59 pages 1 hour read

Wolfram Von Eschenbach

Parzival

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1215

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics.

Books 10-13

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 10 Summary

Gawan has been traveling for more than a year. Though he had arranged “duel by combat” (10.503.3) against Kingrimursel, the fight has been mutually called off. Now, both Gawan and King Vergulaht have dedicated their lives to finding the Grail.

Gawan visits a town called Logroys. As he approaches the town, he meets a strong woman cradling a wounded knight. With a quick, improvised “wound-blessing” (10.507.12), Gawan helps to treat the knight’s wounds. He discovers that the knight—Urjans, the prince of Punturtoys—was wounded while fighting against Lischoys Gwelljus, the Duke of Gowerzin.

Gawan resumes his journey to Logroys. On the way, he meets a beautiful woman named Orgeluse de Logroys. She does not take kindly to Gawan. She mocks him and is outwardly contemptuous toward him. Despite her attitude, Gawan pledges himself to her. She warns him that this will lead to great shame, especially as she dislikes cowards. She sends him to fetch her horse and, while he goes to the palfrey, he is warned by the townspeople that she has caused the death of “many a noble man” (10.514.4).

Malcreatiure, the brother of Cundrie, arrives in the town. Secundille, the Queen of India, originally sent Malcreatiure and Cundrie to Anfortas, along with many other valuable gifts.