Quest for the Holy Grail

The literary cycle with the mythical Holy Grail induced one of the most beautiful prose texts of all time. It is a French tale in verse by Chrétien de Troyes (ca. 1140 – ca. 1190). Unfortunately, the founder of the courtly romance was not able to personally finish the story of a youth who grew up in the solitude of the forest named Perceval, who became an Arthurian knight and Grail-seeker. Ca. 1220, it is presumed that several authors extended the already 9,000-verse work to an impressive 32,000 verses. The text consists of three parts, which are adorned by 50+ painting-like miniatures, rich initials, and a wealth of inviting bordures. Thanks to this opulent illumination, the 15th century manuscript is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the cycle.

The Adventures of Lancelot

In the three sections, de Troyes tells the story of the young knight Perceval, who began his journey in Camelot with other companions. On their way, they experienced unbelievable adventures and confronted great dangers. Thanks to the guidance of the Holy Grail, which lends them the necessary inner strength, they manage to bring an end to the fascinating journey. As a subplot, the French author tells the tale of the knight Gawain, who was the nephew of King Arthur.

A Courtly Romance with Christian Elements

De Troyes’ fifth and last Arthurian Romance can be considered an attempt to impregnate the genre of courtly romance with Christian elements and the legend of the Holy Grail. Thus, the otherwise chivalric and courtly virtues are Christianized and the knight is now God’s cavalier.