Sir Percival the Innocent


© Linda Casselman
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Jun 9, 2000


Let's continue our look at some of the Knights of the Round Table this week with Sir Percival.

Sir Percival was the least worldly and the least groomed of all the knights, as he was raised in a forest far away from Camelot. Completely ignorant of courtly manners, Percival travelled to King Arthur's court and was nevertheless knighted due to his prowess and his innocent heart. Then upon hearing of the Holy Grail, he promptly set out on its quest.

Did Sir Percival find the Holy Grail? Almost!

On his journey to find the Holy Grail, Sir Percival came upon a spectacular yet mysterious ship, owned by a most beautiful woman. Sir Percival, of course, fell immediately in love with her.

Just at the moment where he was entering her bed to consummate their love, Sir Percival saw his unsheathed sword laying on the floor. On its pommel was a red cross - the sign of the crucifixion - which reminded him of his knightly duties and his holy quest. Ashamed, Sir Percival quickly made the sign of the cross in repentance. Suddenly, the ship transformed into a massive cloud of black smoke, and the beautiful woman, the temptress who tried to lure him away from his holy quest, turned vile and ugly and "set off with the wind roaring and yelling that it seemed all the water was burned after her". Deeply disappointed in himself for his moral lapse, Sir Percival punished himself by stabbing his thigh.

Later on his journey, he met up with two other knights, and together they entered the presence of the Holy Grail. Sir Percival was permitted this holy glimpse because of his purity and innocence, but he was denied the full vision of the Grail and its holy, heavenly release from the bonds of earth because of his moral lapse with the temptress on the ship. He did, however, receive profound spiritual nourishment from the Grail. And returning from Sarras, Sir Percival became the Grail King, heading the Order of Grail Knights.

So on our search to find the worthy knight who found the Holy Grail and attained heavenly peace, we've come very close with Sir Percival.

Well then, let's continue our quest...
Join me for next time...

       

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages
2.   Jun 28, 2000 5:32 AM
Thanks Sally! Glad you stopped by. :)

-- posted by LindaC_02
1.   Jun 14, 2000 8:29 AM
Interesting article, and it's good to read about mythology in plain English! I'll be reading back to see the other knights and characters.

Sallyo.
Write Australian and the Aussie Magic poll at
ht ...

-- posted by Sallyodgers



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