Parzival: Analysis of Major Characters
"Parzival: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and roles of key figures in the medieval narrative of Parzival, a tale rooted in chivalric ideals and the quest for the Holy Grail. Central to the story is Parzival himself, the son of Gamuret and Herzeleide, who embarks on a transformative journey guided by various mentors, including Gurnemanz. Parzival's lineage connects him to other significant characters, such as Amfortas, the Grail King, who embodies the mystical elements of the narrative.
The text also delves into the lives of Gamuret, King Gandein, and Belakane, whose fates intertwine through themes of loyalty, love, and vengeance. Notable interactions include those with figures like Lohengrin, Parzival's son, and Gawain, a knight who introduces Parzival to King Arthur's Round Table, showcasing a network of relationships that shape the protagonist's journey. The character dynamics reflect broader themes of honor, redemption, and the pursuit of wisdom, inviting readers to appreciate the timeless complexity of these legendary figures. Through these characters, the narrative illustrates the interplay between personal quests and the collective ideals of knighthood in medieval literature.
Parzival: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Wolfram von Eschenbach
First published: c. 1200–1210 (English translation, 1894)
Genre: Poetry
Locale: Western Europe
Plot: Arthurian romance
Time: The chivalric age
Gamuret (GA-mur-eht), the younger son of King Gandein, who leaves Anjou to seek his fortune. He rescues Belakane and marries her.
Gandein (GAN-deh-ihn), the king of Anjou.
Belakane (beh-lah-KA-neh), a Moorish queen who is falsely accused of killing Eisenhart, her lover.
Friedebrand (FREE-dih-brand), the king of Scotland and uncle of Eisenhart. He besieges the castle of Belakane in an attempt to avenge his nephew.
Feirefis (FI-reh-fihs), the son of Gamuret and Belakane, who almost vanquishes Parzival. Together, they fight in many tournaments.
Herzeledde, queen of Waleis (HEHR-tseh-lee-deh, VAH-lis), at whose tournament Gamuret is the victor. She marries him after the tourney.
Parzival (PAHR-tsih-fahl), the son of Herzeleide and Gamuret.
Queen Kondwiramur (kond-VIHR-ah-mur), whom Parzival marries and later deserts.
Lohengrin (LOH-ehn-grihn), the son of Kondwiramur and Parzival.
Jeschute (jeh-SHEW-teh), who gives Parzival a token.
Orilus (OH-rih-lews), the jealous husband of Jeschute. He fights Parzival but is pacified.
The Red Knight, who knights Parzival.
Gurnemanz (GEWR-neh-mahnts), the Prince of Graharz, who instructs Parzival in knightly precepts.
Baruch (BAH-rewk), the ruler of Alexandria, for whom Gamuret fought and finally was slain.
King Kailet (KI-leht), the companion of Gamuret in Spain.
Arthur, the king of Britain.
Queen Guinevere (GWIH-neh-veer), Arthur's wife.
Sir Kay, the seneschal, defeated by Parzival.
Sir Gawain (GAH-wayn), who introduces Parzival to Arthur's Round Table.
Orgeluse (OHR-geh-lewz), the wife of Gawain.
King Meljanz of Lys (MEHL-yahnts, lees), for whom Sir Gawain fights Duke Lippaut.
Antikonie (an-TEE-koh-nee), the daughter of King Meljanz. She is courted by Gawain.
Gramoflanz (GRAH-moh-flahnts), whom Parzival offers to fight because, unknowingly, he has wounded Sir Gawain while that knight was riding to do battle with Gramoflanz. The challenge is rejected because Gramoflanz refuses to meet any knight but Gawain.
Trevrezent (TRAY-vreh-tsahnt), a hermit who indicates that Parzival is the nephew of Amfortas, the Grail King, and himself.
Amfortas (ahm-FOHR-tahs), the Fisher King who shows Parzival the mysteries of the Grail and is himself cured of his grievous wound by a miraculous recovery.
Kondrie (KOHN-dree-eh), Parzival's guide to the Grail Kingdom.
Repanse de Schoie (reh-PAHN-suh duh SHOY-eh), the wife of Feirefis and mother of Prester John.
Sigune (sih-GEW-neh), the woman who tells Parzival of his lineage.