Perceval, the Story of the Grail by Chrétien de Troyes is praised for its intricate narrative and rich symbolism, capturing the essence of Arthurian romance and chivalry. However, some readers find its episodic structure disjointed and the unfinished ending unsatisfying. Despite these issues, it remains a seminal work in medieval literature.

A reader who would enjoy Perceval, the Story of the Grail by Chrétien De Troyes is likely enamored with Arthurian legends, medieval literature, and chivalric romance. Fans of works like Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory or The Once and Future King by T.H. White will find this tale engaging and enriching.

Chrétien de Troyes' Perceval, the Story of the Grail follows Perceval from his humble beginnings to his adventuring in King Arthur’s court, as he learns chivalry and questing for the Holy Grail, and also narrates the quests of Sir Gawain, providing contrasting perspectives on knighthood. The text includes a brief passage of violent antisemitic rhetoric in lines 6292-6296.

Adventurous / Mysterious / Fantastical / Romantic / Contemplative

- Perceval, the Story of the Grail is considered the earliest known work to introduce the legend of the Holy Grail into Arthurian literature.
- Although Chrétien de Troyes began the tale in the late 12th century, he did not finish it, leaving the story incomplete for other writers to continue.
- The narrative offers a mix of chivalric adventure and spiritual quest, setting a template for future Grail stories in medieval literature.

**Perceval**  
A Welshman raised in isolation by his widowed mother, Perceval embarks on a quest to become a knight, driven by his desire to learn about the world of knights.

**Gawain**  
King Arthur's nephew and a skilled knight, Gawain undertakes adventures marked by his commitment to navigating various quests and challenges, all while maintaining a sense of honor and loyalty.

**King Arthur**  
The ruler of the realm and the leader of the Knights of the Round Table, he supports the knights who seek to uphold the ideals of chivalry and honor.

**The Fisher King**  
A mystical figure who, burdened by a debilitating wound, represents a pivotal encounter for knights traveling through his realm, offering them a chance for healing and renewal.

Chrétien De Troyes

Adult

Novel

Arthurian Romances

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Perceval, the Story of the Grail reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Perceval, the Story of the Grail | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Perceval, the Story of the Grail and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Summary and Study Guide

Background

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Lines 1-1304

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Lines 1-1304 Summary & Analysis

Lines 1305-3420

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Lines 1305-3420 Summary & Analysis

Lines 3421-4817

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Lines 3421-4817 Summary & Analysis

Lines 4818-6518

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Lines 4818-6518 Summary & Analysis

Lines 6519-9234

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Lines 6519-9234 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Perceval, the Story of the Grail Essay Topics

Perceval, the Story of the Grail

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Perceval, the Story of the Grail?

Reading Age

Book Details