Parzival

Still thinking about leaving Liaze behind, Parzival sets out on his knightly adventure. He has learned from Gurnemanz how a knight must comport himself. He travels through Brobarz and reaches Pelrapeire, which was once ruled by Tampenteire but is now ruled by his daughter, Condwiramurs.

Parzival spots “sixty knights or more” (4.181.8) gathered in the distance. They warn him not to approach, thinking that he is at the head of a much larger force. Parzival approaches anyway and, when the knights realize that he is not part of the “bigger army that they feared” (4.182.4), they allow him to pass. Inside, the people have “no cheese, no meat, nor bread” (4.184.5-6). He enters the castle and meets with Queen Condwiramurs. Parzival pledges himself to her, offering his services as a knight. In exchange, he is hosted with food and a place to sleep. The narrator explains that Condwiramurs is a charming woman. She is gracious to Parzival and entertains him well. Parzival helps to secure food for the people.

During the night, Condwiramurs comes to Parzival’s room. She lies beside him, though she is determined to keep her honor, and tells him about a rival who has ravished her lands.