkoyte thrust him from his steed. Nevertheless he named him four queens dwelling there, two of them old, two still very young. Their names are Itonje, Cundrie, Arnive and Sangive. The knights all wish to see this but they are discomfited there. Love’s reward often consists in sorrow.

Motif References:

V 5 Negligence in religious exercise.
R 41.1 Captivity in castle
R 110 Rescue of captive
H 1385.0.1 Unspelling quest: journey to disenchant (free) captives.

WvEP-335: Gawan makes himself ready to appear before the king of Ascalun. The court laments the excursion that takes him away from them. Gawan gives close attention to his war equipment: he is given fine new shields from some merchants, acquires some chargers and from his friends he receives lances from Angram with bamboos from a swamp in heathen Oraste Gentesin. Arthur makes him most costly gifts: gems, gold and many sterlings of silver. Ekuba, the young heathen lady, goes to embark on her ship. Then the gathering disperses from the Plimizoel in all directions. Arthur returns to Karidol. Orilus and Jeschute stay in the meadow for three more days with Cunneware and Clamide, since he is celebrating his nuptials. The wedding-feast is yet to be arranged and takes place later in his own country on a larger scale. Many knights and numerous entertainers remain in Clamide’s train for he is a generous man. Jeschute and Orilus ride to Brandigan, for the latter’s sister Cunneware is crowned there. The author says that in his tale he succeeds in narrating better on the subject of women than he once sang of a certain lady. Belacane was faultless, Herzeloyde suffered deep grief from her dream, Ither’s death brought sorrow to queen Ginover. The author has shown his due pity for Jeschute’s and Cunneware’s sufferings, who now both have been vindicated.

Motif References:

T 136.1 Wedding feast

WvEP-338: The story will now tell of Gawan, a worthy knight, who never did a shameful deed. Gawan is crossing a valley with his retinue when an army comes into view led by mighty banners. He tells his squires to make his charger ready, which is called Gringuljete of the Red Ears. Orilus gave it to him. It is from Munsalvaesche and has been captured by Lähelin at lake Brumbane who killed a knight there. Gawan dismounts and watches the army ride or march past. He sees many shields and banners with devices altogether strange to him. Wagons follow the train, prostitutes and a crowd of vagabonds. The company of knights is in high spirits. Racing after them comes a squire. Gawan greets him and asks whose retinue this is. At first he thinks the stranger is mocking him, but when Gawan says he knew none of them he tells him that it belongs to King Poydiconjunz who is riding with Duke Astor of Lanverunz. Also marching there is a rude fellow named Meljakanz. Any pleasure he ever had of women was had by force. He is Poydiconjunz’s son and a valiant man. Behind Gawan King Meljanz of Liz is bringing a great army.

Motif References:

B 184.1 Magic horses [extraordinary horse from otherworld]
Z 201.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous horse
T 471 Rape
F 873 Extraordinary army

WvEP-344: (16) Meljanz has succumbed to pride and anger because of unrequited love. Meljanz’s father summoned the great nobles of his land to his death-bed and asked them to be faithful to his son. Then he chose one of his princes, duke Lyppaut, a loyal man free of all guile, and asked him to bring up his son. The duke put into effect all that his lord, King Schaut, had asked of him. He took the boy with him. At home he has two daughters, beautiful Obie and young Obilot. One day the young king asked the elder sister, Obie, to reward his attentions. She refused and said that even if he had excelled in chivalric deeds for five full years and then returned to place himself at her command and only then had she said yes to his desire, she should have granted it too soon; yet she admits that he is as dear to her as Galoes to Annore who died out of grief after losing him in a joust.

Motif References:

W 34 Loyalty
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 211.9.1 Wife dies of grief for death of husband
P 252.1 Two sisters
P 271 Foster father
P 274.1 Love between foster sister and foster brother
P 275 Foster son
T 311 Woman averse to marriage
F 1041.1.2 Death from grief for death of lover or relative

WvEP-346: (19) Thereupon Meljanz reminded her of the fact that he is her father’s liege lord. Obie replied that she does not wish to hold a fief from anyone, that being high-born she is equal to any king. The knight retorts that this pride came to her from her father who thus has wronged him and will have to make amends for it in tournament or battle. Lyppaut declared he would stand trial and offers amends. He demanded justice at a diet and protested his innocence. Lyppaut urgently sought his lord’s favor but Meljanz was too angry. It was not Lyppaut’s way to seize his lord, since he was his host, and so the young king left. His squires, who have been tutored faithfully by Lyppaut, were in distress. Lyppaut has nothing to fear from them apart from the page’s lord Lisavander, Burgrave of Beauvais in France. When he and the other squires were made knights this morning at the royal court they all had to break with Lyppaut with due formality. The army is commanded by King Poydiconjunz of Gors, who is Meljanz’s uncle and as arrogant as his nephew.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
T 75.2.1 Rejected suitors’ revenge
T 104.1 Rejected suitor wages war
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War

WvEP-349: The two kings plan to besiege Bearosche to fight there in ladies’ service. The castle itself is too strong to be taken by an even greater army than theirs. The page has ridden ahead with his lord’s shield so that he can claim the first joust. The squire sees his lord coming up fast and turns to rejoin him. Gawan considers what he should do: if he is to look on while others fight his renown would be extinguished, if he goes there to fight he would easily fail to come away for his promised duel. He rides in the direction of Bearosche which is lying before him with its town. The castle is very beautiful and strong. The army is encamped on the meadow below where there are many splendid tents. Gawan rides straight through the huge camp towards a gate on the castle-hill. The town’s defenses have been fortified and all the towers are armed. The duchess has gone up to the palace with her daughters to watch events outside.

Motif References:

P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)[train]

WvEP-352: (11) Soon Gawan hears what they are saying: Obie thinks that this man coming along is a merchant, but her younger sister says that such a handsome man never ranked as merchant and that she will have him for her knight. Gawan and his squires halt below the castle-wall under some trees. The duchess tells her daughter she should not attack the stranger this way and Obilot says that her sister has let her bad manners get the better of her as well when she was haughty towards King Meljanz. Obie angrily insists that this man is a merchant. A navigable river flows past the town under a great bridge of stone. On the other bank of the river, where the field is free of the enemy, a marshal rides up and sets up his quarters. His lord, Duke Marangliez of Brevigariez, arrives with his knights. He is coming to fight loyally for the duke, who is his brother. King Schirniel of Lirivoyn and his brother, the king of Avendroyn, have come with him.

Motif References:

P 252.1 Two sisters
P 431 Merchant
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
J 1485 Mistaken identity

WvEP-354: (24) When those within the fortress see help approaching they judge their measures of defense mistaken for they have walled up the gates. Lyppaut laments that he would have to fight his own liege lord and asks his men to counsel him how to cope with this situation. They advise him to throw open the gates and ask the best knights to ride out and offer battle. Lyppaut has the gates opened and there are jousts. On both sides the knights fight. Many squires of the besieging army are taken prisoner. Meljanz’s caparison is excellent and he rides a Castilian, acquired by Meljakanz when he overcame Keie and left him hanging in a branch. Meljanz’s achievements stand out above the rest and Obie taunts her sister that her knight obviously were no good for help. Gawan attentively listens to their words. The great army led by Poydiconjunz lies quiet except for one nobleman, the duke of Lanverunz and his men. Poydiconjunz rides up and takes them away with him. Then he admonishes the duke for having preceded him and his son. The duke replies that Meljanz was the first to fight, and that he saved them from disgrace. Poydiconjunz’s anger now centers on his nephew Meljanz.

Motif References:

P 252.1 Two sisters
P 561 Tournaments
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament

WvEP-360: (6) Meanwhile Obie set on humiliating Gawan in public sends a page to him to ask if his horses are for sale and if he has any fine stuffs to trade. When the boy approaches he meets with an angry reception and struck with terror he fails to deliver his message and runs away. Obie asks a young gentleman to tell the burgrave of the town, whose name is Scherules, that he should take the horses and the valuables of the stranger by the moat, who is a merchant and up to fraud. Scherules rides up to Gawan and as he finds a valiant and handsome knight he greets him politely. Then he offers him lodgment in his house and Gawan accepts the invitation. The host will be his safe-guard against loss. Obie now sends a minstrel-woman to her father with a message telling him that a counterfeiter is on his way. He should make this man’s goods his mercenaries’ payment. Lyppaut, pressed heavily by the need to pay his mercenaries, sets out after him. Riding back Scherules meets Lyppaut, who tells him that he is on the tracks of a swindler. Scherules laughs and tells him that he is mistaken. He intends to protect him and Scherules should give a kind welcome to all who come there after learning of his trouble. The duke rides to where Gawan is and sees that this stranger is handsome and has truly manly qualities.

Motif References:

W 188 Contentiousness.
P 320 Hospitality
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
K 2129 Slanders - miscellaneous
K 2130 Trouble-makers

WvEP-365: True Love often robs man or woman of their understanding. Obie’s and Meljanz’s love is so true that the young man’s anger must be deplored. Obie is hurt so deeply by his riding away that she becomes angry too. Due to her anger her lapses from ladylike behavior are now frequent and thus Gawan has to bear the grunt of her displeasure together with others. She loves Meljanz, whom she thinks to be far and away the best knight, and does not bear the sight of valiant Gawan. Lyppaut welcomes Gawan and invites him to join the fighting. Gawan answers that he would be willing to do so only he must forego it till he has fought a combat. The duke then tells him that he is in distress because of his daughter and renews his entreaties. Gawan begs him not to pursue it for he is asking him to break his word. In the evening he will tell him what he has resolved.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
W 188 Contentiousness.

WvEP-368: (9) When Lyppaut leaves he meets Obilot and the burgrave’s daughter playing in the courtyard. Obilot is going to ask the stranger to be her knight. Gawan greets her and sits down beside her. He thanks her for championing him when he was being maligned. Then the girl asks for his aid: If he wishes she will offer him love for his service. Gawan says that he has pledged his word but that even if he would strive for her love she would have to be five years older before she could bestow it. But then he remembers Parzival’s advice to place greater trust in women than in God and he promises her to bear arms for her. Obilot promises that her love will fence him in peace, and bring him courage and luck in danger. She will be at his side in battle. Then she asks for leave to find a love-token to offer him. Gawan says that if they keep their charm till they come of age many knights will strive for their love indeed. They leave. The Burgrave’s little daughter asks her lady what she will give her knight, for they only have got their dolls. If hers are prettier than her lady’s she will let him have hers.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 59 (Bm) Love tokens

WvEP-372: (22) On their way back Obilot and Clauditte meet Lyppaut. After he has lifted her in front of him on to the saddle – and a knight her playmate on his – Obilot tells her father about her troubles and he promises to help her. He hopes to get some advantage from it, for the stranger is a proud knight and Lyppaut saw him last night in his dreams. Lyppaut and his daughter go to the duchess and the duke asks his wife that Obilot should have fine new clothes. The duchess orders costly samite and brocade, fine fabric from the heathens, to be brought. They cut a gown for Obilot, with one sleeve removed, since it is destined for Gawan. Clauditte takes the sleeve to Gawan who nails it on one of his shields.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 59.2 (Bm) Sleeve as love token.
F 821.1 Dress of extraordinary material

WvEP-376: The day has come to an end. On both sides there are great forces composed of many excellent valiant knights. By the bright moon the besieged strengthen their forward defenses and construct a dozen redoubts. Duke Kardefablet, who is Lyppaut’s brother-in-law, takes over four gates and in the morning is ready for combat. Before daybreak the troops on the far side of the bridge march into Bearosche and by dawn each gate is manned. Scherules guards a gate together with Gawan. Fighting starts in the morning. A priest reads mass for Gawan and his host, then they ride to their defenses. Poydiconjunz rides up in great strength and with trumpets ringing out. Duke Astor attacks those of Jamor. Many noble men are thrown on to the field to the shouting of many strange war-cries. Gawan dismounts many knights and breaks numerous lances. He leads the horses captured from the defeated to his host’s standard and asks if anyone wants them. They are all enriched by his companionship.

Motif References:

P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 555.0.1 (Si) Booty. The spoils of war.

WvEP-380: (25) Gawan overcomes Lysavander of Beauvais but returns his horse to the adversary’s page – who explained to Gawan what this action was about. Meljakanz dismounts Kardefablet whose men come to his aid with cries of “Jamor!”. Gawan delivers a mighty charge with his company and throws a ring round Kardefablet. Laheduman is overcome as well and pledges surrender to Gawan. There are shouts of “Nantes!”, King Arthur’s war-cry, since there are many Britons, captives and mercenaries from Erec’s land of Destrigales. Their commander is the Duke Lanveranz. These Britons have been captured from King Arthur in a battle on Muntane Cluse in the course of a great assault. They shout “Nantes!” in their old style and already the beards of some are turning grey. Their device is a dragonlet (gampilun), derived from the coat-of-arms of Arthur’s son Ilinot and Gawan becomes sad at the memory of his cousins Ilinot’s death. For the cause of friendship he refrains from attacking them and makes for Meljanz’s army instead.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols

WvEP-383: (17) Here the defenders are fighting valiantly yet have to retreat towards the moat. One knight, whose armor is red all over assailed them time and again. They call him Sir Nameless for nobody knows him there. This Red Knight has joined Meljanz three days past. He captures king Schirniel and his brother and claims duke Marangliez’s surrender. Meljanz himself is fighting there and all have to admit his excellence. His cry is “Barbigoel!” from his capital city of Liz. No one there can give him fully battle until he fronts Gawan who unhorses and wounds him with his spear. Both knights fight on with swords on the ground. Gawan forces him to surrender. Lyppaut himself is not found lacking courage. Besiegers and defenders do their best. Worthy men lose their lives for the sake of Obie’s anger. The fighters are growing weary, yet Meljakanz is still hard at it. When Gawan appears there Meljakanz finds himself in greater trouble than when noble Lanzilot fought with him after crossing the Bridge of Swords and won back Queen Ginover who had been held captive. Gawan lowers him on to the meadow, his surcoat is trampled and blood from the dead horses rains down on him. Finally Duke Astor recovers Meljakanz and with that the battle is over. Gawan and the Red Knight take the palm above all others beyond question.

Motif References:

R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted
F 152.1.6 Sword bridge to otherworld.
R 169.1.1 (Bm) Knight rescues abducted lady.
R 222 Unknown knight (Three days’ tournament)
F 527.1.1 Red knight
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-388: (11) When the Red Knight realizes that his captain has been captured he asks his prisoners to obtain his release. He exacts an oath that they are either to redeem Meljanz or find the Grail for himself and lets them ride to the town. But they do not know where the Grail resides except that King Anfortas has the care of it. Thereupon the Red Knight commands them to ride to Pelrapeire to surrender to the queen and tell her that he is longing for the Grail and for her love. They take their leave and ride in. Then Parzival gives the captured horses to his squires and only takes one for himself, for his is badly wounded. For his journey he selects Ingliart of the Short Ears, who has strayed away from Gawan while he was capturing Meljanz. He takes leave and goes on his way. Inside the fortress Lyppaut is pleased by the news that Meljanz has been captured. Gawan removes the sleeve, which is pierced and hacked through, from his shield and asks Clauditte to take it to Obilot. She is overjoyed and quickly fastens it over. Each time she passes her sister she vexes her with it.

Motif References:

T 59.2 (Bm) Sleeve as love token.
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
H 1219.5 Quest assigned [to] prisoner.

WvEP-391: (3) The knights are now driven to their rest by exhaustion. Scherules seats the captured noblemen at his table. He and his men remain standing till Meljanz has dined, which strikes Gawan as excessive, but for the sake of courtesy his host declines his suggestion to be seated as well. Meljanz asks Scherules to help him with regard to Gawan and Lyppaut. Gawan promises that peace will be made. The prisoners of the Red Knight come up and from their explanation of what has happened Gawan concludes that the Nameless was Parzival. He thanks God that he has not let them engage in combat. Neither of them is named and no one recognizes them there although elsewhere they are well known. Scherules asks Meljanz to put his anger down which meets with general approval. They all go up to the palace.

Motif References:

R 9.10 (Bm) Release from captivity
R 222 Unknown knight (Three days’ tournament)
N 760 Other accidental encounters
K 1812.8 Incognito queen (princess)

WvEP-394: Gawan sends a message to Obilot, that he would like to see her and assure her for all to hear that he would be her life-long servitor and take his leave of her. Gawan will give Meljanz to her to dispose of him. Lyppaut who is seated with his wife and daughters greets his lord and the ladies welcome him too. Gawan frees Meljanz from his parole, he is now to be Obilot’s prisoner. Meljanz submits himself to Obilot, who then commands him to transfer to her sister Obie the homage done to her. He further must take her as his mistress and she must take him as her lover and lord always. Her command is obeyed on both sides. The lovers are reconciled and their love renewed. Lyppaut is very happy, for his daughter becomes the queen of the land. After the wedding-feast they all ride off. Gawan takes his leave from Obilot who is very sad for his departure and would like to go with him. Lyppaut assures him of his devotions and his host Scherules rides out with the knight in company with his men and sends huntsmen with food to go with him for a long stretch.

Motif References:

P 18 Marriage of kings
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 59.2 (Bm) Sleeve as love token.
T 100 Marriage
T 298 Reconciliation [reunion] of (separated) couple
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)

WvEP-398: At Bearosche Gawan and the Red Knight (Parzival) have outshone all the other men on both sides. To reach Schanpfanzun where he is supposed to fight in single combat Gawan has to pass through a forest. He has lost his steed Ingliart of the Short Ears. He comes to a cultivated land, by name of Ascalun, and asks the passers-by to direct him to Schanpfanzun. He reaches the castle, which is magnificent, with high walls all around it so that it fears no assault. One side borders on the sea and on the other side lies a wide plain. Five hundred knights or more come riding towards Gawan, all in elegant clothes, and one of them outshining the rest. King Vergulaht and his knights are hunting with falcons. The king is of resplendent beauty – he is of the fairy race of Mazadan from the mountain of Famorgan. Gawan concludes that he must be a second Parzival for he bears the traits of Gahmuret. When he goes to the aid of his birds, pursuing a heron into a swamp, he misses his way and gets a wetting. He frees his falcons but as a result loses his horse and all his clothes to the falconers. Someone lends him a horse and he is given other clothes.

Motif References:

Z 202 (Bm) Fanciful ancestry of hero
F 305 Offspring of fairy [dwarf] and mortal
F 305.2 Offspring of fairy and mortal extraordinarily beautiful.
F 575.2 Handsome man

WvEP-401: (5) When Gawan comes riding towards them he is given a better welcome than Erec when he returned with Lady Enite to Karidol from his battle. The dwarf Maliclisier had beaten him with his lash in full sight of Ginover, which led to the combat at Tulmeyn for the Sparrow hawk, where Ider fil Noyt had to offer his surrender. King Vergulaht tells Gawan he should ride to Schanpfanzun and go to his young sister who is praised for her beauty. He sends message to the castle telling the lady to take good care of their guest. Gawan rides on to the castle and a knight leads him in to where the handsome Antikonie is seated. The messenger passes the king’s message and the princess greets Gawan by a kiss. Her mouth is hot, full and red and a most friendly kiss is given. Gawan sits down beside the maiden and they have a conversation about courtship. Gawan implores her to be kind to him. She answers that she treats him so well to please her brother, and though she does not even know who he is, after so short a time he seeks her love. Gawan tells her that he is his aunt’s brother’s son and that he is a perfect match to her. Seeing the whole company gone Gawan caresses the lady and both are hard-pressed with desire.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings
T 50 Wooing
P 320 Hospitality
P 322.2 Guest in disguise or under false name
J 1252 Quibbling answers.

WvEP-407: (11) An old knight enters suddenly and, recognizing Gawan, he names him and gives the alarm. He accuses him of ravishing the daughter of his lord, whom he has slain. Gawan asks the lady what they should do for they have no weapons. Antikonie decides to take refuge in the tower outside her room. Meanwhile knights come running and people are approaching from the town. Gawan takes his stand before the door and from the wall he tears a great bolt to defend himself. The maiden finds a set of chessmen and a board and brings it to Gawan to fight with. Antikonie hurls the large and heavy pieces at the enemy and whoever is hit by her throws is toppled. They fight side by side and the sight of her extraordinary beauty (shaped more neatly than a hare on spit and jointed like an ant where the girdle rests) inspires manly courage in him and many lose their lives as a result. The lady stands firm with Gawan. Women are judged of their modesty and those who put on armor forget their nature unless loyal affection inspires them: Antikonie sheds tears as she fights for her pride is humbled, but she gives proof of steadfast affection.

Motif References:

R 4 Surprise capture
P 63 (Bm) Lady in armor (and battle)
R 310 Refuges
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper

WvEP-410: (13) King Vergulaht arrives and when he sees the fighting he commands his own company to wage battle against his guest. Gawan is forced to give ground. But then comes the very man who has challenged him to single combat in Arthur’s presence. Kingrimursel who has pledged his word that Gawan should be granted safe conduct drives them all back from the tower which the king has ordered to be pulled down. He asks Gawan to give him safe conduct and joins him in the tower to support him. At this the besiegers grow uncertain for Kingrimursel is Burgrave there and Gawan and he run out into the open. The king exhorts his men. Many men however choose a spokesman to the king telling him that they would not fight against Kingrimursel and that the king would heap shame upon himself if he would slay his guest. Moreover Kingrimursel is the king’s kinsman and the guest has been promised safe conduct. It was Vergulaht himself who sent Gawan to Antikonie. Gawan’s life should be spared for her sake even if none had granted him safe escort. Thereupon the king allows a truce till further counsel how he could avenge his father.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings
R 110 Rescue of captive
W 185 Violence of temper
P 558 (Bm) Truce
P 570 (Bm) Safe conduct
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

WvEP-413: (13) Gawan is innocent, for Vergulaht’s father was killed by Ehcunat, when he was leading Jofreyt fiz Ydoel towards Barbigoel after capturing him beside Gawan. When the truce has been agreed Antikonie thanks Kingrimursel for rescuing Gawan. Vergulaht is ashamed of the assault for he is not lacking virtues. His sister upbraids him and accuses him of not having paid her due respect for if a man seeks refuge with a woman the pursuers should call off their attack. The flight of his guest to her in fear for his life will bring deep disgrace to him. Then Kingrimursel speaks up and reminds him that the king’s word was pledged when he gave Gawan safe conduct at Plimizoel. Vergulaht’s actions have diminished Kingrimursel and the king’s lords and if he does not treat his lords with due consideration they will diminish the crown. Wherever it is rumored that Arthur’s nephew came to Schanpfanzun under his escort and was attacked Kingrimurel’s renown as a man without falseness will perish. This battle will ruin his happiness and honor.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 205 Refusal to fight relatives
P 324.3 Guests’ life inviolable

WvEP-416: (17) Then Liddamus stands up. His name is given by Wolfram’s source, Kyot le Magician (laschantiure), a Provencal, who retold this tale of Parzival originally written in the heathen tongue in French. The author recounts it in German. Liddamus advises Vergulaht to avenge his father’s death with his own hand. Kingrimursel replies that Liddamus himself was never seen in battle, for he is a coward, and no sovereign should listen to such a man’s counsel. Kingrimursel would have confronted Gawan in single combat had Vergulaht allowed it. Then he asks Gawan to promise that he would be ready for combat a year later at Barbigoel in the presence of king Meljanz. Gawan complies with the request and gives his promise. Liddamus defends himself in a shrewd speech, justifying his reluctance to fight in any battle or combat by means of literary examples (Turnus and Tranzes, Wolfhart and Rumolt, Segremors, who has to be bound lest he fight, Sibeche who never drew sword and always sought flight and nevertheless received gifts and fiefs from Ermenrich) and insists on the fact that he is Kingrimursel’s equal for he is a sovereign lord too. He should fight the man he challenged, whereas Liddamus will be faithful to his king, but he himself will not risk his life for the sake of others without need. At last King Vergulaht is displeased with their quarrelling and commands both men to be silent.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
W 37 Conscientiousness
P 110 Royal ministers
W 121 Cowardice
W 212 Eagerness for combat
H 218 Trial by combat
D 1711 Magician

WvEP-422: (9) Then the king tells his sister to take Kingrimursel and Gawan with her and goes to council. The princess entertains her guests till evening when they have supper. When the king has heard the opinions of his council, he tells them that some days past he was involved in a combat. He had ridden out into the forest of Lächtamris in search of adventure when a knight thrust him from his horse. Then he made him promise to win the Grail for him and if he had not succeeded in doing so within a year’s limit to offer his surrender to the queen at Pelrapeire. Liddamus advises Vergulaht to let Gawan stand in for his promise, to pardon him his misdeeds and win back Antikonie’s love. The counselors all consent and Gawan keeps his life. In the morning the king does as he has been counseled and summons Gawan. Antikonie conducts him hand in hand to her brother together with her cousin and some of the king’s men.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
Z 72.0.1 (Bm) Year time limit on quest
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
H 1219.5 Quest assigned [to] prisoner.
H 1230 Accomplishment of quests.
H 1320.1 Quest for magic object: [grail].

WvEP-426: (22) Her head is adorned by a garland yet her lips are more intense in their red color than the flowers. She is a charming and virtuous lady of high repute. Once again she pleads for Gawan for her sake and Vergulaht is willing to follow her advice and win her forgiveness. Then the king tells Gawan that he will overlook the wrong he suffered from him provided that the knight would give his word to win the Grail for him. Gawan complies with the king’s request and they are reconciled. Gawan is sent on quest for the Grail. Kingrimursel too forgives the king. Gawan’s squires have been separated from them during the fighting, a man of influence in the town had begged a truce for them and taken them to prison. They are freed now and are overjoyed when they are brought to Gawan. Count Liaz fiz Tinas from Cornwall is with him there and Duke Gandiluz, whose father Gurzgri lost his life at Schoyedelakurt. Liaze is this page’s aunt and he is very handsome. All his squires are of high lineage and Gawan’s kinsmen.

Motif References:

F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 575.2 Handsome man
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
H 1219.5 Quest assigned [to] prisoner.
H 1320.1 Quest for magic object: [grail].

WvEP-430: (17) Then Gawan asks leave to depart which the king grants. Gawan is waited on with Kingrimursel and the squires by young ladies and they have breakfast. Gawan asks Antikonie’s leave to depart and says that further on he will devote his knight-errantry to the service of her womanly virtue. His departure fills the princess and many girls with sorrow and it distresses the knight too. Kingrimursel rides out with Gawan beyond the town. Gawan asks him to conduct his retinue as far as Bearosche where they should ask Scherules for an escort to Dianazdrun, where some Briton will take them to King Arthur and the queen. They say goodbye. Gawan rides on in search of the Grail.

Motif References:

H 1320.1 Quest for magic object: [grail].

WvEP-433: The author talks to Lady Adventure and asks her to tell him how matters stand with Parzival now, if he has accomplished his quest to the Grail and released Anfortas from his suffering. Adventure tells that Parzival has ranged through many lands on horseback and over the waves in ships. None who fought him in combat kept their seat unless he were compatriot or kinsman. The sword which Anfortas gave him is shattered in a duel. But the well Lac near Karnant makes it whole again. One day Parzival comes riding to a forest. He comes to a newly built cell through which a stream is flowing. There he finds an anchoress, Sigune, who for the love of God has dedicated her maidenhood and given up all worldly joy. Schionatulander is buried in the cell and above his tomb Sigune lives a life of pain for the sake of her love for the dead man who never enjoyed her love. She never hears mass but her life is one long prayer. Had she become the knight’s wife Lunete would not have offered her the rash advice she gave to her mistress. A woman’s fidelity in marriage becomes her well but if she maintains her fidelity beyond his death then she will earn the highest praise among women.

Motif References:

T 85.4 Lover’s body [lover’s bones] kept (embalmed) for years by grieving mistress
T 210 Faithfulness in marriage
P 426.2 Hermit
D 925 Magic fountain
F 1098 Object miraculously mended.
F 1098.0.1 Object miraculously broken.
D 2163.1 Broken weapons magically restored.

WvEP-436: (26) Parzival rides up to the window for he wants to discover his bearings in the forest. When he asks if anyone is there Sigune answers and Parzival on hearing a female voice dismounts at once and lays down his shield and sword. He asks the pallid young lady to come to the window. Under her grey cloak she is wearing a hair-shirt, she holds a Psalter in her hand on which she wears a ring, with a shining garnet, for true love’s sake. Her wimple also shows her grief. Parzival questions her about her life in the forest and she tells him that her nourishment is brought to her from the Grail by Cundrie every Saturday evening. Then he asks her suspiciously about the ring she is wearing. She tells him that she wears this engagement-ring for the sake of a dear man who was slain in her service by Orilus in joust. Though she is a maiden this dead man before God is her true husband and the ring is the token of this marriage. Hearing this Parzival realizes she is Sigune and puts off his coif. When the maiden glimpses his beauty gleaming through the rust she recognizes the knight and questions him about his quest for the Grail.

Motif References:

H 11.1 Recognition by telling life history
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
T 211.5 Man becomes a hermit after his wife’s death [Becoming hermit after partner’s death]
P 426.2 Hermit
N 746 Accidental meeting of cousins

WvEP-441: (3) Parzival tells her that he has forfeited much happiness for the sake of the Grail, his crown and his wife, but he longs even more to see Munsalvaesche and the Grail. Sigune replies that he indeed forfeited much happiness after neglecting to ask the question which would have won him all the heart can wish for. He asks her to counsel him for the sake of her kinship and to tell him about her grief. Sigune tells him that Cundrie rode away from there quite recently and that he should try to follow her track. The knight takes his leave and sets out along the track, yet he loses it very soon. A man comes riding toward him who is fully caparisoned but for his head. He reprimands him for riding through his lord’s forest for no one must ride so near to Munsalvaesche without fighting or pay for it with his life. He fastens his helmet and makes ready for the joust. They run at each other and Parzival thrusts the templar of Munsalvaesche out of the saddle with the result that he rolls down a deep gulley in the mountain-side. Parzival follows his joust through with his horse racing ahead so that it pitches down and smashes its bones. Parzival grips a bough of cedar and catches firm rock beneath him with his feet. The other knight makes all speed to safety up the other side of the gulley. Parzival takes the templar’s horse and rides on.

Motif References:

F 150.2.1 Entrance to otherworld guarded by giant
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-446: For several weeks Parzival rides on seeking adventure as before. One morning when the ground is already covered with snow an old knight comes towards him, in the company of his wife, grey-haired but of fresh skin as her husband, and his two beautiful daughters. They all are barefoot and wear coarse grey cloaks for they are on a pilgrimage. Parzival greets the grey knight who has all the appearance of a lord. Ladies’ lap-dogs run along beside him and he is followed by other knights and squires walking on this pilgrimage. Parzival questions the people on their journey. They give friendly answers but the old knight reproaches him because Parzival is riding fully armed in this Holy Season. Parzival replies that he has no knowledge as to when the year begins, of the number of the passing weeks, or what day of the week it is. He used to serve one named “God” and never failed Him in devotion yet He gave him no help.

Motif References:

V 5 Negligence in religious exercise.
V 75 Easter [Good Friday].
V 530 Pilgrimages

WvEP-448: The knight tells him that the day is Good Friday in which the whole world can rejoice and at the same time mourn for God was hung on the Cross for the sake of mankind. Unless Parzival is a heathen he should put off his armor on this holy day. Not far ahead is a holy man who will advise him and give penance for his misdeed. His daughters beg him not to be so unfriendly to the knight and to take him away to his tents nearby as a good host. The old man thereupon offers his hospitality to Parzival and his pretty daughters urge him to join them. Every year when the Day of His Passion approaches the knight sets out from his home nearby through this wild forest. Yet Parzival asks his leave of them and rides on. Sorrow begins to stir in his heart and he thinks of God and if He could overcome his sorrow. Parzival then lets his horse go where God chooses. The beast makes for Fontan la Salvatsche, where the hermit Trevrizent lives a holy life and endures much hardship from fasting.

Motif References:

V 5 Negligence in religious exercise.
V 75 Easter [Good Friday].
N 118 Issues left to fate (luck).
P 426.2 Hermit
V 530 Pilgrimages

WvEP-452: (29) From Trevrizent Parzival is about to learn matters concerning the Grail. The famous Master Kyot found the prime version of this tale in Arabic script at Toledo. He had to learn the characters’ ABC beforehand without the art of necromancy. It helped him that he was a Christian, otherwise the tale would still be unknown. A heathen named Flegetanis, a famous master, wrote about the marvels of the Grail. He descended from Solomon, of Israelitish kin down from ancient time till the Baptism became the shield of mankind against hellfire. Flegetanis worshipped a calf as though it were his god and was a heathen like his father. Flegetanis was able to define the recession of each planet and its return and how long each revolves in its orbit before it stands at its mark again. All human kind are affected by the revolutions of the planets. He saw hidden secrets in the constellations and read the name of the Grail in the stars. A troop left it on earth and then rose high above the stars. Afterwards Christians bound to a pure life had the duty of keeping it.

Motif References:

V 1.11.1 Worship of golden calf.
V 150 Sacred objects - miscellaneous
J 191 Wise men
V 236 Fallen angels
V 450 Religious orders
N 843 Hermit as helper
D 859.2.1 Magic object received from otherworld.
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)
D 1311.6.4 Divination by stars

WvEP-455: Kyot sought for this tale in Latin books and read the chronicles of various lands. He found the tale in Anjou: He read about Mazadan and how Titurel and his son Frimutel bequeathed the Grail to Anfortas, whose sister was Herzeloyde on whom Gahmuret begot a son to whom this tale belongs. Parzival recognizes the spot where he reconciled Orilus and Jeschute. He comes to Trevrizent’s hermitage. The anchorite asks him why he is riding in full armor on such a holy day. The knight dismounts and asks him for his guidance for he is a sinner. He tells him that a grey-haired man sent him there and Trevrizent says this was Gabenis, a prince of Punturteis, whose sister is the wife of the mighty king of Kareis. Gabenis visits Trevrizent each year. Parzival asks his host if he was afraid of him as he rode up to him and the hermit replies that he fears no human. Once he was a knight himself and strove to win the love of noble ladies. But since he has forgotten these things.

Motif References:

P 16.1 King (prince) retires from world (becomes hermit [monk, pilgrim], swineherd [beggar])
P 426.2 Hermit
V 530 Pilgrimages

WvEP-459: (5) The anchorite takes Parzival’s horse and leads him into his dwelling where a fire is glowing so that the guest can grow warm. Then he takes him into another cave where he keeps his books. The knight recognizes on the altar-stone the reliquary on which he swore his oath when he put an end to Jeschute’s suffering. He then asks the hermit how long it is since the time he took the painted lance from there. Trevrizent replies that Taurian left it behind and that it is four-and-a-half years and three days since Parzival took it. The knight realizes how long he has been wandering with no sense of direction and without happiness. And all this time he never entered any church and only sought battle for he resents God because of his troubles. The host advises him to trust in God for He will help him. Though he is a layman he can read the Holy Bible and write. He asks him to give a full account of how God became the object of his hatred. God is Truth and the enemy of falsity and Parzival should guard against playing Him false. One can gain nothing from him by anger.

Motif References:

V 5 Negligence in religious exercise.
V 300 Religious beliefs

WvEP-463: (4) Parzival should consider what Lucifer and his comrades (among them Astiroth , Belcimon, Belet and Radamant) achieved. As angels they had no gall yet they found malice, waged war and made their descent to Hell. A Man succeeded him for God made noble Adam from earth and broke Eve from Adam’s body who then broke the bliss of mankind. One of their sons driven by his discontent and greed deflowered his grandmother, which is the earth: Cain slew Abel for a trifle and through his blood the earth’s virginity was gone. This was the beginning of hatred among men. There is nothing in the whole world so pure as an honest maiden. God Himself was born of a virgin. Since He fought against unfaithfulness Parzival should put his quarrel with God aside and do penance for his sins. In ancient times Plato the Speaker (pareliure) and Sibyl the Prophetess foretold the coming of Redemption. God offers the world love and anger. The unrepentant sinner flees His love but he that atones for his sins will find grace. God scans thoughts well enough and if Parzival forfeits His benevolence he is the one who will suffer. So he should direct his thoughts that He will requite his goodness. Parzival thanks Trevrizent for his teachings about God.

Motif References:

V 300 Religious beliefs
M 301 Prophets
M 301.21 Sibyl as prophet.
M 363.1 Coming of Christ (Christianity) prophesied

WvEP-467: (19) Trevrizent wants to hear Parzival’s sins and his sorrows so that he could advise him. The knight tells him that his deepest distress is for the Grail, after that it is for his wife. Trevrizent says it is right that he should long for his wife. If he is found in holy wedlock however he may suffer in purgatory but his torment will soon end. But it is foolish to long for the Grail. For no man can win the Grail other than he whom Heaven has destined for it. Trevrizent knows the Grail and has seen it with his own eyes. Parzival does not reveal to him that he has been there but he asks to be told about the Grail. Trevrizent tells him that many fighting-men dwell at Munsalvaesche with the Grail who are riding out in quest of adventure. Whether the templars earn trouble or renown they bear it for their sins. They are nourished by a Stone, which is called Lapsit exillis. By virtue of this stone the Phoenix is burned to ashes in which he is reborn. From the day on which a sick man sees the Stone he cannot die for that week nor does he lose his color. Anyone who looks at the Grail for two hundred years would preserve his youth except that his hair would grey. The Stone makes their flesh and bones young again. This Stone is also called “The Grail”.

Motif References:

B 32.1 Phoenix renews youth
F 166.1.1 ”Silver bowl”: Grail in otherworld.
F 183.1 Automatic service in otherworld: any sort of food desired furnished
Z 254 Destined hero
V 450 Religious orders
Q 525 Dangerous penances.
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)
H 1221 Quest for adventure
D 1338 Magic object rejuvenates
D 1349.2 Magic object produces immunity from old age.
D 1380.11 Magic jewel protects
D 1472.1.2 Stone provides food.
D 1787 Magic results from burning.
D 1886 Rejuvenation by burning.

WvEP-469: (29) A message alights upon the Grail each Good Friday, when a white dove comes down from heaven. It brings a small white wafer to the stone and leaves it there. Then the dove flies up to heaven again. From this the Stone receives whatever the earth yields of food and drink and the Stone gives the flesh of all the wild animals to the chivalric brotherhood. Those who are appointed to the Grail are made known by an inscription on it which announces the name and lineage of the one summoned. As soon as a name has been read it vanishes from sight. All came there as children. They were fetched from many countries and forever after are immune from sin and have a rich reward in heaven. When Lucifer and the Trinity began to war with each other those who did not take sides had to descend to earth to that Stone which is forever incorruptible. Trevrizent does not know whether God forgave them or damned them in the end. Since that time the Stone has been in the care of those whom God appointed to it and to whom He sent his angel.

Motif References:

A 54 Rebel angels
V 75 Easter [Good Friday].
A 106.2 Revolt of evil angels against God
Z 142 Symbolic color: white
V 150 Sacred objects - miscellaneous
Q 172 Reward: admission to heaven
F 183.1 Automatic service in otherworld: any sort of food desired furnished
H 192 Recognition by supernatural manifestation
V 236 Fallen angels
B 291.1.12 Pigeon as messenger.
V 450 Religious orders
F 883 Extraordinary writings (book, letter)
D 1031.1.1 Consecrated bread as magic object.
D 1310 Magic object gives supernatural information.
D 1472.1.2 Stone provides food.
D 1726 Magic power from deity [god].
D 2095 Magic disappearance
D 2188 Magic disappearance

WvEP-471: (30) Parzival says that the chivalric life has been his only desire and if God is any judge of fighting He will have to appoint him to Munsalvaesche. His host tells him that he would have to guard against arrogance there of all places. Then he continues his story: There was a king named Anfortas, who was punished for his pride. His youth and wealth and pursuit of love beyond purity brought harm to the world through him. The brotherhood of the Grail must guard against licentiousness. The knights by force of arms have warded off men from many lands so that the Grail has been revealed only to those who have been summoned to Munsalvaesche. Only one man ever came there without first having been assigned, a simple-minded person. He did not ask about the host’s suffering and will be bound to pay for his sin. Before this man’s visit King Lähelin had ridden to Brumbane where he killed Lybbeals of Prienlascors in a joust and despoiled the dead by leading away the warrior’s horse.

Motif References:

C 111 Tabu: loss of chastity
T 300 Chastity and celibacy
V 450 Religious orders
C 651 The one compulsory question.

WvEP-474: Trevrizent asks Parzival if he is Lähelin for his horse has the same coat as those of the Grail brotherhood. Their device is the Turtledove, which Anfortas gave to them, though their shields have always borne it. Titurel handed it down to Frimutel who lost his life in a joust. Frimutel loved his spouse very dearly and he was Lord of the Grail. Then the hermit asks Parzival for his family. The knight tells him that his father was Gahmuret, that he is an Angevin, and that he slew Ither of Cucumerlant whose corpse he stripped. Trevrizent is saddened by this news and tells Parzival that Ither was his kinsman and a noble and lovable person. Trevrizent’s sister Herzeloyde died of grief for Parzival when he left her. Before she gave birth to him she had a dream in which she suckled a beast and a dragon flew away from her. Trevrizent’s sister Schoysiane died in giving birth to her child. Her husband Kyot of Katelangen renounced henceforth all happiness and entrusted his daughter Sigune to Herzeloyde’s care. One sister of the hermit, Repanse de Schoye, has still kept her chastity and has charge of the Grail. The Grail cannot be lifted from its place by a sinful person. Anfortas is their brother.

Motif References:

S 73.1 Fratricide
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
C 111 Tabu: loss of chastity
Z 150 Other symbols
Q 211.0.2 Enormity of kin murder.
P 231.3 Mother-love
P 293.2 Mother’s brother as helper.
T 300 Chastity and celibacy
M 302.7 Prophecy through dreams
N 320 Person unwittingly killed
F 1041.1.1 Death from broken heart
D 1687 Object magically becomes heavy.
D 1714.1 Magic power of chaste women
D 1812.3.3.5 Prophetic dream allegorical

WvEP-478: When Frimutel died his eldest son Anfortas was summoned to the Grail as king. At that time the brotherhood was still quite small. But when Anfortas came of age he was pressed by love. Any lord of the Grail will be punished if he seeks love other than that allowed him by the Writing on the Grail. Anfortas fought in the service of a noble lady and won fame in chivalry. His battle-cry was “Amor!”. One day he rode out to seek adventure and was wounded by a poisoned lance through the scrotum by a heathen of Ethnise, where the Tigris flows out from Paradise. This pagan was convinced that his valor would earn him the Grail and his name was engraved on his lance. He sought chivalric encounters in distant countries in order to win the Grail. Anfortas who had slain that heathen returned to Munsalvaesche. A physician recovered the lance-head and a length of shaft from the wound. Trevrizent vowed to God to renounce chivalry in the hope that He would help his brother and he promised austerity too.

Motif References:

C 100 Sex tabu.
C 111 Tabu: loss of chastity
Z 182 Symbolic wounding of king.
M 183 Religious vows
F 184.1 Wounded otherworld king (in Ireland).
Q 243 Incontinence punished - miscellaneous
T 300 Chastity and celibacy
F 831.3.1 (Bm) Poisoned dart
C 940 Sickness or weakness for breaking tabu.
H 1221 Quest for adventure
H 1320.1 Quest for magic object: [grail].

WvEP-480: (25) The king was carried into the presence of the Grail for any aid God would give him. Thus he was kept alive. All that was known by way of antidotes to vicious serpents, all sorts of herbs were of no avail. The templars brought water from Gehon, Phison, Tigris and Euphrates, the four rivers flowing from Paradise, in the hope that some herb might float down in it. They obtained the twig to which the Sibyl referred Aeneas to ward off the dangers of Hell and the fumes of Phlegethon and other rivers flowing there. There is a bird called Pelican, which loves its young to excess: It kills itself by picking through its own breast and letting the blood flow into its young’s mouths. They obtained some blood of this bird but it was not efficacious. There is a beast called Monicirus, the unicorn, which falls asleep in maidens’ laps. They acquired this animal’s heart and took the carbuncle on its brow where it grows at the base of its horn. They stroked the wound with it and immersed the stone in it but it did not help the king.

Motif References:

B 13 Unicorn
B 13.1 (Li) Unicorn captured by virgin.
F 80 Journey to lower world
F 162.2.1 The four rivers of paradise
T 300 Chastity and celibacy
H 413 Special powers of chaste woman.
B 722 Magic stone in animal’s head.
B 751.2 Pelican kills young and revives them with own blood [kills self to give blood to his young].
D 953 Magic twig
D 967 Magic roots
D 1015.1 Magic heart of animal
D 1380.11 Magic jewel protects
D 1380 Magic object protects.
D 1500.1.7.3 Magic healing blood
D 1500.1.4 Magic healing plant.
D 1503.10 Magic plant heals wounds.
D 1503.6 Magic jewel heals wounds
D 1714.1 Magic power of chaste women
D 2161.2 Magic cure of wound.

WvEP-483: (6) They took a herb called trachonte which grows from the blood of any slain dragon and has the nature of air. They hoped that the Dragon would help against the planets’ return and the change of the moon, which caused the pain of the wound. But the herb did not serve them. Then they fell on their knees before the Grail: Suddenly they saw it written that a knight would come to them and if he asked a question there their sorrows would end. But if anyone were to forewarn him it would fail in its effect. If he omits the question on the first evening, its power will pass away. But if he asks his question in season he shall have the kingdom and the sorrow shall cease. Anfortas will be healed but shall be king no more. They anointed Anfortas’s wound with whatever might soothe it (salve nard, whatever is decocted with theriac, and the smoke of lign-aloes) yet he was always in pain. Then Trevrizent withdrew to this place. Since then a knight rode that way and failed to ask the Question “Sire, what ails you?”.

Motif References:

B 11.2.13 Blood of dragon
F 184.1 Wounded otherworld king (in Ireland).
M 361.1 Prophecy: certain hero to achieve holy grail.
C 651 The one compulsory question.
A 787 Relation of the planets to human life.
F 883 Extraordinary writings (book, letter)
F 959.3 Miraculous cure of wound
D 967 Magic roots
D 1016 Magic blood of animal
D 1310 Magic object gives supernatural information.
D 1500.1.4 Magic healing plant.
D 1503.10 Magic plant heals wounds.
D 2161.2 Magic cure of wound.
D 2162 Magic control of disease.

WvEP-485: When it is noon, Parzival and his host gather roots and herbs for their meal. The anchorite follows his rule, for of all the roots he eats not one before nones and many a day when he fails to find the place where he left them he fasts. They wash their roots and herbs in the brook. When they have finished their meal and have attended Parzival’s horse the knight tells his host that it was him who failed to ask the question at Munsalvaesche. Hearing this Trevrizent is in distress, yet he says Parzival must not grieve to excess, but grieve and cease grieving in measure. If he would not despair of God He will not abandon him and Trevrizent counsels him in His name. Then he asks Parzival if he saw the lance at Munsalvaesche. From the wound and the summer snow they knew that the planet Saturn had returned to its mark. The frost caused great pain to Anfortas, so that they had to place the lance in the wound which was reddened with blood. The advent of certain planets and the change of the moon is bad for the wound, for the flesh grows colder than ice.

Motif References:

F 171.0.1 Enigmatic happenings in otherworld.
A 787 Relation of the planets to human life.
F 991.1 Bleeding lance.
D 2161.4.10.1 Wound healed [pain from wound alleviated] by same spear that caused it.
D 2162 Magic control of disease.

WvEP-490: (13) Since the venom of the spear-head is hot it draws the frost from his body and round the lance as icy glass which none could remove till the wise Trebuchet made two knives of silver that cut it. A charm engraved on the king’s sword told him the trick of it. Asbestos wood does not burn, but when fragments of this glass flew onto it this wood took fire from it. The king is unable either to ride or walk or even to lie down or stand, he reclines. There is a lake called Brumbane on to which he is taken so that the stench from the wound shall be quelled. He calls it his fishing day. From this the rumor went that he is a fisherman. Parzival tells him that he came upon the king as he was to catch fish. Trevrizent says that he rode a dangerous path through look-outs for the templars stake their lives against others’ and give no quarter. Parzival saw the king’s palace in the evening. A squire bore a shaft towards all four walls with a point red with blood at the sight of which the company were overwhelmed with grief. The host says that never before or since the king has been in such pain as when Saturn thus announced its advent, for he brings great frost. The lance failed to help them so this time it was thrust into the wound. Saturn mounts so high that the sound senses it before the other frost that follows.

Motif References:

F 150.2.1 Entrance to otherworld guarded by giant
M 161.4 Vow rather to die (on a spear) than to accept grace
F 171.0.1 Enigmatic happenings in otherworld.
V 450 Religious orders
F 663 Skillful smith
A 787 Relation of the planets to human life.
F 831.3.1 (Bm) Poisoned dart
F 838.1 Extraordinarily sharp knife.
F 883 Extraordinary writings (book, letter)
F 991.1 Bleeding lance.
D 1273 Magic formula (charm)
D 1566.1 Magic object sets things afire.
D 1656 Incombustible objects
D 2161.4.10.1 Wound healed [pain from wound alleviated] by same spear that caused it.
D 2162 Magic control of disease.

WvEP-493: (15) Then Parzival tells his host that he saw twenty-five maidens there before the king. Trevrizent says that those were the maidens ministering before the Grail. Knights appointed to serve the Grail have to be chaste. They receive handsome children of high birth. If a land should lose its lord and its people ask God for a new lord he will come from the Grail company. The knights are sent out in secret but maidens are bestowed openly. Herzeloyde was given to king Castis with due ceremony but he died on his way back leaving her widow and maiden. Yet he had made over to her Waleis and Norgals and Herzeloyde thus became queen over two lands before Gahmuret won her. Knights and maidens are given away from the Grail in the hope that their children will return to serve the Grail. Those knights who are resolved on serving the Grail must forego women’s love. Only the king may marry and those who are sent to lordless lands.

Motif References:

P 17 Succession to the throne
C 100 Sex tabu.
T 300 Chastity and celibacy
C 436 Tabu: disclosing own identity.
V 450 Religious orders
H 1221 Quest for adventure

WvEP-495: (13) Trevrizent himself by serving a lady for her love transgressed this commandment. He rode out in her service and he fought many battles in wild and distant regions of Europe, Asia and Africa, against Christians and heathens alike. He sought jousts at Gaurion, has broken many lances at the foot of Famurgan’s mountain and ridden many jousts at the mountain of Agremuntin, where the jousters on one side are fiery men, whereas on the other they are not on fire. He fought against Slovenes, sailed from Seville towards Celje, passing out from Aquilea through Friuli. He met Parzival’s father at Seville before he made to Baldac where he was slain in a joust. Anfortas being rich in possessions often sent him out in secret magnificently caparisoned. He took his seal with him and showed it to the Burgrave of Barbigoel in order to be equipped for his chivalric expeditions. He had to arrive there unaccompanied and on his return he left his whole retinue with him before setting out for Munsalvaesche. When Gahmuret first saw him at Seville he at once claimed him as his brother-in-law – he was very handsome then – so that he had to confide his secret to him. Gahmuret gave him some treasures: his reliquary is cut from a precious stone Gahmuret gave him. He left Ither with Trevrizent as squire.

Motif References:

H 30 Recognition through personal peculiarities
Z 230 Extraordinary exploits of hero
F 574 Luminous [fiery] person
F 750 Extraordinary mountains and other land features
H 1221 Quest for adventure
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament

WvEP-498: (19) Gahmuret then went to join the Baruc and Trevrizent made his way to the foot of the Rohas, where he fought on three successive Mondays. He then rode into the broad Gandine, after which Parzival’s grandfather Gandin was named. The place lies where the Grajena flows into the Drau, a river that bears gold. There Ither found love, since he met Parzival’s paternal aunt, the lady of that land. Gandin of Anjou made her queen. Her name was Lammire of Styria. Parzival will have to atone for having slain his kinsman Ither. Trevrizent says that he has two great sins: he slew Ither and caused his mother’s death. Therefore he should do penance. Then Trevrizent questions him where this horse came to him. Parzival tells him that he won it in battle against a templar. Then he asks the hermit about the maiden that carried the Grail, and who lent him her cloak. His host replies that she is Parzival’s maternal aunt. The king of the Grail gave Parzival a sword. There sin came to him, since he asked no question. Trevrizent tells him to count that sin with the others. Then they go to bed.

Motif References:

S 73.1 Fratricide
Q 211.0.2 Enormity of kin murder.
P 231.3 Mother-love
N 320 Person unwittingly killed
Z 730 (Bm) Eponymous account of personal name
D 810 Magic object a gift
F 833 Extraordinary sword
F 1041.1.1 Death from broken heart

WvEP-501: (11) Parzival stays there for a fortnight and endures the hardship of the anchorite’s life. The host takes away his sins and nevertheless counsels him as a knight. One day Parzival asks him about the man lying before the Grail and his host replies that it was Titurel, Parzival’s great-grandfather through his mother. He was the first to whom the Grail was commended to defend it as his fief. He suffers from a laming disease named podagra. Since he gazes on the Grail so often he cannot die and has never lost his color. As a young man he used to ride out in search of jousting. If Parzival wants to make something truly noble of his life he should never vent his anger on women. Women and priests are both unarmed and he should faithfully serve the clergy in hope of a good ending. Then Trevrizent asks him to give him his sins for he will vouch for his penitence before God. Then they take leave of one another.

Motif References:

V 21 Confession brings forgiveness of sin
P 426 Clergy
D 1349.2 Magic object produces immunity from old age.
D 1380.11 Magic jewel protects

WvEP-503: The term of one year is past and the judicial combat has been settled, which had been transferred to Barbigoel. Vergulaht had confronted Gawan there but their kinship quashed their combat. Moreover Count Ehkunat was guilty of the deed of which Gawan had been accused and thus Kingrimursel cleared Gawan of his suit. Then Vergulaht and Gawan each start their search of the Grail. One morning Gawan comes to a meadow and glimpses a pierced shield and a palfrey harnessed for a lady. Gawan wonders about the woman that is of such warlike bearing and decides that even if she were Kamille nevertheless he would try her mettle. Behind the trunk of the tree sits a lady in grief with a wounded knight lying in her lap. Gawan greets her, dismounts and asks her about the knight. She tells him he is still alive and asks for his help. Gawan who knows well how to treat wounds manages to bring the man back to life. He tells him that he came to Logroys in pursuit of chivalry and was gravely wounded by Lishoys Gwelljus. The lady helped him to this place on her palfrey. Gawan at once wants to go to the scene of the combat. The knight warns him for there is mortal danger. Gawan binds the man’s wounds, utters a charm over it and leaves for Logroys.

Motif References:

P 424 Physician
F 565.1 Amazons. Women warriors
F 668.0.1 Skillful physician
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
D 1273 Magic formula (charm)
H 1320.1 Quest for magic object: [grail].

WvEP-508: Logroys is a splendid and strong castle. With its path ascending in spirals the castle-hill resembles a spinning top. All round the hill runs a wood of cultivated trees (figs, pomegranates, olives, vines etc.). Gawan rides up the path and when he looks down he sees a fair lady beside a spring. Except for Condwiramurs there never has been a lovelier woman. Her name is Orgeluse de Logroys. Gawan greets her, asks if she would allow him to dismount and says she is the most beautiful woman he ever saw. Orgeluse replies this is no news to her and that she dislikes that all should be free to praise her which she would like to be restricted to the discerning. Neither does she know him nor has he done anything to deserve her love. Besides he never will find reward in her. Gawan continues to court her and declares himself her prisoner. She tells him that if he desires her love he will be disappointed of both love and joy. Nevertheless Gawan insists and she tells him to cross the bridge into an orchard, where he should pass straight through a crowd of people dancing and singing and bring her her palfrey. Gawan dismounts and Orgeluse will hold his horse for him but will grasp it only where his hand did not rest.

Motif References:

T 75 Man scorned by his beloved
T 311 Woman averse to marriage
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman

WvEP-512: (26) Gawan leaves Orgeluse, hastens over the bridge and in at the gate. The sight of Gawan thus caparisoned saddens the ladies and knights singing and dancing in the orchard and they voice their sorrow. Many a worthy man comes up to him and welcomes him. He then approaches the olive where the palfrey, with a costly bridle and harness, is standing. Leaning on his staff beside it is a bearded knight, well braided and grey, who bewails Gawan’s coming yet receives him warmly. He advises him to let the palfrey be for his lady thus has already caused the death of many fine men. Gawan refuses to desist. The old knight unties the palfrey’s halter and tells Gawan to let it follow him. He once again warns him against his lady for with her sweetness goes much sourness. Gawan returns to Orgeluse who is also the lady of the land. She receives him angrily, mounts the palfrey and orders him to ride ahead.

Motif References:

H 335.0.2 Girl assigns tasks to her suitors
N 825.2 Old man helper

WvEP-516: (2) The author says that nobody should malign her before he has learnt the state of her feelings. The two ride off to a heath with flowers where Gawan perceives a herb whose root is good for wounds. He digs up the root and remounts, mocked by the lady. Gawan tells her that he will heal the wound of a knight he left lying beneath a tree with the root. A squire of monstrous appearance comes riding after them to deliver a message. He is called Malcreatiure and his sister is Cundrie la surziere. He has two fangs like a wild boar’s and short hair sharp as a hedgehog’s coat. Thus people grow in the land of Tribalibot beside the river Ganges. Having knowledge from God Adam named all things wild and tame, he knew the nature of each and the revolutions of the seven planets and their powers. He perceived the virtues of all herbs and their properties. When his daughters reached the age of child-bearing he warned them of intemperateness. Whenever a daughter was with child he ordered her to avoid numerous herbs that would deform human offspring. Those women however ignored him according to their nature with the result that their offspring was deformed. Queen Secundille, whom Feirefiz had won, has many such people in her realm.

Motif References:

W 126 Disobedience
W 200 Traits of character - miscellaneous
P 253 Sister and brother
Q 325 Disobedience punished
P 424 Physician
F 510.1 Monstrous races
F 513.1 Person unusual as to his teeth
F 544.3.5 Remarkably long teeth.
Q 551.8 Deformity as punishment.
F 555.8 Hair so stiff that apples falling on it would be impaled. [Remarkably stiff hair].
F 576 Extraordinary ugliness
F 645 Marvelously wise man [woman].
F 668.0.1 Skillful physician
F 707 Extraordinary kingdom
C 910 Permanent sign of disobedience for breaking tabu
D 965 Magic plants
D 967 Magic roots
D 1337.2.2 Magic herbs render hideous.
D 1503.10 Magic plant heals wounds.
A 1660 Characteristics of various peoples - in personal appearance.
D 1811 Magic wisdom
D 1870 Magic hideousness
A 2571.0.1 Adam gives name to all animals

WvEP-519: (10) Secundille was told of the Grail that there was nothing so splendid on earth and that it was in the care of King Anfortas. This strikes her as very strange since many rivers wash into her lands precious stones and she has mountain-chains of gold. To gain knowledge of this king she sends him Cundrie and her brother and great treasure. Anfortas sent this squire to Orgeluse. Malcreatiure rides up on a wretched nag and bawls at the top of his voice at Gawan. He reprimands him for taking away his lady with him. Gawan seizes the creature and flings him to the ground. Yet his bristles cut Gawan’s hand and the lady laughs at seeing it. When they reach the wounded knight Gawan binds the herb on to the wound. The man tells him that the lady Gawan brought with him involved him in a joust so that he was so badly hurt. Then he asks Gawan to take him to a hospital nearby to rest. While Gawan helps the knight’s lady up on her palfrey the knight leaps onto Gawan’s horse and rides away with her. Orgeluse laughs at his mischief and mocks him yet Gawan declares he still desires her love.

Motif References:

P 424 Physician
F 555.8 Hair so stiff that apples falling on it would be impaled. [Remarkably stiff hair].
F 576 Extraordinary ugliness
F 668.0.1 Skillful physician
F 707 Extraordinary kingdom
D 967 Magic roots
D 1503.10 Magic plant heals wounds.
K 2247.3 (Bm) Treacherous knight

WvEP-524: (9) The wounded man rides back to them and asks him if he is Gawan. He then reminds him that he once took him prisoner and led him to King Arthur where he had to eat with the hounds for a month. Gawan asks the stranger if he is Urjans – who was excluded from the Order of Knighthood and declared an outlaw for having raped a maiden – and says that King Arthur would have punished him with the gallows had he not spoken up for him. Then Gawan tells the lady what happened: Arthur was in the town of Dianazdrun and a lady had been sent to his country on an embassy. Urjans was a guest there and raped her. Gawan rode far ahead of the others when they all hastened after the villain and led him back as his prisoner. Arthur held a law-court and Urjans the prince of Punturtoys was condemned to die with loss of honor on the gallows. He appealed to Gawan and reminded him that to save his life he had surrendered to him. Gawan who feared for his honor asked the woman to calm her anger since she had to put down what he had done to her to her seductive beauty. He then begged the king and his vassals and the queen to help him. The queen had a private word with the lady and Urjan’s life was saved. But he had to eat with the hounds for four weeks.

Motif References:

Q 244 Punishment for ravisher [rape].
Q 411.7 Death as punishment for ravisher.
Q 413 Punishment: hanging
T 471 Rape
Q 478.2 Adulterer [ravisher, rapist] compelled to eat with dog[s].
P 510 Law courts

WvEP-529: (2) Orgeluse declares that she will never show Gawan favor but that she will avenge Urjans’s deed which the king did not and that he will be brought to combat. Orgeluse then tells her squire in the heathen tongue all she wants done up there in the castle. Gawan has to take Malcreatiure’s nag, which he has taken from a peasant. It is so bad that the knight leads it and carries his shield and lance. The lady laughs at his troubles. But whatever she says to him whenever he looks at her he is cured of any pain she causes him. The love caused by Amor and Cupid and also Venus with arrows and with fire is malign, benign love is true fidelity. The author considers the joys and sorrow of love. Gawan now has to suffer from love, his lady rides, he is on foot. Orgeluse and Gawan then enter a great forest. He mounts the nag which barely manages to take him forward to the ploughland on the far side.

Motif References:

T 0 Love

WvEP-534: (20) There Gawan makes out a splendid castle, a magnificent fortress with many towers and palaces. He sees many ladies at its windows, four hundred of them or more, among them four of illustrious race. Gawan and his lady ride a causeway towards a fast-flowing navigable river. On the meadow beside it much jousting has been done. A knight follows Gawan and Orgeluse orders him to defend himself if he can. Then she crosses the river, Gawan is not allowed to join her. Lischoys Gwelljus rides up towards him at full speed. Gawan – on his bad horse – prepares for the joust and the impact shatters both lances and the warriors lie on their backs. They continue fighting with their swords. Gawan who has learnt to wrestle seizes his adversary and throws him beneath him. Lischoys who never has been defeated before would rather be killed than surrender. Gawan spares him nevertheless and mounts Lischoys’s horse: It is Gringuljete which Urjans got from him with a perfidious request. When he dismounts he sees the Grail’s device, the turtle-dove, branded on the horse’s breast. Lähelin had slain the knight of Prienlascors, then the horse came to Orilus who gave it to Gawan.

Motif References:

F 141.1 River as barrier to otherworld
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-541: (10) Meanwhile Lischoys dashes to where his sword is lying and they fight a second battle without their shields. The ladies watch from the palace above. Gawan once again manages to seize his adversary and demands his surrender but Lischoys is as unwilling to give it as before. He offers his life for all his glory is lost which he has earned for love of Orgeluse by overcoming many knights. Gawan spares his life for Orgeluse’s sake. The master of the ferry comes ashore carrying a grey merlin on his fist. It is his lawful fief that when knights joust on that meadow he should have the loser’s horse and proclaim the fame of the man who won the victory. This is the ferryman’s revenue, who is of knightly descent and of excellent breeding. He politely asks Gawan for his due. Gawan replies he is not a tradesman and should be spared the toll. The ferryman insists that he should be given his lawful due. Gawan refuses to give away his horse, which has been stolen from him this morning. The ferryman should take the prisoner instead. The man is overjoyed and invites Gawan to spend the night in his house.

Motif References:

F 151.0.1 Hospitable host entertains (guides, advises) adventurer on way to otherworld.
M 161.4 Vow rather to die (on a spear) than to accept grace
P 320 Hospitality
P 413 Ferryman [fisherman]
P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-547: (11) Gawan who is very tired gladly accepts the ferryman’s hospitality. He complains that he is suffering hardship for love’s sake. Hearing him thus harassed by love the ferryman says that “Sad today, glad tomorrow” is the rule in this land and everywhere where Clinschor is lord and neither courage nor cowardice can alter it, for this land is one great marvel. The ferryman crosses over to the other shore with Gawan and Lischoys. His house is such that it could well match Arthur’s residence. The ferryman commands his daughter to see to the comfort of Gawan and his son to take care of Gringuljete. The girl unarms the knight and then the host’s wife receives him cordially. At Gawan’s wish Bene, the host’s daughter, is allowed to dine with him. He is served three larks the merlin has caught. Gawan at Bene’s asking sends one of them to her mother. It is a rather light meal and also the bedding the knight is given then is not a rich one. The host asks leave before going off to bed and Gawan is left alone with the girl. He is tired and goes to sleep.

Motif References:

F 110 Journey to terrestrial otherworlds
F 151.0.1 Hospitable host entertains (guides, advises) adventurer on way to otherworld.
P 320 Hospitality

WvEP-553: Gawan sleeps till he awakes early the next morning. When he looks out of the window of his chamber he recognizes the castle he has seen the evening before and the many ladies in the palace. He wonders that they are awake since it is still early twilight. Gawan goes to sleep again. When he awakes the girl sits beside the bed on the carpet, to serve him. He asks her about the ladies in the castle, she is startled and says she is bound to silence about them. Then her father joins them. Finding his daughter in tears he thinks something has happened there but is not angry. Gawan says nothing of this sort has happened and asks him about the ladies. The question grieves the host but Gawan insists to learn how matters stand there. The host tells him that this is Terre marveile and Lit marveile is there. The perils up at Schastel marveile have never yet been attempted. All other adventures are child’s play compared to this. Gawan insists to be advised as to this battle despite his host’s grief.

Motif References:

F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

WvEP-558: (14) His host tells Gawan that if he survives this adventure he will be lord of this land and all the ladies held captive at this castle by magic and the numerous knights will be released. No one would set it down to his dishonor if Gawan would leave without undertaking the adventure, now that he overcame Lischoys, who apart from Ither of Gahaviez was the most renowned knight. The day before the host ferried over the man who slew Ither and was riding here in quest of the Grail. He gave him five war-horses he won from dukes and kings who have to go as his prisoners to Pelrapeire. Gawan asks if he learnt about the adventure and the host replies that he did not. If Gawan had not asked of his own accord he would never have learnt the nature of the adventure either, which is due to mighty sorcery. But if he wins the victory and becomes lord of the country the host trusting in Gawan’s generosity knows his poverty will be at an end.

Motif References:

D 6 Enchanted castle (building)
R 41.1 Captivity in castle
Q 112.0.1 Kingdom as reward
F 165.6.1 Otherworld (fairyland) as place of sorrowful captivity.
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
D 1131 Magic castle

WvEP-560: (14) Gawan asks for his equipment and the girl arms him. The host gives him a strong shield and then tells him how to comport himself when faced with those perils. When he comes up to the castle he should leave his charger with the tradesman who sits before the gate. He should buy something from him and leave his horse as an earnest – if he survives he will get it back afterwards. The ladies will stay hidden from his sight and he will find the palace deserted. A chamber houses Lit marveile, which is very precious and costly. Gawan should lie on it but never part company with his shield or his sword for he will meet serious fighting there. Then Gawan mounts and takes leave of the maiden.

Motif References:

F 150.2.4 (Li) Extraordinary porter at entrance to otherworld castle
P 431 Merchant
F 771.5 Extraordinary guard for castle (land)
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
F 846.1 Perilous bed

WvEP-562: (21) Gawan arrives before the gate where he finds the tradesman and in his precious tent lie magnificent goods up for sale. Gawan greets him and asks to be shown some girdles or clasps. The merchant says he has been there for years without any other than noble ladies looking at his goods and if Gawan succeeds in the adventure this shall all be his. It was Plippalinot the Ferryman who showed Gawan the way there and the knight should leave his horse to him who will take care of it. Then Gawan enters the castle on foot. It is very large and strongly fortified. Enclosed within its walls is a vast meadow and there are numerous towers. The roof of the palace resembles peacock’s feathers, and neither rain nor snow can spoil its luster. Inside the Palace is well adorned and embellished with a high vaulting. There are many couches draped with luxurious quilts. The ladies have been sitting there, but have withdrawn for they are not allowed to receive him.

Motif References:

D 6 Enchanted castle (building)
F 150.2.4 (Li) Extraordinary porter at entrance to otherworld castle
P 431 Merchant
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
F 771.5 Extraordinary guard for castle (land)
F 771.4.3 Abandoned castle
F 899.4 (Li) Enormous treasure
D 1131 Magic castle

WvEP-566: (2) Gawan surveys the palace and in one of the walls he sees a wide-open door leading to a chamber. Its floor shines smooth and clear as glass and upon it stands Lit marveile. Below it are four swiftly running wheels of glowing ruby. The pavement was devised by the wise Clinschor and is made of jasper, chrysolite and sardine. It is so glassy that Gawan can hardly walk on it. Every time he makes a step the bed moves on so that he cannot get to it. He then jumps onto it and the bed goes crashing from side to side with a great din. Gawan pulls his shield up over him and leaves his fate to God. Suddenly the bed comes to a halt at the very centre of the pavement. Five hundred sling staves throw pebbles at him and when this hail is over five hundred crossbows shoot at the knight so that he is all cut and bruised from the pebbles and the arrows. At that instant a door opens through which comes a horrible rustic, clad in the skin of a water-beast. In his hand he holds a thick club. He says that he will see to it that Gawan will lose his life. Then the rustic leaves.

Motif References:

F 781 Extraordinary rooms
F 846.1 Perilous bed
D 1154.1 Magic bed
H 1410 Fear test: staying in frightful place
H 1561 Tests of valor
D 1601.4 Automatic weapons.
D 1641 Object removes itself.
D 1711 Magician

WvEP-571: Then Gawan hears a loud roar. A mighty huge lion leaps out from the door and attacks him. The lion snatches the knight’s shield and its paw goes through it. Gawan hews off its leg and after a fierce fight manages to kill the beast. Gawan is bleeding from his wounds and he falls down in a swoon onto the dead lion, a pillow unlike the one which Gymele of Monte Rybele gave to Kahenis and on which he slept his glory away. A pretty young lady peeps down from a high window. The ladies fear the knight is dead and examine the knight to see if he lives. One of the girls detects breathing. Gawan is given some water and opens his eyes. They tell him he is exempt from further fighting. One of the girls brings the happy news to the four queens and the old wise queen orders a comfortable bed to be made ready for him. She commands four ladies to disarm the knight – without putting him to blush. If the knight has received a fatal wound this would mean their living death too.

Motif References:

F 628.1.1 Strong man kills lion with own hands
D 1154.5 Magic pillow
H 1161 Task: killing ferocious beast.
D 1364.11 Pillow causes magic sleep
H 1410 Fear test: staying in frightful place
H 1561 Tests of valor
D 1960 Magic sleep

WvEP-579: Gawan is disarmed and led from that place. The old queen looks after his wounds and bandages him so well that he recovers. With a potent salve she makes the bruises on his head disappear. Cundrie la surziere comes and sees her often and supplies her with whatever is efficacious in medicine. It was this salve that helped Anfortas to stay alive and it was brought from Munsalvaesche. Then Arnive places a herb in his mouth that sends him to sleep so that he will recover his strength. Now and then by virtue of the salve a cold shudder runs over him and he wheezes and sneezes. The queen commands the Palace to be locked so that no one learns the news till the next day. In the evening Arnive removes the herb from Gawan’s mouth and he eats and drinks. Gawan looks at the radiant maidens and his longing for Orgeluse returns to him. Gawan wants the ladies to sit down or have them eat with him but the queen says that there will be no sitting down by anyone apart from her. The ladies serve him and then Gawan lies down to sleep.

Motif References:

D 705.1 Castle disenchanted.
D 753 Disenchantment by accomplishment of tasks.
D 793 Disenchantment made permanent.
D 965 Magic plants
D 1244 Magic salve (ointment)
D 1364.31 Plant produces [deathlike] sleep
D 1500.1.19 Magic healing salve.
D 1503.4 Magic balm heals wounds.
D 1960 Magic sleep
D 2161.4.12 Magic cure during sleep

WvEP-583: Gawan has advanced his fame by hard fighting. Even Lanzilot’s sufferings on the Bridge of Swords and his battle with Meljacanz are nothing against Gawan’s perils as are the exploits told of king Garel who threw the lion from the palace at Nantes and fetched the knife from the marble pillar (which was to cause him such suffering). Neither the Ford Li gweiz prelljus nor Erec’s exploit against Mabonagrin at Schoydelakurt or Iwan’s adventure when he poured water on the Marvelous Stone inflicted such agony. If all these trials were added together Gawan’s suffering from his love for Orgeluse would outweigh them. Gawan has always lived his life in accord with Love’s command, as did his father Lot before him. His family on his mother’s side always recognized Love’s authority all the way down from Mazadan, whom Terdelaschoye took to Famurgan. Not one of Mazadan’s descendants was spared by Love: neither Ither of Gaheviez nor Ilinot who strove for the love of Florie of Kanadic and found his death in her service. The youth fled his father’s kingdom in childhood and was reared by her. Others of Gawan’s kinsmen suffered because of love: Parzival was tormented for the sake of his wife by the blood-tinged snow, Galoes and Gahmuret were killed because of love; Itonje, Gawan’s sister, bore King Gramoflanz constant love, and Surdamur was harassed through her love for Alexander.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 80 Tragic love
Z 202 (Bm) Fanciful ancestry of hero
F 302.3.1.3 Man is carried to fairyland by fairy and marries her.
F 305 Offspring of fairy [dwarf] and mortal

WvEP-587: When day shines out brightly Gawan dons new clothes and walks up and down till he comes to the magnificent palace. At one side of the palace a spiral staircase ascends up to the roof. There is a strong and splendid clear Pillar. Clinschor brought this masterpiece from Feirefiz’s lands which is placed in a round tower contrived with magic arts. The window-columns are adorned with all sort of precious jewels and overhead the ceiling is in the same style. The great wondrous Pillar is placed in the midst. Gawan mounts this watch-tower with all its costly gems and discovers great marvels. It seems to him as though each land is revealed to him in the great Pillar, that they are whirling round and the huge mountains clashing with one another. He sees people in the Pillar, riding and walking, running and standing, and sits down to examine this marvel. Arnive and her daughter Sangive and two of Sangive’s daughters, Itonje and Cundrie, come towards Gawan, who greets them and sits down with the four. They are very beautiful but he thinks none of them can match Orgeluse. He asks the queen to tell him about the nature of the Pillar.

Motif References:

F 165.3.2 Jeweled walls in otherworld dwelling.
F 169.1 Pillars of silver and glass [crystal pillar] in otherworld.
F 771.1.5 Palace of jewels
F 774.1.1 Crystal column [pillar]
D 1323 Magic object gives clairvoyance
D 1825.2 Magic power to see distant objects.

WvEP-592: Arnive tells him that this stone shines out day and night over the countryside to a distance of six miles on all sides. All that takes place within that range can be seen in this Pillar. It is so solid that it cannot be destroyed. It was taken from Queen Secundille in Thabronit without her leave. At that moment Gawan sees in the Pillar a knight and a lovely lady riding. They hasten through the causeway on to the meadow. The lady, Orgeluse, is conducting the knight by the bridle and this knight is seeking combat. Gawan asks the queen who the lady is and she tells him it is the Duchess of Logroys who is attended by the Turkoyt, a renowned fighter. Gawan ought to decline battle with him even if he were in full health. Yet Gawan insists on fighting the challenger and asks for his horse, sword and armor, which causes much distress to the ladies. Apart from the chamberlain no one gets to hear of Gawan’s sortie. He is so badly wounded that he carries his shield only with great difficulty.

Motif References:

F 169.1 Pillars of silver and glass [crystal pillar] in otherworld.
F 774.1.1 Crystal column [pillar]
N 837 Queen as helper
D 1323 Magic object gives clairvoyance
D 1645 Self-luminous objects.
D 1652 Inexhaustible object.
D 1825.2 Magic power to see distant objects.

WvEP-595: (29) Gawan mounts Gringuljete and turns away from the castle towards his host. He gives him a lance and then Plippalinot ferries him to the other side where the Turkoyt stands. Gawan learns from Plippalinot that this man never has been defeated and has it proclaimed that he intends to earn fame with lance alone without the sword. Plippalinot receives the horse of the defeated in the jousts there before the castle. Then Gawan and the Turkoyt charge at each other in a joust. Gawan unhorses him and forces the man to surrender. The ferryman claims the horse as his due. Orgeluse once again mocks Gawan and his exploits at Schastel marveile. Gawan asks to be allowed to serve her and she allows him to ride with her to fight further battles. He sends the Turkoyt away with the ferryman up to the castle. Gawan is very happy, but the ladies in the castle lament when they see him leaving.

Motif References:

P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-600: (29) Orgeluse orders Gawan to get her a garland from the twig of a certain tree and then he may ask for her love. They ride on for some miles until they come to a magnificent forest of tamarisk and brazil, which is Clinschor’s. They ride towards an escarpment till they see the tree of the garland. Orgeluse tells him that the tree is guarded by the man who robbed her of her happiness and if he succeeded no knight would ever have won such high renown for love’s sake. Gawan drives his horse forward over the broad and deep torrent but does not quite make it over the gorge which makes even the duchess weep. The current is fast and strong and Gawan is weighed down by his armor. But he seizes a branch of a tree and climbs up on to the bank. Then with great difficulty he helps Gringuljete on to the river-bank. The tree is well guarded by King Gramoflanz. The river is called the Sabins.

Motif References:

F 151.1.4 Perilous ford on way to otherworld.
H 355.4 Suitor test: obtaining flowers [twig]
C 515 Tabu- touching (plucking) flowers

WvEP-604: (7) When Gawan has broken the twig and set the garland on his helmet a handsome knight rides up to him: King Gramoflanz, the son of King Irot, who declines to fight a single man however much he might have wronged him. He greets Gawan and declares that it is beneath his dignity to fight a single man. The king is unarmed and on his fist he carries a sparrow hawk which Gawan’s sister Itonje has sent him. He wears a peacock-feather hat and a green mantle lined with ermine. From his worn shield the king learns that Gawan has endured the adventure of Lit marveile which should have awaited him except that Clinschor lives in peace with him. Gramoflanz says he is at war with a beautiful lady, for he slew her husband Cidegast in the company of three others. He then abducted Orgeluse and offered her a crown and all his lands. Though he kept her for a whole year he failed to win her love. It is clear to him that Gawan is fighting for her cause. He then asks Gawan to help him with a woman he loves, King Lot’s daughter, whose love-token he carries. Gawan should convey to her the assurance of his devotion and deliver a ring to her. Although he never met her Gramoflanz is sure of her love for he has fought for her sake after Orgeluse denied him her love.

Motif References:

R 10.1 Princess (maiden) abducted
T 11 Falling in love with person never seen
T 59 (Bm) Love tokens
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
W 118 (Bm) Pride
M 162 Vow not to be killed by [not to fight] a single opponent.
T 210.1 Faithful wife
C 515 Tabu- touching (plucking) flowers

WvEP-607: (23) Gawan will bear the king’s message and asks him who he is. He replies he is king Gramoflanz, the son of Irot, who has been slain by King Lot. He will never fight one man whatever the wrong he has done to him except Gawan, for this man’s father treacherously slew his father in the very act of greeting. Gawan reminds him that his lady should keep him from his hostility towards her father and her brother. Then he identifies as Gawan and declares to be ready for single combat to avenge this calumny. They pledge combat to take place on the field at Joflanze sixteen days later. The king will bring a large company of ladies to watch the fight and Gawan should bring the ladies from Schastel marveile and his uncle, King Arthur. Then he invites Gawan to his town of Rosche Sabins but Gawan will go back the way he came. Gawan takes leave and spurs his horse over the gorge without coming down.

Motif References:

F 151.1.4 Perilous ford on way to otherworld.
M 162 Vow not to be killed by [not to fight] a single opponent.
P 233.6 Son avenges father
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament

WvEP-611: (16) The duchess rides up to where Gawan has dismounted and throws herself at his feet. She declares that his trials afflicted her with such suffering as a faithful woman must feel for her friend. Gawan says that if she speaks the truth she is on the way to getting a good name, for before she has wronged knighthood by making mockery of an honest knight. He would rather be without love than suffer her mockery again. Orgeluse amid tears tells him of her distress because of her husband’s death. Cidegast was an illustrious man, untouched by any falsity and as faithful as the unicorn, which should be lamented by maidens since it is for his love of purity that it is slain. Cidegast was killed by King Gramoflanz. By the task of bringing this garland she wished to put him to the test whether he was worthy of her love. She is well aware that she offended him yet it was to try him out. She asks him to pardon her. Gawan promises to fight her enemy and pardons her. When he asks her to grant him her favor she replies that he may claim his reward from her at Schastel marveile where she will ride with him.

Motif References:

B 13 Unicorn
P 50 Noblemen (knights) [rules of chivalry]
Z 100 Symbolism
T 210.1 Faithful wife
T 211.9 Excessive grief at husband’s or wife’s death
H 314 Suitor’s sincerity tested
H 335.1.1 Suitor task: avenging bride’s former fiancé [husband] before marriage.

WvEP-615: (21) Gawan rides on happily but Orgeluse weeps. At his question she tells him that she still is grieving for Cidegast. She has since sought to harm the king with many sharp jousts and, to avenge her husband, she accepted the service of King Anfortas who was lord of earth’s most precious treasure. In the name of love she received from him the merchandise of Thabronit which still stands at the gate of Schastel marveile. In her service this king was wounded, which brought her great sorrow. After Anfortas was turned away forever from love she went in dread lest she be put to shame. For Clinschor by the art of necromancy can bind men and women with his spells and he brings trouble to everyone. So she gave him her precious merchandise in order to be left in peace on the terms that she should seek the love of the man who had achieved the Adventure. If he would not favor her the merchandise should revert to her. This was agreed by oath. She hoped to bring Gramoflanz down with this ruse for had he gone for the Adventure he would have met his death.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 68 Princess offered as prize
Q 111.6 Treasure as reward
M 201 Making of bargains and promises
T 210.1 Faithful wife
T 211.9 Excessive grief at husband’s or wife’s death
H 335.1.1 Suitor task: avenging bride’s former fiancé [husband] before marriage.
P 614 (Bm) Bribes
F 899.4 (Li) Enormous treasure
H 1381.8 (Bm) Quest for champion [helper]
D 1411 Magic object binds person (animal)
D 1711 Magician
K 2350 Military strategy

WvEP-618: Subtle Clinschor lets her have her knights engage in deeds of arms throughout his lands: Every day she has special detachments on the watch for Gramoflanz, some by day, others by night, and he has fought many battles with them. She has allowed many men to serve her for love who were too wealthy to accept her pay yet without promise to requite them. No man ever saw her whose service she could not have except one who wore red armor. He undid her retinue and overcame five of her knights on the meadow before Schastel marveile. The ferryman received their mounts. After the defeat Orgeluse offered him her lands and person but he replied that he had a wife more beautiful and dear to him: the queen of Pelrapeire. His name was Parzival and he was in trouble because of the Grail. She then asks Gawan if it was wrong of her to offer her love to this warrior and Gawan replies he knows this man and she must not be worried about her honor.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
P 63 (Bm) Lady in armor (and battle)
L 225 Hero refuses reward
P 461 Soldier [mercenary warrior]

WvEP-620: When they come near Schastel marveile Gawan asks Orgeluse to withhold his name. The knights in the castle have now heard that a knight has endured the Adventure and overcame the Turkoyt. They come riding out towards Gawan. Orgeluse tells him they are Clinschor’s men and they have set out to receive him. Plippalinot and his daughter joyfully receive him. The girl takes his armor away and the duchess and Gawan sit side by side. Bene serves them food and drink. In the meantime many noble knights perform their bohourt on the other bank of the river. Orgeluse asks the ferryman what became of the knight defeated the day before and he says he was given to him as his prisoner in exchange for a horse. If she wants to free him she should let him have Swallow, the harp which belonged to queen Secundille and was sent to her by Anfortas. Orgeluse says that Gawan should decide this matter but for love of her he should ransom Lischois of Gowerzin and Florant of Itolac who commanded her watch by night. Gawan promises to set them free.

Motif References:

R 99 (Bm) Ransom
P 322.2 Guest in disguise or under false name
F 840 Other extraordinary objects and places

WvEP-624: (10) They cross to the farther bank where they are received by many noble knights and escorted toward the castle. Gawan asks Arnive for a messenger and he writes the message with his own hand, asking the king to come to Joflanze with his company to take part in a judicial combat Gawan is to fight there. The letter betrays no seal, for his hand is well known. He tells the squire to tell nothing of his being lord there and the squire leaves. Arnive asks him where he is bound and about the nature of his errand, yet he tells nothing.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger

WvEP-627: Arnive is angry with Gawan’s squire and tells the gate-keeper to make him wait for her when he returns. She then goes to learn more from the duchess but the latter leaves his name and lineage unsaid. In the meantime preparations for a feast are made. When Gawan awakens in the evening he puts on fine clothes and orders some more to be prepared for the Duke of Gowerzin and Florant. He sends message to Plippalinot that he is to send Lischoys along to him and Bene leads him up to the castle. When Gawan left her he has promised her father a fine gift. The Turkoyt is there too. Clothes are brought for the three of them. There was a master-weaver named Sarant, from whom Seres took its name, and he was of Triande. In Secundille’s country there is a place called Thasme, which is larger than Niniveh or Acraton. Sarant devised a precious cloth called saranthasme. As soon as Gawan and his guests have donned these clothes they ascend to the palace, where there is a throng of knights on one side and fair ladies on the other. Orgeluse is the most beautiful.

Motif References:

P 441 Tailors
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 662 Skillful tailor
Z 704 (Bm) Eponymous account of island [valley].
F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)

WvEP-630: (12) Gawan frees Florant the Turkoyt and Lischoys for Orgeluse’s sake. At Gawan’s request the noble queens welcome the two guests by kiss and Bene is well received too. Then he makes them sit down with the ladies. Gawan asks Bene to show him Itonje and the girl points her out. Bene knows about Itonje’s love for Gramoflanz. Gawan asks young Itonje with discretion whether she is already apt for love. She replies that there has been no knight to whom she ever spoke a word and that she knows nothing of serving for love only that many knights serve the duchess for love and for her hire. Gawan tells her that Gramoflanz, against whom those knights were campaigning, offers her his service for her love and gives her the king’s ring. Itonje recognizes it as the token she gave to Gramoflanz and which was sent to her once before. She changes color and says that if she could ever leave this castle she would well reward her knight. Itonje asks Gawan to keep her love silent from her mother and her sister Cundrie.

Motif References:

R 9.10 (Bm) Release from captivity
T 11 Falling in love with person never seen
T 41 Communication of lovers
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 53 Matchmakers
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens

WvEP-634: (17) It was faithless of her to kiss Orgeluse, Florant and Lischoys who bear hatred towards Gramoflanz. Itonje begs Gawan to help them and he offers her his assistance. Gawan has learnt that Itonje loves Gramoflanz and hates Orgeluse, yet he has not told the girl that he is her brother. Then white table-linen is brought to the palace together with bread. A separation has been decreed whereby knights had a wall to themselves away from the ladies. Gawan sees to the sitting of his guests among the ladies. An excellent meal is served: pretty maidens serve the host and the ladies, men-at-arms sit on the knights’ opposite along their wall. The knights and the ladies had remained unknown to one another despite their living in the same castle, and they had never seen each other since Clinschor had subdued them with his magic. Night comes up and numerous candles are brought in, yet Orgeluse outshines their brightness. All are very joyful. The boards are removed and Gawan asks if there are any good fiddlers at hand. There prove to be many worthy squires versed in string-music, yet they have to play old dances, for no new dances (like those coming from Thuringia) were ever heard there. Knights and ladies enjoy dancing.

Motif References:

D 6 Enchanted castle (building)
F 112.0.2 Separation of sexes in otherworld
T 300 Chastity and celibacy
F 771.4 Inhabitants of extraordinary castle
D 1131 Magic castle

WvEP-640: Gawan and Sangive, Arnive and Orgeluse sit together and Arnive advises Gawan to go to rest. The duchess will have him in her care. After the dance has ended the host calls for drink to be served and the knights and the ladies happily sit together. After the drink all retire to go to bed. Bene, Arnive and Orgeluse lead Gawan away to a chamber with two beds and Arnive begs Orgeluse to soothe the lord’s pain. They leave. But for his love Gawan would have perished. All those philosophers, Kancor and Thebit, the master-smith Trebuchet who engraved Frimutel’s sword, source of great marvel, and the physicians with all their skill could not have saved him. Later he sees to the well-being of all the knights and ladies, so that their sadness is banished.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
P 447 Smiths
F 663 Skillful smith
F 950.10 (Bm) Love cures illness

WvEP-644: (12) Meanwhile the squire whom Gawan has dispatched toward Bems-on-Korca in the land of Löver has arrived at Arthur’s court. He gives Gawan’s letter in private to the queen who is happy to have news of Gawan. She laments the sorrow that befell her on the Plimizoel: she never saw Cunneware again and many things were said there which broke the code of the Round Table. It is four years and six weeks since Parzival rode out in search of the Grail and Gawan set out for Ascalun. Jeschute and Hecuba said farewell to her. The queen then tells the squire to leave her and keep out of sight till the sun is well up. He then should hurry to the noble knights and hand the king his letter who will grant Gawan’s wishes. The squire should then try to win her and the ladies over to the best of his ability. Then she asks the messenger to tell her where Gawan is, but that he will not divulge. He leaves and following the queen’s instructions returns at mid-morning as he has been told to do.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger

WvEP-648: (14) The messenger hastens to where the noble knights are standing and they at once ask him for news. It is the custom there that no one dines at court before news of strange adventures have arrived. He hands the king his letter and Arthur is happy about the news. He will teach arrogant Gramoflanz better manners. He tells him to take the letter to the queen. The squire wins over all the ladies and Arthur seeks his household’s approval for the expedition he is asked for. The squire has to hurry back to his lord. The queen orders that he is to be supplied with anything he needs and asks him to give his master her and the king’s compliments. The king goes ahead with the expedition. The news they have learnt of Gawan has made them very happy and the custom of the Round Table is observed there in all harmony. The king sits at the table together with those who are entitled to sit there for having won fame as the reward of their endeavors.

Motif References:

P 14 Particular practices of kings
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
M 151 Vow not to eat before hearing of adventure

WvEP-652: (15) The messenger rides off happily and returns to Schastel marveile. Arnive goes unseen to ask him about this journey but the squire is bound by oath not to reveal anything. Gawan welcomes him and is happy about the court’s message telling him that many knights and ladies will be present at Joflanze before the time appointed for the combat. Gawan’s cares all vanish. He orders the squire to keep silent about this. One morning he sits with Arnive, who can tell many a strange tale, and asks her about the magic of the castle and about Clinschor. Arnive replies that the enchantments at Schastel marveile are mere curiosities compared to the mighty spells Clinschor has cast in other lands. His country is called Terre de Labur. Virgil of Naples is his ancestor, who devised many enchantments. Clinschor’s capital city was Capua and the Duke Clinschor was a famous man and highly praised. There was a king of Sicily called Ibert and the name of his wife was Iblis. She was a lovely person and Clinschor became her servitor till she rewarded him with her love. It was for this that her husband put him to shame, for he castrated him when he found him with his wife in the strong castle of Kalot enbolot.

Motif References:

S 176.1 Mutilation: emasculation [castration]
Z 202 (Bm) Fanciful ancestry of hero
Q 241 Adultery punished
Q 451.10.1 Punishment: castration.
T 481 Adultery
K 1558.1 Husband castrates paramour
D 1711 Magician
D 1711.2 Virgil as magician

WvEP-657: (27) Magic was first contrived in a place called Persida and Clinschor went there to learn the magic arts. Because of the dishonor done to him he no longer bears good will to man or woman but wants to deny them any happiness he can. There was a King of Rosche Sabins called Irot, who offered to Clinschor any of his possessions he might desire in order to escape molestation. Thus Clinschor received from Irot this strong mountain and with it the land around. Upon this rock Clinschor then fashioned this marvel. There is abundance of each precious thing and the fortress has provisions up there sufficient for thirty years. Clinschor has power over all beings between earth and the firmament, the malign and the benign, except those under God’s protection. The gift made to Clinschor is now subject to Gawan, for Clinschor, who is a man of his word, has declared that whoever passes this adventure should be free from his molestation and have the gift. Many ladies and knights, fidels and infidels, were forced to live in this castle.

Motif References:

R 41.1 Captivity in castle
Q 112.0.1 Kingdom as reward
Q 114 Gifts as reward
F 169.8 Abundance in otherworld
P 614 (Bm) Bribes
F 771 Extraordinary castle (house, palace)
D 1131 Magic castle
D 1710 Possession of magic powers.
D 1738 Magic arts studied
D 2198 Magic control of spirits (angels, [gods])

WvEP-659: (17) Arnive asks Gawan to let them return to their homelands. She herself was once crowned queen as her daughter was as well and both enjoyed high station. She never wronged anyone. A decent woman should treat simple people well for she might easily fall into so wretched a state that a common man could help her. Arnive has waited there a long time. Gawan promises to lead them all back to happiness. On that same day Arthur, the son of Arnive, arrives with great company. When Gawan sees them coming his eyes fill with tears of joy, for Arthur had reared him since childhood. Many pavilions and banners are carried on to the meadow. Among them only one coat of arms is recognizable to Arnive, the device of Isajes, the marshal of Utepandragun. But it is borne by Maurin of the Handsome Thighs, the queen’s marshal. Arnive is not to know that both Utepandragun and Isajes are dead.

Motif References:

R 9.10 (Bm) Release from captivity
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
P 253.0.1 Sister’s son
P 292 Grandmother
P 297 Nephew

WvEP-663: (9) Gawan sends Bene down to Plippalinot to make fast the ferry-boats so that the army should be prevented from crossing that day. Bene receives her first gift from Gawan’s booth, Swallow, which is still famed in England as a rare harp. Gawan orders the outer gates to be barred. He proclaims that if that mighty army encamped on the far side intends to attack them he will offer them battle and all promise to help him. They ask Orgeluse if the army is hers and she says she does not recognize them. They might belong to her enemy but she is certain that her defenders at Logroys would have been a match for them. This is true, for Arthur’s troops have taken much harm at Logroys. Both sides were hard pressed and suffered losses. Garel and Gaherjet, king Meljanz de Barbigoel and Jofreit fiz Idoel have been captured and the Britons took Duke Friam de Vermendoys and Count Ritschart de Navers. Arthur has taken the latter prisoner with his own hand. Gawan ought to have informed the duchess that an ally of his was in her territory but he did not wish to tell her or anyone.

Motif References:

R 5 Capture on field of battle
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
F 840 Other extraordinary objects and places

WvEP-666: (2) Gawan prepares his expedition to meet Arthur and his generous hand bestows rich gifts on the squires, knights and ladies. He takes four noble knights aside and makes one his chamberlain, another his butler and a third his steward, while the fourth is his marshal. Early next morning Arthur’s host rides off towards Joflanze with great sound. Gawan commands his marshal to ride to Joflanze and prepare his camping-ground. He tells him that his uncle Arthur has come, at whose court he was reared since childhood. The marshal should equip his march to the field with magnificent gear. Plippalinot ferries Gawan’s train over and they follow the Britons. They also bring a costly pavilion which Iblis had sent to Clinschor as a love-gift, from which the secret had first become known. Only the tent which belonged to Isenhart had been better than this one. It is set not far from Arthur. Gawan sets out with great pomp. Each lady is provided with a handsome knight for company. Florant rides with Sangive, Lischoys beside Cundrie and Itonje rides at her brother’s side, while Arnive and Orgeluse make a pair for their part.

Motif References:

T 59 (Bm) Love tokens
H 81 Clandestine lover recognized by token.
F 775 Extraordinary tent

WvEP-670: The ladies and the knights halt at Arthur’s ring, so that it is surrounded by ladies on all sides. Then Gawan and his companions are welcomed by the king and the queen in friendly fashion. Arthur rides all round the ring and welcomes the ladies and the knights. Then Gawan and the king go inside the king’s tent and Gawan tells him whom he has brought with him: Arthur’s mother Arnive, his own mother Sangive and two of his sisters. Then he presents the duchess of Logroys to the king and asks him what Arthur has suffered from the incursion against her. Arthur gives the names of the captives he had to leave there, among them Meljanz of Liz, who was captured under a white banner with a black arrow of sable stained with blood, a portrayal of a man’s suffering. The company riding beneath it shouted “Lirivoyn”. Gawan makes the duchess free Arthur’s men and order her knights.

Motif References:

R 9.10 (Bm) Release from captivity
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
P 682 Greeting customs

WvEP-675: Many ride with Gawan to his splendid camp. Yet Keie is still brooding on the fact that Gawan had not avenged him when his arm had been broken and mocks him. A loyal-hearted man rejoices at a friend’s advancement, whereas a disloyal man cries out in sorrow when something pleasant befalls his friend. Gawan cares well for his train of knights and ladies. Early the next morning the duchess’s knights ride up fully armed and Gawan has his marshal show them where they should encamp. Arthur sends his messengers to Rosche Sabins to tell Gramoflanz that his nephew will grant him the combat and that he should come soon. Gawan asks Lischoys and Florant to show him those men who have served Orgeluse in the hope of reward. He then rides up to them and receives them well. Gawan then arms himself in secrecy, has Gringuljete brought to him and rides away to have some exercise before the combat. Before the river Sabins he sees a knight motionless in the saddle.

Motif References:

WvEP-679: The stranger’s surcoat and his horse’s trappers are redder than ruby, his crest has been brought from heathen lands and his shield is riddled with lance-thrusts: the knight is on a quest for adventure. From the tree which Gramoflanz guards he has broken a twig for a wreath, so that Gawan fears that the king is waiting for him there. Both horses are from Munsalvaesche and they race towards each other when the knights meet in a joust. Unrecognized kinsmen and friends have met to fight a bitter battle. There is no one to undertake a settlement. Meanwhile Arthur’s envoys have met king Gramoflanz and his army encamped on the broad meadow before Rosche Sabins. The army is keen to march to Joflanze without delay and many knights and ladies have assembled. To Gramoflanz’s assembly have come, with a lovely bevy of pretty ladies each, his uncle king Brandelidelin from Punt, and the handsome Bernout de Rivers, the son of count Narant of Ukerlant. The princes of his kingdom are there with their knights, together with many ladies.

Motif References:

F 527.1.1 Red knight
N 767.1 (Bm) Unwitting combat between friends. [Unwitting attack on friend]
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-683: (3) The king is seated on a costly mattress under a baldachin of costly brocade while some ladies are casing the king’s feet in jambs of steel when the envoys arrive and deliver Arthur’s message. They accuse the arrogant king to have offended Arthur’s noble nephew who can count on every member of the Round Table. Gramoflanz replies he will not refrain from the duel. He always scorned to engage a single enemy and will only fight now because of noble Gawan. He is glad that the lady in whose love-service he is fighting has been set free and will be able to witness his service. Bene who does not know that Gawan is her lady’s brother has no objection to this duel. She has brought the king a ring which Itonje has sent him as token of her love, and told him that her mistress has set out from Schastel marveile accompanied by many ladies. Magnificent accoutrements are brought to Gramoflanz. When he is fully armed the king rides off beneath the baldachin which is carried by a company of ladies.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
T 41 Communication of lovers
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
H 82.3 Tokens between lovers
M 162 Vow not to be killed by [not to fight] a single opponent.

WvEP-688: (3) Arthur’s messengers depart and on their way back come to where Gawan is fighting. Gawan’s opponent has almost won. The pages are sorry about the combat and shout at the top of their voices and name Gawan. The stranger thereupon stops fighting and flings his sword far from him. He laments his misfortune of having attacked Gawan. Gawan asks him to tell his name and the stranger identifies as his cousin Parzival. Then Gawan, weakened from the battle, falls on the grass but the pages look after him and he recovers quickly. Companies from both armies are arriving with their forces on either side, each advancing to the positions marked out for them with logs burnished till they shone (Gramoflanz has met the cost since he is the challenger). No one is to step between them for there the battle is to be fought. Various detachments from both armies have come to watch the unarranged battle. King Gramoflanz arrives after this combat has ended and rides towards the weary men. Gawan springs to his feet at once.

Motif References:

H 151.10 Combat of unknown brothers [relatives, unrecognized friends] brings about recognition
P 557.4 Customs concerning single combat
N 733.1 Brothers unwittingly fight each other
N 746 Accidental meeting of cousins
N 767.1 (Bm) Unwitting combat between friends. [Unwitting attack on friend]
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-691: (29) Bene has ridden with king Gramoflanz into the ring and when she sees Gawan with all his strength gone she is very grieved and goes to take care of him. Gramoflanz will delay the combat till next morning so that Gawan can rest this night, for at this moment he could not win glory from him. Parzival who shows no signs of weariness wants to stand in for Gawan, but Gramoflanz insists on fighting Gawan for the sake of the garland. At his words Bene gets very angry and accuses him of disloyalty for he is pledged to fight the brother of his beloved. The king rides off and Gawan, Parzival and Bene ride to their own company. All acclaim Parzival, who is very handsome. Gawan sees to it that he is robed and identical clothes of precious stuff are fetched for both. Then Gawan leads him to the noble ladies though Parzival still feels deeply disgraced for they heard him vilified beside the Plimizoel. The four queens kiss him. Orgeluse is embarrassed to have to kiss the man who scorned her at Logroys. Parzival grows cheerful.

Motif References:

WvEP-696: (21) Gawan forbids Bene to reveal to Itonje that Gramoflanz hates him because of his garland and that they will fight each other. Bene laments for whichever of the two fighters falls her mistress will mourn for him. Gawan asks Orgeluse to have dinner with Parzival. This pains her for she thinks this man to rail at women, but Parzival replies he does not mock the whole sex. Itonje does not fail to note Bene’s sorrow and she fears king Gramoflanz might have rejected her love. After the meal Arthur and the queen go to see Parzival in Gawan’s tent, and the king praises him for having won high renown. The duchess’s knights arrive and many strangers, Christians and Saracens, are assembled there together. They all agree that Parzival’s beauty is beyond compare, that women must dote on him, and that he is a man of highest praise. Parzival asks them to help him back to the Round Table from which he was parted by some strange mystery. Arthur graciously accords him his wish. Then Parzival demands that Gawan should let him fight Gramoflanz. He broke a twig from Gramoflanz’s tree this morning to do battle with him. When he came upon Gawan this morning he thought him to be Gramoflanz. Yet Gawan will not let any of his kinsmen and brothers fight in his stead.

Motif References:

P 200 The family
F 575.2 Handsome man

WvEP-702: (12) In the evening Parzival examines all his equipment. He orders a new shield and sleeps with all his equipment at his feet. King Gramoflanz is annoyed that he has lost the opportunity to fight in defense of his garland that day. At daybreak he rides out in full armor. Parzival has stolen out unseen as well. They start to joust without saying a word. In the morning Gawan prepares himself for the combat. A bishop sings mass for him and after the benediction he arms himself. They set out to the battleground. To King Gramo-flanz who scorns fighting with one opponent it now seems as though he is attacked by six, yet it is Parzival alone. Never after this combat did Gramoflanz challenge two men at a time. When Gawan comes there Parzival has nearly won the combat. Arthur and Gawan and three lords ride up to the scene to end the fighting. Gawan asks Gramoflanz to rest today and they pledge to come to the meadow the next day to fight their duel. Arthur reminds Parzival that they would have prevented him from fighting had he not stolen out but Gawan need not be angry. Gawan says Parzival’s distinction does not trouble him.

Motif References:

H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament

WvEP-708: (21) The army rides in with great splendor. Pretty ladies and many magnificently caparisoned knights are to be seen. Parzival is praised in both armies. Gramoflanz following his people’s advice sends a message to Arthur to ensure that he would do battle with no other man than Gawan. With his envoys he sends a letter and the ring to Bene who would pass it on. They should attend closely to how the lady at Bene’s side comports herself, to see if she is pining for her lover. Itonje, who meanwhile has learnt that her brother and her lover are engaged to fight one another, is very grieved. Her mother and her grandmother take her aside and Arnive reproaches her for the wretched state she is in. Itonje confesses that she is in love with her brother’s opponent. Arnive sends message to her son. Meanwhile the pages of King Gramoflanz have arrived. Itonje begs Arthur to settle the dispute between her brother and the man she loves. Arthur replies that he could prevent this duel if he knew for sure that they both are bound by true love for one another and he asks her if Gramoflanz ever saw her. Itonje says they are in love without having seen each other but that he has sent her many precious tokens and has received what goes with true love.

Motif References:

T 11 Falling in love with person never seen
T 41 Communication of lovers
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
H 82.3 Tokens between lovers

WvEP-713: At this point Bene recognizes King Gramoflanz’s pages standing there and orders them to withdraw so that there could be no common talk of her lady’s laments. She goes to them and one of the pages gives her the ring and the letter. They ask her to arrange an audience with Arthur for them. Bene returns back to the tent and gives the ring and the letter to her lady. Itonje has Arthur read the letter for himself and the king learns of Gramoflanz’s sincere love. In this letter Gramoflanz declares his constant love and asks her to let him be her servitor. Arthur promises to put a stop to the duel. He asks her how it came that they fell in love with each other and she replies that Bene engineered it and the two pages helped as well. The king goes to see the pages, who now deliver their message: Gramoflanz will fight no other man but Gawan. Arthur with regard to Gawan’s oath complies with the message. Arthur, Bene and the pages ride up and down, and the king points out the beautiful ladies and the notables to the pages throughout the army.

Motif References:

T 41 Communication of lovers
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
H 82.3 Tokens between lovers

WvEP-719: Then Arthur asks Bene and the pages to assist him to have Gramoflanz ride over to him today and nevertheless fight the duel tomorrow. He will mediate between him and Orgeluse. As the pages remind him of the old feud still maintained Arthur promises to obtain a truce from the duchess and gives Gramoflanz his safe conduct – his nephew Beacurs is to escort him. Bene and the pages leave. Gramoflanz is happy about the message and chooses his company to go with him to Arthur. All his retinue appointed for the journey are wearing splendid clothes and the king’s falconers ride at his side. For his part Arthur sends handsome Beacurs to meet him half-way. Over the fields wherever he sees a way Gramoflanz rides in pursuit of game and even more of love. Beacurs is so handsome that Gramoflanz asks Bene at once who he is. She tells him he is the son of Lot. By his looks he learns that Itonje, who sent him the hat made in Sinzester together with her sparrow hawk, is truly his sister.

Motif References:

T 41 Communication of lovers
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
H 82.3 Tokens between lovers
P 570 (Bm) Safe conduct
F 575.2 Handsome man

WvEP-723: Meanwhile Arthur has obtained a truce from Orgeluse, who now has got recompense for the loss of Cidegast, whom she mourned so intensely. Then the king takes the ladies into a separate pavilion and Itonje is very happy that she is to see her beloved. Many knights are seated there as well, but Parzival outshines them all. Gramoflanz rides up and he and his retinue are welcomed by the king and the queen. Arthur asks the guest to look round and see if he loves any of the ladies and kiss her. He recognizes Itonje because he has seen her brother out there in the fields. They kiss and he sits down next to her. Arthur leads Brandelidelin into a lesser pavilion. Drink is brought in. They both agree that the combat must be prevented: Itonje should command Gramoflanz to waive the duel for her sake and Arthur should help him to regain the duchess’s good will. Brandelidelin will compose the quarrel on his side. They go back to the pavilion. Arthur then goes to see Gawan and they get the duchess to agree to a reconciliation: She would grant peace if Gawan would renounce the duel for her sake, but she would be reconciled only if Gramoflanz would withdraw his accusation against her father-in-law.

Motif References:

T 11 Falling in love with person never seen
H 20 Recognition by resemblance
P 253 Sister and brother
P 558 (Bm) Truce
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)
F 575.2 Handsome man

WvEP-728: (9) Arthur goes away with these conditions. Gramoflanz for the sake of lovely Itonje agrees to all which is asked of him. For love’s sake all hatred is put aside. Arthur has invited Arnive, Sangive and Cundrie to the solemn proceedings of this peacemaking. Orgeluse kisses Gramo-flanz – though she still mourns for Cidegast – and Gawan kisses Gramoflanz. Arthur gives Itonje away to Gramoflanz in marriage, Cundrie is given to Lischoys and Sangive is offered to Florant, who gladly takes her. Arthur is generous in giving ladies away, but this was all discussed and agreed beforehand. Now the duchess announces that Gawan is rightful lord of her lands and person, which saddens her knights-servitor. Gawan and his companions, Arnive and Orgeluse and the ladies, and Parzival, Sangive and Cundrie, all take their leave. Itonje remains there with Arthur and a fine wedding-feast takes place. Gramoflanz sends a message to his people at Rosche Sabins that they should come with his army and make a sumptuous display. Parzival is thinking of his lovely wife Condwiramurs. Depressed by his sad thoughts he arms himself and rides away at daybreak.

Motif References:

T 100 Marriage
T 136.1 Wedding feast

WvEP-734: Now the story turns to how Anfortas was made well again and how the queen of Pelrapeire entered a realm of high bliss: Parzival will bring this to pass. He will now have to face a champion of all battles, a courtly person who is ignorant of Christianity. Parzival rides across an open space towards a great forest to meet a rich and mighty stranger. His outfit is magnificent, the jewels on his tabard are rare and costly and the tabard has been woven by salamanders in Agremuntin in the fire. The stranger’s desire is for love and the winning of fame and they were for the most part women who had given him the things with which he adorned himself. On his helmet he wears an Ecidemon whose scent kills venomous reptiles. The trappers of his mount is made of precious brocade. He strives for noble love and women’s reward. He has anchored in an inlet with his twenty-five armies of which none understands another’s tongue for as many territories are subject to him. Among them are moors and other Saracens and many strange people. The stranger has ridden out in search of adventure.

Motif References:

P 150 Rich men
V 301.1 (Li) The high-minded, noble heathen
F 575.2 Handsome man
F 753 Mountain of fire
B 768.2 Salamander subsists on fire
B 776.7 Venomous serpent
F 821.1 Dress of extraordinary material

WvEP-738: Both rejoice at seeing the other approaching. The lioness bears her cub stillborn, it is roused to life by its father’s roars. These two are indeed formidable jousters. When they ride their encounter Parzival keeps his seat and is the first one to do so of all the strangers the heathen has ever engaged with. They fight fiercely on horseback, then they leap down from their mounts and fight with their swords. The heathen’s war-cry is “Thasme!” and “Thabronit!”. In this fight the sons of one father are attacking one another. The heathen aspires to win renown for the sake of queen Secundille who has given him the land at Tribalibot. He is gaining the upper hand and does much hurt to the Christian. His shield is of a wood called asbestos, which neither rots nor burns. The queen who loves him has given it to him. All round the boss there are inlaid gems of many kinds. On the dome of the boss is a stone which in the East is called anthrax, but here it is known as carbuncle. The pure beast Ecidemon has been given to him as a device by queen Secundille for the sake of love. The heathen gains new courage when he shouts his war-cry “Thabronit!”. His strength depends on his love and on precious stones which give him spirit and strength.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 59 (Bm) Love tokens
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols
P 557 Military customs
N 733.1 Brothers unwittingly fight each other
B 751.4 The lion blows first life into its cubs three days after their birth
F 812.8 Wood which cannot be consumed by fire
F 839.2 Extraordinary shield
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)
D 1335.5 Magic ring gives strength
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-743: (9) Parzival is growing weary from fighting. He should not leave his two boys fatherless, Kardeiz and Loherangrin, so soon. When he is thinking of his wife and her love Parzival is regaining strength and he begins to cry “Pelrapeire!”. The sword of Gaheviez is shattered by a blow to the infidel’s helmet which brings the stranger to his knees. It does no longer please God that Parzival should wield a weapon robbed from a corpse, for this is the sword he took from Ither. The heathen leaps to his feet again and addresses his opponent: The warrior having lost his sword should refrain from fighting and tell him his name. Had his sword not broken he would have won the battle. They sit down on the grass and once again he asks him to identify. Parzival refuses to tell his name and the stranger, who has a knowledge of French, tells him that he is Feirefiz Angevin. Hearing this Parzival says he is entitled to Anjou with all its lands and castles by inheritance but that he has been told that there is a warrior in the heathen lands who is his brother.

Motif References:

H 151.10 Combat of unknown brothers [relatives, unrecognized friends] brings about recognition
P 251.5 Two brothers
N 733.1 Brothers unwittingly fight each other
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor

WvEP-746: (21) Giving his word that he will not attack him Parzival asks the heathen to bare his head. The knight replies he has no fear for Parzival would be overcome anyhow but he flings his sword far out into the forest to make even chances for further fighting. Then Feirefiz asks Parzival to tell him how his brother looks like. The Christian says his brother’s complexion was described to him as black and white, in patches. Both bare their heads and Parzival recognizes his brother who is marked like a magpie. They reconcile by kiss. Feirefiz thanks his gods, Juno and Jupiter, that he met his brother, whom he praises as an excellent fighter. Parzival replies that he was never harder pressed by any knight. Feirefiz begs him to address him familiarly, but Parzival replies that he does not think this decent for his brother is more powerful and mighty and also his senior. They sit down again and Feirefiz promises two rich lands to Parzival, Zazamanc and Azagouc, their father acquired when Isenhart died. Feirefiz has not forgiven his father the wrong that he left him fatherless. His mother died out of grief for his father. He would like to see that valiant man and the purpose of his voyage is to find him.

Motif References:

T 81 Death from love
H 151.10 Combat of unknown brothers [relatives, unrecognized friends] brings about recognition
P 251.5 Two brothers
F 527 Person of unusual color
F 1041.1.1 Death from broken heart
H 1381.2.2.1 Son seeks unknown father

WvEP-751: Parzival replies that he has never seen his father either, but that he has been told that he achieved great exploits. He was killed in a joust with King Ipomidon below the walls of Baldac. On hearing this Feirefiz is very grieved and weeps. Then he asks Parzival to ride with him to see his army which he will order to encamp on the shore. In return Parzival will show him the beautiful ladies and courtly knights of Arthur the Briton. When the heathen hears women named he asks his brother to take him there. He has heard that Arthur is very famous and lives magnificently and is glad that he will also meet some kinsmen there. When they get up Parzival retrieves his brother’s sword and thrusts it back into its sheath. News of them have already been received at Arthur’s before they arrive there. There has been sorrow that Parzival has left them and Arthur resolved that he would wait for Parzival there for a whole week. Gramoflanz’s army has also arrived there and set camp.

Motif References:

WvEP-755: (16) A man rides in from Schastel marveile with a report that a fierce battle has been observed in the pillar. Arthur says one of the knights must have been Parzival. At this point the two ride in and turn towards Gawan’s ring. Many eyes follow the heathen who is so richly caparisoned. Gawan gives them a friendly welcome and has them disarmed. Feirefiz’s surcoat is very precious – salamanders have woven it in the fire – and adorned with many gems. His lady, Queen Secundille, has given him this caparison. His high fame has achieved her love and she gave lands and herself to him. When Feirefiz’s armor is removed they gaze at the mottled man. At Gawan’s question Parzival makes him acquainted with his companion, his kinsman, the king of Zazamanc and the son of Queen Belacane. Feirefiz is black and white all over his skin, except his lips which are red. Luxurious clothes are brought for them. The ladies arrive and greet the heathen by kiss, which delights Feirefiz.

Motif References:

B 99.1 Mythical salamander
P 150 Rich men
F 527 Person of unusual color
F 575.2 Handsome man
B 768.2 Salamander subsists on fire
F 821.1 Dress of extraordinary material
D 1323 Magic object gives clairvoyance
D 1825.2 Magic power to see distant objects.

WvEP-759: Gawan asks Parzival whom he fought, for his helmet and shield tell him of new hardship. Parzival tells him the story of his combat against his brother and how the latter threw his own sword out of reach when Parzival’s weapon broke. Gawan says that in Schastel marveile on the pillar this battle has been watched, for one can see there all that happens within a range of six miles. They would have waited for him a whole week here. Then Gawan has served them supper. He sends a message to Arthur to tell him that the mighty infidel, whom the heathen Hecuba praised beside the Plimizoel, has arrived, and that he is a courteous and wealthy knight. Jofreit fiz Ydoel tells Arthur the news and asks him to set a brilliant train to go there with all ceremony and receive Gahmuret’s son. The seating in Gawan’s ring is determined according to protocol and they are served a meal. After the meal their host Gawan begs the noble ladies to go where the heathen is sitting and entertain him.

Motif References:

F 169.1 Pillars of silver and glass [crystal pillar] in otherworld.
F 774.1.1 Crystal column [pillar]
D 1323 Magic object gives clairvoyance
D 1331.1 Object gives magic sight

WvEP-764: (24) Arthur rides up with his people to a great sounding of music. Feirefiz is welcomed by Itonje and Ginover by kiss, and Arthur and Gramoflanz receive him with sincerity. Knights and ladies take their seats and if they knew how to sue for love, knights could find sweet words from fine ladies, yet it is a lady’s privilege to say yes or no. Arthur sits down beside Feirefiz and says he is happy to serve him in any way. Feirefiz tells him that the king’s name is celebrated far and wide. Arthur asks him how he came to this country and the infidel tells him that he came with an army so powerful that both the defenders and the besiegers of Troy would have to leave him free passage. He achieved by deeds of arms that the Queen Secundille granted him her favor and it is for her sake that he recruited good knights. He displays the Ecidemon on his shield as she commanded him and her love gave him more courage in peril than his god Jupiter. Arthur replies that it is Gahmuret’s nature that Feirefiz should journey into distant lands in the service of ladies. Then he tells him of chivalric service that has been given for the duchess and all about her war, about Clinschor’s company and the two battles of Parzival at Joflanze and that Parzival is in quest of the Grail.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
T 59 (Bm) Love tokens
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
Z 150 Other symbols

WvEP-769: (26) The king asks them both to tell him about the lands and peoples they came to know through war. Feirefiz names those who are in command of his knights. Then he tells Arthur that he wished to travel till he found his father and did many deeds of arms. Two mighty queens granted him her love, Olimpia and Clauditte, and the third one is Secundille. But now he learnt that his father is dead. Then Parzival tells of his fights since he departed from the Grail and names the knights he overcame, but must leave many unmentioned for it would exceed his knowledge. Feirefiz is pleased with his brother’s high renown. Meanwhile Gawan has given orders to bring the heathen’s magnificent equipment and all judge it a masterpiece. They examine the tabard, shield and surcoat, and admire the rare and precious stones on his helmet. Heraclius or Hercules and the Greek Alexander could tell better of their powers and the wise Pythagoras, who was an astronomer and the most sapient man since Adam’s time.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
P 150 Rich men
P 429.1 Astronomers
F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)
H 1381.2 Quest for unknown father

WvEP-774: (8) Gramoflanz, Arthur, Parzival and Gawan withdraw, leaving the heathen to the attention of the ladies. Arthur makes preparations for a festivity to be held next morning, formally to receive his kinsman Feirefiz. They promise the king to do their best to enlist Feirefiz as a member of the Round Table, unless Feirefiz himself were against it, but he agrees. Then they all go to their rest. Arthur has a magnificent Round Table of drianthasme made ready, circular and with a ring of seats all round. The Round Table lies at the centre not for any use but for its name. No man of low worth is allowed to sit there. The magnificent ring is measured out in the moonlight. It is Gawan and Gramoflanz who meet the expense of it and Arthur makes a large contribution. In the morning knights and ladies dress up, each of them according to their national customs for this company has been assembled from a wide area. No lady without a knight in her service is allowed to take her seat at the Round Table – they sit in their tents.

Motif References:

P 19.0.1 (Li) King Arthur as leader of outstanding chivalric society (Round Table)
Z 201.9.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous possessions - Arthur’s Round Table
P 634 Feasts

WvEP-776: (25) When Arthur has heard Mass, Gramoflanz arrives together with Lischoys and Florant and each makes his plea for membership at the Round Table, which Arthur grants them. It is Feirefiz who is the richest and mightiest from any land of all who ever sat at the Table. They march towards the ring in grand style. Splendid banners arrive from all sides and the bohourt is ridden round the ring of the Table to the ladies’ delight. Then the meal is served. They see a maiden approaching with fine clothes well cut in the French fashion. On her black coat gleam a flock of turtle-doves in Arabian gold, the emblem of the Grail. She has a high and white wimple and her face is hidden by a fold. Her bridle, saddle and palfrey are very costly. The wise girl rides right round the ring and salutes Arthur, whom they point out to her. She addresses him in French and says the object of her coming is to seek pardon for a wrong she has done. She begs the king and the queen to help her, then she turns to Parzival, dismounts and kneels before him. Through her tears she begs him to pardon her. Parzival who still is angry with her sets aside his resentment at Arthur’s and Feirefiz’s request.

Motif References:

F 186 (Li) Otherworld messenger
N 770.0.1 Feast as occasion for the beginning of adventures or the arrival of questers

WvEP-780: (2) The noble but ugly woman leaps to her feet and thanks those who have helped her back to favor after great error. She unwinds her wimple and flings it into the ring. They recognize Cundrie la surziere together with the Grail-device she wears. Her eyes are yellow, her teeth long, her mouth bluish and her skin hairy. Then she begins her speech: She welcomes parti-colored Feirefiz for Secundile’s sake and addresses Parzival telling that the inscription on the Grail has been read and that he is to be lord of the Grail. His wife Condwiramurs and his son Loherangrin have been assigned there with him. Kardeiz is to stay in Brobarz. Parzival is to heal Anfortas by his question. She names seven stars in Arabic, which are known to Feirefiz: Zval, swift Almustri, Almaret and bright Samsi point to good fortune in him. The fifth is called Alligafir and the sixth Alkiter, while the nearest to us is Alkamer. These planets are the bridle of the firmament checking its onrush. Parzival’s sorrow will pass away, only greed can deny him his portion. The Grail and its power forbid false companionship. Parzival has won peace of soul and a joyful life.

Motif References:

H 126 Identification by coat of arms
F 184 Otherworld king
Z 254 Destined hero
F 513.1 Person unusual as to his teeth
F 513 Person unusual as to his mouth
F 521.1.1 Woman with animal hair.
F 544.3.5 Remarkably long teeth.
F 576 Extraordinary ugliness
C 651 The one compulsory question.
F 883 Extraordinary writings (book, letter)
D 1310 Magic object gives supernatural information.

WvEP-783: Parzival is so happy that tears stream from his eyes. He says that had he not done wrong Cundrie would have spared him her anger. But now she is giving him such high reward that his sorrows are at an end. Her clothes bear out her message, for the shields he saw at Munsalvaesche bore the same device, the turtle-doves, as her habit. He asks her when or how he is to set out to Munsalvaesche, and she replies he should not delay and may choose one companion to go with him. The news of Cundrie’s coming go all round the ring and Orgeluse is happy that Parzival now is to make an end to Anfortas’s suffering. Cundrie goes to wait for Parzival in Arnive’s quarters. Parzival asks his brother to be his companion and he is willing to ride with him. Feirefiz wishes to bestow gifts before he leaves and asks Arthur to give him messengers to send to his haven for the presents. He sends a letter with them to his fleet. Parzival tells them that no man could win the Grail by force except the one who is summoned there by God. The news spread to every land with the result that many abandon the quest for the Grail and that is why it is hidden to this day. Parzival and Feirefiz take leave of all the people, and then set out fully armed in the company of Cundrie. On the third day splendid gifts are brought from Feirefiz’s army.

Motif References:

P 150 Rich men
Z 254 Destined hero

WvEP-787: Anfortas and his people are still suffering from grief. From loyal love they leave him in his plight. For he often asked them to let him die and indeed would soon have done so had they not shown him the Grail. He says that they are wronging him and will be damned at the Last Judgment, for his suffering should arouse their compassion. And they would have shown him mercy but for the consoling hope which Trevrizent had given once before, after seeing it written on the Grail. They are now waiting a second time for the man who lost his happiness there and would ask the question. The king often keeps his eyes shut tight for as many as four days. Then they carry the king to the Grail whether he likes it or not and there he has to open his eyes and is made to live against his will. At the hour when Mars or Jupiter have returned in their courses to where they have set out from, with the outcome that Anfortas is suffering great agony. His wound is beyond all cure. They sweeten the air for Anfortas to kill the stench of the wound and on the carpet before him lie spices and fragrant herbs. His fire is a wood of aloes and his bedposts are of viper’s horn.

Motif References:

F 184.1 Wounded otherworld king (in Ireland).
C 651 The one compulsory question.
A 787 Relation of the planets to human life.
F 883 Extraordinary writings (book, letter)
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)
D 1310 Magic object gives supernatural information.
D 1380.11 Magic jewel protects
D 2162 Magic control of disease.

WvEP-789: (25) The powder of various spices has been dusted over the counterpane and the cushions and the bed are of costly fabric and adorned with precious stones. The cross ropes of the bed are of salamander. The properties of many of the stones are medically beneficial and they are propitious too. Parzival and Feirefiz are riding towards an outpost when a whole force of templars in full armor gallop up, but as they see the turtle-doves on Cundrie’s habit they learn that joy is coming their way. Feirefiz spurs to the attack but Cundrie seizes his bridle. Cundrie warns Parzival that they are a Grail company and ready to serve and obey him. Parzival sends her ahead and she tells them what happiness has come to them. They dismount and removing their helmets receive Parzival on foot. They receive black and white Feirefiz as well. Then they ride up to Munsalvaesche, where everybody is very happy about their coming. Their armor is taken from them and a chamberlain brings them splendid robes. After drinking Feirefiz and Parzival go to the sorrowful Anfortas.

Motif References:

D 978 Magic herbs
D 1071 Magic jewel (jewels)

WvEP-794: (27) Anfortas receives the pair joyfully. He wants to make his guest ask the knights and maidens to let him die and, if he is Parzival, to keep him from seeing the Grail for a week so that he would die. He wants Feirefiz to be sent to his quarters. Parzival weeps and then asks where the Grail is. Thrice he kneels down in its direction praying for the cure of Anfortas. Then he asks the question “Dear, uncle, what ails you?” He who for St Sylvester’s sake bade a bull return from death to life and go, and Lazarus stand up, now helps Anfortas to be cured. He becomes so beautiful that neither the beauty of Parzival nor that of Absalon, of Vergulaht or Gahmuret is equal to his good looks. Parzival whom the inscription has named to be their lord is recognized forthwith as king and sovereign. There cannot be found men more wealthy and mighty than Parzival and Feirefiz. Meanwhile Condwiramurs has ridden towards Munsalvaesche after a messenger had brought the news to her. Duke Kyot and many knights have conducted her into the forest at Terre salvaesche, where Segramors had been felled in a joust and the snow and blood had so resembled her. There Parzival is to fetch her.

Motif References:

Q 85 Reward for asking proper questions.
Q 112.0.1 Kingdom as reward
F 575.2 Handsome man
C 651 The one compulsory question.
D 789.6.1 Disenchantment by speaking proper words.
F 959.3 Miraculous cure of wound
D 2161.2 Magic cure of wound.

WvEP-797: (16) Parzival rides out to Trevrizent with some knights of the Grail company. Trevrizent rejoices at the news that Anfortas is cured. He says that no one can ever get to the bottom of God’s mysteries and His power. A greater marvel never occurred, in that with his defiance Parzival has wrung the concession from God that he has been given his wish. He lied as a means of distracting him from the Grail by telling him that the banished angels were at the Grail till they should be received back into His Grace. But they are eternally damned and chose their own perdition. Trevrizent is sorry that Parzival had such a hard time. He wished to divert him from the Grail for it never was the custom that anyone should battle his way to it. He advises Parzival to turn his thoughts towards humility. Parzival says he wishes to have Trevrizent’s advice as long as they are both alive. Then he takes his leave to meet his wife.

Motif References:

V 236 Fallen angels

WvEP-799: (13) Parzival rides through the night and when it dawns he comes to the camp of the princes of Brobarz. He is shown the tent of the queen. Kyot who has risen early recognizes the device of the Grail worn by the company, which recalls to him the death of his wife Schoysiane who was given to him at Munsalvaesche and died giving birth to Sigune. He receives Parzival and his men kindly, and then sends a page to the marshal to ask him to provide good lodging for the knights. Parzival is unarmed. In the pavilion Parzival finds his sons, Loherangrin and Kardeiz, beside his wife. Kyot tells the queen to wake up and when she opens her eyes she sees her husband. Parzival takes her in his arms and they kiss. The boys wake up and her father kisses them. Then Parzival and his wife are left alone in the pavilion. It is still very early. Condwiramurs now makes amends for her husband’s torment from blood and snow on this very meadow. Meanwhile the men from Brobarz ride up to gaze at the spectacle of the templars, who are splendidly arrayed.

Motif References:

V 450 Religious orders

WvEP-802: (21) The king and the queen rise, a priest sings mass. After the benediction Parzival’s vassals receive him loyally and with honor. Parzival asks the princes which of his two sons is to rule over his lands. They should receive their fiefs from his son, for Parzival has inherited the Grail. Kardeiz enfeoffs them with their domains and is then crowned. Later he rules Kanvoleiz and the lands that have been Gahmuret’s. After a breakfast the army makes ready for the homeward journey and rides back with the young king. Many others of the queen’s train take leave of her. Then Condwiramurs and the templars take Loherangrin and ride away to Munsalvaesche. Parzival asks his companions for the cell he once saw in this forest through which ran a brook. They know the place, a maiden is dwelling there abandoned to lamentation over her lover’s tomb.

Motif References:

P 13.5 Crowning [and making] of kings
P 16.1.4 Father abdicates in favor of son
P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
T 211.9 Excessive grief at husband’s or wife’s death
P 426.2 Hermit
F 778 (Bm) Extraordinary tomb

WvEP-804: (19) They ride to visit her and in the evening find Sigune dead on her knees in prayer. They break through the wall to Sigune. Parzival has them open the tomb, revealing Schionatulander embalmed and untouched by decay. They lay her close to his side and close the grave. Condwiramurs laments for her cousin. Sigune’s mother, Schoysiane, reared her when she was a child. King Kardeiz’s tutor Duke Kyot knows nothing of his daughter’s death. Then they ride on to Munsalvaesche where Feirefiz is waiting for them. The company of the Grail welcomes the queen, their lord and his son. Then Loherangrin is taken to his uncle Feirefiz. Seeing him all black and white, the boy does not want to kiss him. The heathen laughs at his fears. The queen is received by a noble bevy of pretty ladies (Repanse de Schoye, Garschiloye of Greenland, Florie of Lunel, Ampflise - the daughter of Jernis of Ryl, Clarischanze of Tenabroc with a waist drawn in like an ant’s). Cundwiramurs kisses Feirefiz and Anfortas and then Feirefiz leads her to their lord’s aunt Repanse de Schoye. The knights remain in the palace, where solemn preparation is made for the Grail.

Motif References:

T 85.4 Lover’s body [lover’s bones] kept (embalmed) for years by grieving mistress
T 86 Lovers buried in same grave [coffin]
P 272 Foster mother
Z 292.1 (Bm) Hero’s corpse embalmed
P 683 (Bm) Embalming
F 778 (Bm) Extraordinary tomb

WvEP-807: (16) The Grail is not carried at all times as a mere spectacle but only for particular festivities. That evening when Parzival saw it the Grail had been brought in because they needed help, but Parzival left them to their sorrows. Now it will be carried to them in jubilation. Feirefiz then receives Condwiramurs. She is a lovely woman and wears costly clothes. Three great fires of wood of aloes have been made and there are forty carpets and more seats than on the occasion when Parzival was first there. One seat is magnificent beyond all others and on it Feirefiz and Anfortas are to sit beside the king. Now before Parzival and his wife the Grail is carried in by 25 maidens in the same style as it was done before. Then comes in pure Repanse de Schoye, by whom alone the Grail lets itself be carried. They are served and with ceremony they receive from the Grail meats both wild and tame and any drink they might desire.

Motif References:

V 80 Religious services - miscellaneous
V 150 Sacred objects - miscellaneous
F 183.1 Automatic service in otherworld: any sort of food desired furnished
D 1472.1.2 Stone provides food.
D 1714.1 Magic power of chaste women

WvEP-810: (3) The infidel inquires how the empty cups become full at the table. He sees nothing but the cloth, an achmardi, which is carried in by the most beautiful maiden he ever saw and who robs him of his happiness. From Love he grows pale where he is white, and he now wishes to forget his former attachment. Anfortas sees that he is suffering and he tells him that she is his sister. Feirefiz wishes all the fame he ever won with the lance had been for her sake. At Agremuntin he fought against a fiery knight and would have burnt but for his surcoat of salamander and his shield of asbestos-wood. He will always resent it in his god Jupiter if he does not help him in this sorrow. Frimutel’s children, Anfortas and Repanse de Schoye, have the same features and complexion. From his suffering for love Feirefiz sits fasting. Parzival learns that his brother did not see the Grail which strikes all the knights as mysterious. When the aged Titurel comes to hear of it he sends them message that a heathen man cannot contemplate the Grail. Anfortas and Parzival urge Feirefiz to receive Baptism.

Motif References:

T 10 Falling in love
T 24.5 Boy [girl] turns red and white from love
B 99.1 Mythical salamander
V 150 Sacred objects - miscellaneous
P 561 Tournaments
F 574 Luminous [fiery] person
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
D 1025 Magic skin of animal
D 1382 Magic object protects against cold or burning
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
D 1980 Magic invisibility

WvEP-814: Feirefiz asks them if Baptism would help him to win the love of Repanse de Schoye. Parzival tells him that he will be able to seek her love and Feirefiz declares he will fight if one gets Baptism by fighting and thus deserve her reward. He is told he will have to break with his god Jupiter and give up Secundille. Three of the best knights are sitting there in the presence of the Grail for Anfortas once has won a reputation with knightly exploits in Love’s cause as well. The Grail is carried away and the ladies leave. Next morning Parzival and Anfortas invite Feirefiz into the Grail temple and Parzival summons the templars. Titurel has installed the temple splendidly, with a ruby baptismal font and a round, stepped pedestal of jasper on which stands the Grail. Then Parzival tells his brother that if he wants his aunt he must forswear all his gods for her sake and be always ready to fight the Adversary of God and faithfully observe God’s commandments. The heathen gives his promise to be loyal.

Motif References:

V 112 Temples
V 150 Sacred objects - miscellaneous
V 331.5 Conversion to Christianity through love
V 332 Baptism of heathen
F 773 Remarkable church (chapel, temple)

WvEP-817: (4) The font is tilted towards the Grail and immediately fills with water, neither too hot nor too cold. An aged priest is standing there, who tells him that he must believe in the One and Only God and His Trinity and snatch his soul from the Devil. This water will fend off heathenry from him. Christ entered the water for his baptism, trees have their sap from water, water fecundates all things, mankind sees from water and water gives the souls great splendor. Feirefiz is baptized and the blessing is pronounced over him. After the ceremony they give him Repanse de Schoye and having received baptism he now can see the Grail. Writing is seen on the Grail telling them that any templar sent by God to be lord in a distant land must forbid them to ask his name or lineage, but must help them gain their rights. When such a question is put to him the people there cannot keep him any longer. Because Anfortas had remained in agony so long and the Question was withheld from him, the Grail knights are now forever averse to questioning.

Motif References:

T 100 Marriage
V 150 Sacred objects - miscellaneous
V 331.5 Conversion to Christianity through love
V 332 Baptism of heathen
C 410 Tabu: asking questions
V 450 Religious orders
C 900 Punishment for breaking tabu
C 952 Immediate return to otherworld because of broken tabu
D 1310 Magic object gives supernatural information.

WvEP-819: (9) Feirefiz entreats Anfortas to sail away with him and share his riches but Anfortas dissuades him from this endeavor. Having lost the Grail’s crown through arrogance he has now chosen humility and will no more think of possessions and love of women. He will only fight in the service of the Grail and never again for the love of women. But he does not hate women. Then Feirefiz wants Loherangrin to come with him but Condwiramurs forbids it. Parzival says his son is destined for the Grail. Some days later Feirefiz asks his leave and rides away with his wife to meet his army. Anfortas rides out with him as escort and sends word with Cundrie to the burgrave of Carcoba asking him to guide Feirefiz and his wife through the forest Laeprisin to the haven. The templars take their leave. Feirefiz is received in grand style at the castle and then guided further on his way. When they come to Joflanze they learn that the army has returned and Arthur has gone to Schamilot. Feirefiz rides at once to his army and the burgrave of Carcoba is sent home with splendid gifts.

Motif References:

V 450 Religious orders

WvEP-822: (18) Cundrie gets news of Secundille’s death. Only now Repanse de Schoye is glad of her journey. Later in India she gives birth to a son named John. They call him “Priest John” and, ever since, they call their kings by that name. Feirefiz has letters sent throughout the land of India describing the Christian life. India there is called Tribalibot. Feirefiz asks Cundrie to tell his brother in Munsalvaesche how he has fared and that Secundille has died. Anfortas is glad that his sister is undisputed queen. Now the story of the five children of Frimutel has come to an end, how they acted and how two of them, Schoysiane and Herzeloyde, died. Trevrizent has dedicated his chivalric life to God, and noble Anfortas rides many jousts fighting not for ladies but the Grail.

Motif References:

P 10 Kings [King’s famous court]
V 331 Conversion to Christianity
Z 730 (Bm) Eponymous account of personal name

WvEP-823: (26) Loherangrin grows to be a strong and valiant man. He distinguishes himself in the service of the Grail. Some time after there is a virtuous lady of high lineage for whose hand many men sue but she will not take a husband. Many counts of her country urge her to marry but she has entrusted herself entirely to God. She calls an assembly of her barons and declares she would only take a man assigned to her by God. This lady is Princess of Brabant and a husband is sent from Munsalvaesche to her, a person without fault. He is brought by the Swan and taken ashore at Antwerp. He begs of her never to ask who he is, only then can he stay with her, otherwise she will lose his love. She gives her promise, which she breaks later on, and he becomes prince in Brabant. After the magnificent wedding celebrations many lords receive the fiefs to which they are entitled. The sovereign is a good judge and a perfect knight who often practices chivalry. They get lovely children. But later on her question banishes him. Although he is very loath to go, the Swan brings back a small boat. Loherangrin leaves a sword, horn and ring and then sets out to travel back to the Grail.

Motif References:

C 32.2.1 Tabu: asking name of supernatural husband
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
T 111 Marriage of mortal and supernatural being
M 146 Vow to marry a certain woman [man]
F 301 Fairy lover [husband].
F 305.1 Fairy relative makes gifts (to half-mortal child)
T 311 Woman averse to marriage
B 558.1 Boat drawn by swans (geese)
C 932 Loss of wife (husband) for breaking tabu.
C 952 Immediate return to otherworld because of broken tabu

WvEP-827: Master Chrestien of Troyes has given the story following the authentic tale

Motif References:

of Kyot. This Provencal narrates how the son of Herzeloyde achieved the Grail. From Provence the authentic tale has been sent to the German lands and Wolfram von Eschenbach intends to speak no more of it. When a man’s life ends in such a way that his body’s sins do not ruin his soul and he nevertheless succeeds in keeping his fellows’ good will and respect this is useful toil. Good women will now value the author more and if this tale was done to please one woman in particular she must praise him for it.

Matière de Bretagne

Wolfram von Eschenbach, Parzival (<1200/1210) Bartsch, Karl (ed.): Parzival und Titurel. 4. Aufl. bearb.v. Marta Marti. (=Dt. Klassiker d. Mittelalters 9-11) Leipzig 1932.

Wolfram von Eschenbach, Parzival (<1200/1210)
Bartsch, Karl (ed.): Parzival und Titurel. 4. Aufl. bearb.v. Marta Marti. (=Dt. Klassiker d. Mittelalters 9-11) Leipzig 1932.