Percival 3

1. We find Perceval on a journey in a deserted area where he encounters three knights and ten maidens. What might this group represent? Where might we see a parallel to this group in the text? What do they represent to Perceval?

Could the three knights possibly represent the holy trinity? The main function of this group’s appearance was to re-introduce Christianity into Perceval’s life, so the idea that they do represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit would be contingent upon this religious theme. As for parallels of this theme throughout the story, one might interpret Blacheflor’s name to be a reference to the symbol of the Holy Trinity, the lily. Going along these lines, could the ten maidens represent the Ten Commandments? (As ridiculous as it sounds, I feel compelled to point out that 10-3 is 7, ie the seven deadly sins, though I’m pretty sure that’s not where Chretien was going.) If Chretien was a converting Jew, then that would make these characters all the more important to his story. They state: “All those who believe in him should do penance on this day… We fulfilled the most important duty that any Christian can do who truly wishes to please God” (458). They also chide Percival for wearing his armor on Good Friday, and just before Percival comes across this group, Chretien states that though Perceval continued to “pursue the deeds of chivalry,” he completely forgot about God for five years. Chretien does an interesting, if not altogether surprising thing here by separating knighthood and Christianity, and in this scene with the three knights and ten maidens religion is clearly places well above knighthood. This value set was seen very early in the story with Percival’s mother, who was very religious and shielded her son from knighthood due to its dangers. It would be interesting if these were the knights and half of the maidens that were mentioned in the beginning of the story, in Perceval’s first encounter with knighthood (it is interesting to note that in Perceval’s first encounter with knighthood he placed knights on the same level as, if not above, religion, but in this scene with the 13 travelers the case is turned completely around).

2. We see Perceval begin to weep as he goes to repent to the Hermit. Why does he begin weeping? What can be said about his self-image at this point?

“Perceval set out on the path, sighing deep within his heart because he felt he had sinned against God and was very sorry for it. Weeping, he went through the thicket…” (459). This reference to “the path” could be referring to the religious path that he hermit, Perceval’s uncle, sends him on. When the hermit asks Perceval what he is repenting for, he does not mention his mother’s death – he only mentions the things that other people have told him he has done wrong, ie not asking about the lance and the grail. The hermit is the one who corrects him by telling him that all of his misfortunes are a result of the sin of his mother’s death. So, though Perceval seems to be more aware of his vulnerabilities and faults at this time, he is still learning. There is also the fact that his misfortunes were also caused by taking the “gentleman’s” advice about keeping his mouth shut – this further indicates that his happiness will not come from following the path of knighthood, but rather tracing back his maternal lines to religious roots.