Parzival (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 most famous work, 'Parzival' (circa 1200-1210), is a rich and complex Arthurian romance that continues to captivate readers with its depth of insight into the human condition and its exploration of the concept of chivalry. Little is known of Wolfram's life, but it is believed he hailed from the town of Eschenbach in Bavaria, and his writings suggest he was not formally educated, yet possessed an extensive knowledge of literature, theology, and law, acquired through personal inquiry and experience. 'Parzival' stands as a testament to his literary genius, offering a unique blend of Christian and Eastern mysticism, knightly adventure, and philosophical musings, which reflect a transitional period in European history. Unlike his contemporaries, Wolfram favored intuition over the scholarly traditions, and his idiosyncratic style—marked by inventive narrative techniques and intricate characterizations—has left a lasting mark on the Western literary canon (Green, 1980).