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*Who is the Fischer King?
Castle of the Fischer King
Galahad reveals the grail
Perceval reveals the grail
Quest for the Grail to save the Fischer King There were many of King Arthur’s knights that undertook the quest to search for the Holy Grail, yet legends really focus on those of Gawain, Perceval, and Galahad. In one of the first stages of the quest, the hero is GAWAIN, characterized by his impulsiveness. When Gawain first reaches the Grail Castle, he is told that the land has wasted away. He falls asleep before he can ask about the Grail but he does inquire as to the nature of the bleeding spear, which brings about a partial restoration of the land. PERCEVAL then replaces Gawain as the primary hero. Perceval has been reared alone by his mother, who has deliberately kept him ignorant of the world of chivalry, lest he suffer a fate similar to that of his father. Perceval has no notion of civilized manners and does not even know his own name. Despite his glaring naivete as to the ways of the world, he is a handsome and sturdy youth. One day in the forest, Perceval encounters five knights all decked out in glittering armor and noble heraldry. He initially mistakes them for angels sent by God. But the knights quickly disillusion him, explaining that they are members of King Arthur's court. Perceval is so impressed that he decides to become a knight himself. He finds a castle, and the lord [Fischer King] presents Perceval with a fine sword and they pass the remainder of the evening feasting. As the meal nears its end, a procession of youths enters the hall. The first youth bears a white lance, the tip of which emits a single drop of blood that runs down the length of the lance on to the youth's hand. A beautiful maiden emerges, who holds in her hands a golden grail decorated with precious gemstone, and it shimmers with a dazzling light. After that, a maiden passes the chamber, this one carrying a silver platter. It is only later in the forest, when he comes across a damsel that Perceval learns the true nature of the castle, and she reprimands him for not asking any questions of the objects. Furthermore, he vows never to spend two nights at the same place or evade any danger until he has discovered “why the lance bleeds” and “for whom the Grail serves”. He spends the next five years wandering in search of answers, and it is not until Perceval consults a hermit, that he learns the whole story about the wounding of the Fisher King. Some say Perceval eventually returned to the Grail Castle and asked the right question of the grail, thus freeing the king of his suffering and the land of its desolation, furthermore learning that the Fisher King is his grandfather (or uncle in some versions), which makes him the rightful heir to the Grail. With this knowledge, the old king dies and Perceval is instated as the third and final coming of the Grail King. It has also be said that because Perceval failed to ask the right question, the Fischer King was never healed and died, leaving the wasteland to die with him. The third and final stage in the development of the Quest motif is dominated by GALAHAD, renowned for his unparalleled purity and excellence. Perceval and Bors are often presented in the company of Galahad, but they are inserted merely as measuring stones to underscore Galahad's unquestionable superiority. As the son of Lancelot he is perfect and has never failed, nor does he in his quest for the Holy Grail. In most versions he reaches the castle, achieves the Grail, and then disappears. He fulfills his destiny and then leaves this world in a blaze of glory.
