Parzival and the Knights of Camelot in search for the Holy Grail: the fifth and last Arthurian novel by Chrétien de Troyes
Quest for the Holy Grail

Quest for the Holy Grail
An incredible 15th century manuscript of the fifth and last Arthurian romance by Chrétien de Troyes (ca. 1140–90)
He tells the story of the young knight Perceval who seeks the Holy Grail with other knights from Camelot
After Chrétien de Troyes' death, the work was completed by several authors ca. 1220

Quest for the Holy Grail
Sir Galahad Attacked by Assanon and Forty Knights
Arthurian legends were used to both instruct the medieval nobility on the Christian principles of chivalry as well as serving as a mirror for contemporary life. This miniature has been inserted into the relevant text and shows Sir Galahad fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds. Sir Galahad was renowned for being the purest and most gallant of all knights, so much so that Monty Python famously lured him into a castle full of 150 naughty, lusty virgins in need of a good spanking.
Quest for the Holy Grail
Short Description
One of the most beautiful transcripts of the French tale in verse Li Contes del Graal by the author Chrétien de Troyes (ca. 1140–ca. 1190) originated ca. 1500. His fifth and last Arthurian romance tells the story of the young knight Perceval, who eventually becomes an Arthurian knight and Grail-seeker. Over 50 enchanting miniatures illustrate the adventurous journey with its unbelievable danger. Additionally, grandiose initials and fantastic bordures with glimmering details play around the text consisting of 32,000 verses.
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.
Codicology
- Style
- Genre

Quest for the Holy Grail
Scenes from Camelot
This codex begins fours scenes from King Arthur’s court at Camelot. It is a wonderful specimen of French illumination ca. 1500 as it transitioned between the Gothic and Renaissance styles. These interior scenes were created with a remarkable sense of perspective and utilize a wonderful palette of primary colors.
The upper scenes depict King Arthur and Queen Guinevere at a courtly feast attended by twelve kings and queens. In the lower-left scene, nuns present Galahad to be knighted by Lancelot, who is pictured to the right resting a sword upon the shoulder of the kneeling Galahad. The figures are all depicted in the fashion of late–15th century France: short tunics and tights for men, flowing dresses with long trains for women.
1 available facsimile edition(s) of „Quest for the Holy Grail“
Roman de la Quête du Graal
- Publisher
- Ediciones Grial – Valencia, 1997
- Limited Edition
- 870 copies
- Commentary
-
1 volume
Language: Spanish - More Information
- Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.
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