Parzival: A Knightly Epic (Vol. 1&2) (eBook)

Wolfram von Eschenbach (c. 1170 – c. 1220) was a German knight and poet, regarded as one of the greatest epic poets of medieval Germany. His literary work is a pinnacle of the Middle High German literature, and his style is characterized by its depth of psychological insight and its idiosyncratic creative use of language. Eschenbach is best known for his masterpiece, 'Parzival: A Knightly Epic' (Vol. 1&2), an Arthurian romance which recounts the quest of the eponymous hero Parzival to attain the Holy Grail. This seminal work exerted a significant influence on the Grail romance tradition and is notable for its complexity of character, exploring themes of ethics, faith, and redemption in a richly textured narrative. Eschenbach's writings showcase a remarkable blend of chivalric values and mystical Christian concepts, providing an invaluable window into the culture and ideals of the High Middle Ages. Although details about his life are scarce and mainly derived from his own literary works, it is believed that he was endowed with an erudite understanding of theology, chivalry, and courtly love, which informed his authoritative poetic voice. His contributions to the literary world continue to be celebrated for their enduring significance and artistic merit.