Parzival is a major medieval German epic poem attributed to the poet Wolfram von Eschenbach, written in the Middle High German language. The poem is commonly dated circa the first quarter of the 13th century. The poem is, in part, an adaptation of Chretien de Troyes’ Perceval, the Story of the Grail and mainly centers on the Arthurian hero Parzival (Percival in English) and his long quest for the Holy Grail, following his initial failure to achieve it. A long middle section is devoted to Parzival's friend Gawan and his adventures defending himself from a false murder charge and winning the hand of the maiden Orgeluse.

The poem continues to be read in Middle High German and translated into modern languages around the world. Among the most striking elements of the text are the scope of its plot and its emphasis on the virtues of compassion and spiritual questioning.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... i/Parzival View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Texts • Epics • Germany • Literature • Middle Ages • Myths • Poetry • All Events • Books • 13th Century