Parsifal

Eschenbach’s Parsifal

We have watched Rome rise and hold and decay and fall. We have seen Christianity born under persecution, hardened by martyrdom, elevated by Constantine, and shaped by the four greatest minds of the Latin West. We have watched the Goths and the Huns and the Vandals pour through the gates, and the monks go quietly in the other direction with their books. We have stood at the edge of a world that had lost its centre and was looking for a new one.

Wolfram von Eschenbach wrote Parsifal in the early thirteenth century — c. 1200–1210 AD — drawing on earlier French sources and, he claimed, an Arabic manuscript by a poet named Kyot of Provence, whose existence no scholar has been able to verify. Whether Kyot existed or not, Eschenbach’s poem exists, and it asks the oldest question in the ruins.

The Fisher King is wounded. The wound will not heal. The land around him has become waste. A young knight rides into the castle of the Grail and sees the procession — the bleeding lance, the golden cup, the suffering king — and says nothing. He has been told that a well-bred knight does not ask impertinent questions. He observes the correct form. He leaves. In the morning the castle is gone.
The question he failed to ask was the simplest in the world: ‘What ails thee?’

He spends years wandering in search of the castle before he finds it again. This time he asks. The king is healed. The waste land blooms.
“Whom does the Grail serve?” — The Question of the Grail — Wolfram von Eschenbach, Parsifal

The story of September is the story of a civilisation that knew what it had and let it slip, one small failure of attention at a time. The barbarians did not destroy Rome. Rome had been failing itself for two hundred years before a barbarian walked through an open gate. The question was always there. No one asked it in time.

The monks asked it. In their quiet way, in their cold scriptoria, copying the works of men long dead in a language the world around them was forgetting, the monks were asking: what are we? What do we carry? What must not be lost?

The Grail, in Eschenbach’s poem, is not only a cup. It is a stone fallen from heaven, a vessel of abundance, a thing that sustains those who are worthy to see it. It is, among other things, the sum of what a civilisation knows about itself — the accumulated weight of its art and its philosophy and its faith and its law — waiting for someone to ask the right question.

Parsifal asks. The king rises. The land blooms.

The Life of Arthur, King of the Brits.

 

 

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Eschenbach’s Parsifal
The Question of The Grail
The Holy Grail was the chalice used by Christ Jesus at the Last Supper. This was his last meal with the Apostles in his human material form before he was arrested, crucified, and suffered his earthly death. At this meal, the bread represented his spiritual body and the wine his spiritual blood. “Do This In Memory Of Me.”

When he was crucified on the cross, a Roman soldier took his spear, stabbing him in the side. As the blood flowed from his body to the earth, Joseph of Arimathea placed the chalice under the wound to collect the spiritualized blood. As the blood flowed from the wound and touched the ground, the earth shook, was consecrated and spiritualized with the blood of The Christ. The significance of this act was the fulfillment of the new covenant, redemption for man, and the forgiveness of sin, the promise of eternal salvation fulfilled.

The blood Joseph collected in the chalice became known as The Holy Grail. The Spear that pierced his flesh, releasing the spiritualized blood, was called, The Spear of Destiny. However, both the cup and the spear have a much longer history and connection, which is discussed during the month of Great Mysteries in January, and during the Easter Lectures.

“If unfaith in the heart find dwelling, then the soul it shall reap but woe; And shaming alike and honour are his who such doubt shall show, For it standeth in evil contrast with a true man’s dauntless might, As one seeth the magpie’s plumage, which at one while is black and white. And yet he may win to blessing; since I wot well that in his heart, Hell’s darkness, and light of Heaven, alike have their lot and part. But he who is false and unsteadfast, he is black as the darkest night, And the soul that hath never wavered stainless its hue and white!.” – Wolfram von Eschenbach

There are 16 books of the Medieval tale by Eschenbach. The rendition below is based mostly on Wagner’s Parsifal, which is taken from several sources, including Eschenbach. The important parts of each version are woven together in this retelling. However, what the poem is remembered for is the question of compassion. In the version by Eschenbach, the question is asked, “What ails thee my King?” In Wagner’s version, he approaches the question with the cure. “How do I heal thee, my King?” In the following version, we see a little of both. Many of Eschenbach’s Parsifal adventures were used by Wagner in his Opera, Tristan and Isolde. Much more information is shared during the month of January in Great Mysteries and during the Easter Lectures. I contend that the mysterious voice, the messenger, is the swan.

Self-Renunciation, Reincarnation, Compassion
Over time, many wondered, what happened to the Holy Grail that once held the spiritualized blood of Christ? As legend tells us, the chalice and weapon were removed, taken up into the region high above the skies, and kept and preserved by the angels. When the Holy Grail and Spear of Destiny were taken from the physical world, man’s spiritual sight diminished; the thaumaturgic abilities that were passed down from the ancients began to fade. The mysteries of blood and folk, knowledge of the stars, and the antediluvian healing powers gradually began to fade. In their place grew abstract thinking, independence, along with reliance upon the material world for healing.

However, the ancient knowledge and the great mysteries still existed in some individuals; through dreams and visions, these men were called Initiates. One such Initiate was King Titurel, The Nobel. Bestowed upon him were visions of the Holy Grail, the cup that gives everlasting life. The heavenly angels charged him with keeping both the Holy Grail and the Spear. His vocation was to build the Holy Grail Temple and found its Protectors. They became known as The Order of Knights of the Holy Grail.

In Northern Spain, on Montsalvat he began his mission. He built the Temple on the Christian side of the mountain. A mist surrounded the land, the trees and sloped hills hid a Temple that lay behind the clouds. The gardens and wood were rich with all manner of plants and animals, which spoke to all who lived there. None lived in fear. In the center were The Solemn Order of the Knights of the Holy Grail, guardians of the Temple, protectors of the Holy Grail and Spear of Destiny. They took an oath of chastity, devotion and gave their lives fully to Christ.

Every day, King Titurel, The Nobel, would serve the mass. When it came time to honor and celebrate the sacraments, the Holy Grail would be lifted and cast the radiance of a violet light from the heavens above, a dove would descend over the head of King Titurel, The Nobel. As he prepared, received and served the host of everlasting life to the Order, all would be rejuvenated and feel the greatest reverence for the deeds of the Lord.

Furthermore, The Knights believed that it was decreed by the angels that one day, when King Titurel, The Nobel, was ready to ascend into heaven, this duty and honor of the mass would be passed on to his son Amfortas, The Fisher King.

There were many men who joined the Order, but not all were accepted. One in particular, was a Renegade Knight known as Klingsor. He wanted to be a Knight that serve the Holy Grail, but he failed to remain chaste. In a rage of self-anger and disappointment, he castrated himself, but King Titurel, The Nobel still rejected him as a servant of the Holy Grail. The Renegade Knight, Klingsor’s envy and desire for the Holy Grail and the Spear of Destiny grew, as did his hate towards all the Knights of the Holy Grail. He took up the dark arts and became a Necromancer, he became The Dark Wizard. From this knowledge, he built a Magic Castle on the Arabian side of Montsalvat, in hopes of one day stealing the Holy Grail and The Spear of Destiny for his own. He then used his dark powers to possess and curse the woman who caused his demise, The Witch Kundry. He then cursed all the women in the land who abandoned their faith and hope for their lost husbands. He cursed the grieving maidens who lost their loves to war and battle. He turned them all into beautiful flowers, and under his spell, he chained them forever to his gardens. Their floral perfumes would waft in the air, drawing the traveling Knights into his gardens. He would animate the flowers as temptresses, and as happen to him, they would steal the honor and faith of the Knights away from their devotion to find and serve The Holy Grail. Soon after, their souls would wither and die, turning to stones in his gardens.

As The Dark Wizard’s powers grew, Amfortas, The Fisher King, heard of Klingsor’s transformation, he had enough of his betrayals. He took the Spear of Destiny from its holy place in the Temple, his aim, to put an end to this Dark Wizard’s life. However, when he arrived in The Dark Wizard’s Gardens, like the other Knights, Amfortas, The Fisher King had a moment of weakness, he was tempted by the cursed and demonic Witch Kundry. Through a magic spell, she transformed herself into the likeness of the mother of Amfortas, The Fisher King. She reached out to him in the garden and asked what troubled him so. She coaxed him to sit awhile on a stone bench surrounded by the beautiful flowers. As their soporific perfumes wafted in the air he began to feel drowsy. He remarked that she lived in such a beautiful garden. He then tried to shake off his haze. She was attentive and asked him to tell her about his worries and his anger towards the Dark Wizard. She listened patiently. Her face was so kind, so beautiful, so familiar. She asked him about his childhood, and he told her all about his dear mother, how she had died and that he missed her so. He was taken by her kindness and beauty. He looked deeply into her eyes, and at that moment dropped the Spear to kiss her. Just then, The Dark Wizard, appeared. He grabbed the Spear and struck Amfortas, The Fisher King, in his thigh. This strike created a wound that would never heal. The Dark Wizard vanished as quickly as he appeared, stealing the Spear of Destiny. From that time on, Amfortas, The Fisher King, suffered every day of his life, and more so during the service of the mass, the sacrament and rejuvenation of the everlasting life.

The Witch Kundry was distraught at what The Dark Wizard had commanded her to do. She begins to plot her escape. The Necromancer, so enraptured, à corps perdu, of his theft, that he didn’t notice when The Witch, Kundry, slipped out of his garden. She ran to the woods of the Holy Grail and hid deep in the forest. She slept under the ground and ate the herbs and leaves of the trees. When her fears had abated, she began to notice that she could understand the voices of the animals, the birds, and the plants. They spoke to her, and kept her safe in the brambles. There she swore an oath, dedicating her life to redemption for her part in leading Amfortas, The Fisher King, astray. She would devote her life and craft to finding a medicinal potion that would heal and cure the wound of the Fisher King. She is unaware that there is only one thing that can heal The Fisher King, and The Dark Wizard, held this as his possession.

Suffering
His father, King Titurel, The Nobel, grew old and fell ill. He could no longer serve the Mass. Amfortas, The Fisher King, must now accept his duty. Yet, he suffered every day for his weakness, and when he served The Mass, and the violet light fell upon him as the dove descended, the pain became unbearable. It was long foretold that there were no healing cures for a strike by The Spear of Destiny other than The Spear Of Destiny. For as long as he lived, the wound would never heal, and as long as the Holy Grail existed, he would never die. A successor must be found, not only to cure the King, but to keep guard and watch over the Holy Grail and serve the Mass.

The Esquires would often carry Amfortas, Fisher King, to the lake. Wading in the water was the only activity that would ease his pain. He would watch the fish, and birds, the creatures of the wood, come to drink the calming water from the spring, but what he cherished most was watching a pair of swans who lived on the lake, they were beautiful and elegant, devoted to each other and their family. Afterwards, The Esquires would help him into the chair as he cried in pain. They carried him back to the Grail Castle. He would then pray to God for death to take him.

One day, as he was in deep prayer, Amfortas, The Fisher King, heard a voice. The voice told him he could be healed, but only by a Pure Fool, who came to his aid in piety. This Fool must know nothing of evil, and resist the beauty and charms of the cursed maidens.

The Prophecy: “Only a Pure Fool, chaste and enlightened by compassion”

The next day when The Esquires were ready to bring Amfortas, The Fisher King, back to the castle from the lake there was a loud cry, like a wild animal. Out of the woods, a young man appeared. In one hand he proudly carried a bow, and arrow, in the other hand, he had a swan by the neck. The creature was near death.

Swans were known to be spiritual messengers, as well as a symbol of death to come. They often brought with them change, for the good or for evil.

The Head Knight, Gurnemanz, admonished the young man and told him that hunting in these woods was forbidden. He then lamented the loss of the swan, how it was one of a pair that lived on the lake, and what beauty and peace they brought to those who enjoyed this blessed sight. The Youth was ashamed. He cast his head down, then suddenly, in a fit of anger, broke the bow and arrows he had carved himself. Amfortas, The Fisher King, still in pain, closed his eyes, lowered his head and bade The Esquires to return him to the Castle.

Once the King had left. The Head Knight, Gurnemanz, asked the Youth his name, but the Youth said he did not know his name. The Witch Kundry crept out of the brush and interjected, “I knew this boy and his mother.” She then recounted that the woman raised him purposely to be a Fool, for the sake of her heart.

The Head Knight, Gurnemanz, thought for a moment. Knowing of the Prophecy, he decided to bring the Youth to the castle, hoping this could be the Fool who would save Amfortas, The Fisher King. The Head Knight, Gurnemanz, would present him to the Knights, and to Amfortas, The Fisher King, as the Fool they were looking for. The Head Knight, Gurnemanz, told the Youth to follow him. The Foolish Youth obeyed.

When they arrived at the church, The Youth was told to stand aside and silently watch.

Amfortas, The Fisher King, was carried into the church and sat before the altar. Still suffering in pain, he refused to stand and perform the sacrament. From the crypt King Titurel, The Nobel calls out, he admonished his son for not staying true to his duties as keeper and protector of The Holy Grail. Amfortas, The Fisher King, rises, still suffering. The violet light descends.

King Titurel, The Nobel, calls out from the crypt, “O heavenly rapture! How brightly Our Lord greets us today.”

Amfortas, The Fisher King, pauses, holding himself up with all of his might. It is clear he is in great pain. He doesn’t move.

King Titurel, The Nobel, again calls out from the crypt, “Uncover the Holy Grail!”

All The Knights sing out. “Thus ran the promise made to you, wait confidently, serve the Office today.”

Amfortas, The Fisher King, speaks, almost in protest. He recounts his sin, how he lost the Spear Of Destiny to a great evil, and now the endless suffering he must endure every day, with no relief. The young Fool clutches his heart. The church is silent. The Knights wait.

Then, with all of his strength, Amfortas, The Fisher King, performs the sacrament, blessing the bread and wine. All the while crying in pain and agony, but he performed his duties. He uncovers the Holy Grail as the dove descends, he again cries in pain. He speaks the words:

“Take of the bread,
turn it confidently
into bodily strength and power;
true until death,
steadfast in effort,
to work the Saviour’s will!

Take the wine,
turn it anew
into the fiery blood of life.

Rejoicing in the unity
of brotherly faith,
let us fight with holy courage!”

Amfortas, The Fisher King, having performed his duty, he then collapses in his chair.

The Knights take Communion. The Young Fool is offered the bread and wine, but he steps back.

After the ceremony, The Knights receive, once again, the body and blood of the Savior. They are refreshed. The Knights sing of the life-giving properties of the Eucharist and Draft rejoicing,

“Blessed in faith! Blessed in love!”

Amfortas, The Fisher King, has now completed his duty. He is slowly carried out of the church. The Esquires who carry him walk towards the Fool. They stop for a moment. Amfortas, The Fisher King, looks up at him. The Young Fool, still clutching his heart, tightens his grip, but he says, nothing. The Esquires carry Amfortas, The Fisher King, back to his room.

As the Knights leave the church, the Young Fool stays behind, frozen in his place. The Head Knight, Gurnemanz, approaches The Young Fool, he begins to questions him about what he has just seen. The Young Fool remains silent.

“Why are you still standing there? Do you not know what you have seen?”

The Young Fool shakes his head. He does not understand the meaning of what has taken place.

The Head Knight, Gurnemanz, is again cross with him. He is convinced, the lad is indeed a simple Fool, not the Prophecy of a Pure Fool. The Head Knight, Gurnemanz, chases him out of the church.

“Be off with you! Look after thy geese, and henceforth leave our swans in peace!”

The church is empty, save The Head Knight, Gurnemanz. He makes his way to leave, and as he does, he hears the voice repeating the prophecy:

“Enlightened through compassion, the innocent Fool.” — “Durch Mitleid wissend, der reine Tor!”.

“Blessed in faith!” — “Selig im Glauben!”

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ACT II
The Dark Wizard, in his black tower, looks into his Magic Mirror. He sees the Young Fool approaching. He summons the cursed Witch, Kundry. She has not broken his spell, and returns to the garden under his command. He instructs her to seduce the Fool. She resists, but is overcome by the will of The Dark Wizard’s curse.

The Young Fool smells the fragrance of the flowers, this reminds him of his childhood. He follows the aroma, which leads him into The Dark Wizard’s Garden. Before his eyes, all the flowers become beautiful maidens. They try to seduce the Young Fool, he innocently plays with them. They soon fight over him. He admonishes them for their bickering. They acquiesce, then start their seductions again. Suddenly, The Cursed Witch, Kundry, appears, however, she is now transformed into a beautiful siren.

The flower maidens run. She calls the Young Fool, now by his real name, “Parsifal!” This awakens something in the Fool. Memories of childhood and of his mother come to his mind. He remembers now who he is. She tells him how his mother died of a broken heart when he left. She reminds him of his father who died in battle, how his mother did everything in her power, that he, not meet the same fate. Furthermore, she wished to keep him from war and weapons, she kept him innocent and unaware of the evils in the world in order to protect him and not meet the same fate as his father. She kept him naïve, a fool. The Witch Kundry, tells him how he ignored her wishes as he went off seeking adventures, never telling her where he went, leaving her to worry until, at his last leaving, she died.

His resistance is now broken. The Witch Kundry tells him that despite all his carelessness, his mother forgives him and sends him her kisses. She then kisses him passionately. Parsifal recoils in horror. He stands up and throws her off. No longer the Fool, he is now fully aware of who he is and of his destiny. At last, he understands the question, and the nature of Amfortas, The Fisher King’s suffering, that his mission and destiny are to become a Knight of the Holy Grail.

The Witch Kundry tries to win him over through pity for her sake. She tells him what a wretched woman she has always been, how she has lived an accursed life over and over again. She confesses that it all began when she laughed at a man suffering and dying on the cross. All she ever sees is his eyes suffering, looking at her as she laughed. The Dark Wizard saw her mocking and cursed her into his realm and power.

Parsifal is not moved, he tells her, “Yes, sinner, I offer thee Redemption, not in thy way, but in thy Lord Christ’s way of sacrifice!”

She curses Parsifal, for being unsympathetic and cruel. She tells him, in anger, that he will never find the Holy Grail Castle again. Furthermore, she curses him to wander aimlessly, never to realize his true destiny.

In her desperation, she calls for help from The Dark Wizard. He appears on the rampart and hurls the Spear of Destiny at Parsifal. The Spear stops in midair, suspended over Parsifal’s head. He grabs the weapon and uses it to make the sign of the cross.

The Dark Wizard’s castle and tower crumbled, his gardens wither into a desert, all the flower maidens begin to fade then die. The Witch Kundry returns to her old and wretched self as she falls to the ground in a heap.

He tells her,

“Thou alone knowest when we shall meet again!” Parsifal then walks away. She yells at him, “Go! Go! Go! Be gone, you Fool! Redeem the world, if that is your mission!”

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Parsifal is the Archetype of The Hero’s Journey. Many books have been written concerning the Adventures of Parsifal after laying waste to the Wizard’s Garden. Stories taken from Eschenbach’s Poem, and many other authors, including the tale of the Knights of the Round Table. In the Wagnerian Operas, these adventures are not included. However, there it is suggested in the Opera that these journeys indeed happened, and that Parsifal, who was cursed by the Witch Kundry to never discover his true destiny, finds his way back to the Garden of the Holy Grail. We assume that in one of his adventures he is released of the curse, either through forgiveness, magic, or that he overcame the curse through sheer will. Perhaps, some consultation with Merlin, or simply Divine Providence. What we know now is that much time has passed, and Parsifal has found his way back to the Garden of the Holy Grail.

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ACT III
A Hermit Priest steps out of a hut, near a lake. It is The Head Knight, Gurnemanz. Many years have passed. He is old, weary, and beaten. His hair is white, his body bent with age, life seems to have taken its toll. He no longer lives in The Grail Castle, he has left and is living now in The Temple Gardens. It is dawn, and we see him struggling to pick up wood for his fire. As he stoops to collect the faggots, he hears someone in distress. He turns to follow the sound. Struggling to clear away the refuse, whatever he has found, it is lying in a heap, and seems to be suffering. Believing it is a wounded or dying animal, he helps to turn it on its back and realizes it is a human being. He speaks,

“The poor wretch is coming to, it is as in a trance.” He recognizes the face, it is The Witch Kundry.

He Speaks, “How long have you been here? How long have you slept?” She staggers to her feet, all the while muttering the word, “Service! Service!”

The Hermit Priest scolds her, “I have wakened you again from your deathly sleep. Have you no words to greet me?”

She replies, “Let me serve!”

He tells her there is little work here, but she can dig for herbs and roots if she likes. He says that each must find for himself now,

“We have watched and learned from the beasts in the forest.”

She hurries about, noticing the hut she goes straight-away to work. The Hermit Priest stands astonished at her energy, considering where she has been for so long. He thinks to himself,

“Perhaps it is this Special Day after all. That’s what it must be.”

She comes out of the hut with two large pitchers, and heads towards the spring to fetch water.

The Witch Kundry runs to the spring and fills the jug. On her return, she hears a rustling in the wood. She turns to look and sees a Knight in full armor drawing near. She runs to the Hermit Priest in fear. He calls out,

“Who there is approaching the Holy Spring, in somber apparel of war? That, is none of the brethren!”

The Knight approaches slowly, he is weary, yet resolute. He speaks not a word. The Hermit Priest calls out,

“Greeting, guest! Have you lost your way? May I direct you?”

The Knight shakes his head. The Hermit Priest scolds him,

“Do you offer me no greeting?”

The Knight remains silent. The Hermit Priest replies indignantly,

“Hey! What? If your vows constrain you to be silent to me, then mine charge me to tell you what is fitting. Here you are in this hallowed place. No man comes here armed, with sallet helmet, shield, and spear. And today, of all days! Do you not know what Holy Day this is?”

The Knight shakes his head again in silence.

In anger, The Hermit Priest says,

“No? Then whence come you? Among what heathen have you dwelt, not to know that today is the supremely Holy Good Friday?”

The Knight bends his knee and bows his head. The Hermit Priest continues,

“Lay down your weapons! Do not offend the Lord, who today, bereft of all arms, offered His holy blood to redeem the sinful world!”

The Knight rises, thrusts the shaft of the Spear into the earth, lays his shield, and a broken sword beneath it. He opens his helmet, takes it from his head, and lays it down with the other arms. He kneels before the Spear in silent prayer.

The Hermit Priest is utterly bewildered, but then his heart wells up with emotion. He beckons to The Witch Kundry. The Knight then raises his eyes devoutly to the Spearhead.

The Hermit Priest looks at the Knight closely and turns to The Witch Kundry,

“Do you recognize him? It is he who once killed the swan.”

The Witch Kundry, assents with a slight nod.

“It is indeed he, the fool, whom I wrathfully drove away.”

He gasps,

“Ah! How did he find the way? The Spear! I recognize it!”

The Hermit Priest is elated,

“O most Holy Day, for me to awaken to now!”

The Witch Kundry realizing what she has done turns away in sorrow and shame.

Parsifal rises slowly from his prayer. He now recognizes the Hermit Priest as The Head Knight Gurnemanz. He gently offers his hand in greeting.

“I rejoice to have found you again!”

The Hermit Priest is astounded,

“You still know me too? You recognize me again, though grief and care have bowed me so low? How have you come now, and from where?”

Parsifal struggles to explain himself,

“I have error and through the path of suffering I came. May I not think myself freed from it, now that I hear again the murmur of the forest, and greet you anew, good old man. Or do I still err? Everything seems changed.”

The Hermit Priest asks,

“Tell me, to whom were you seeking the way?”

Parsifal begins to account his journey. [see the many books written recounting Parsifal’s sojourn.]

He tells the Hermit Priest what has been blocking his way, until this moment.

“To him whose deep lamenting, I once heard in Foolish wonder, to bring him salvation I dare think myself ordained. But ah! An evil curse drove me about in trackless wandering, never to find the way to healing. Numberless dangers, battles, and conflicts forced me from my path, even when I thought I knew it. Then I was forced to despair of holding unsullied the treasure to defend and guard which I earned wounds from every weapon, for I dared not wield this itself in conflict, unprofaned. I have borne it beside me and now bring it home, gleaming clean and bright before you, the Holy Spear of the Holy Grail.”

Through his cursed lost journey, and endless wandering, Parsifal understood what it was he saw that day in the church. Through his own suffering, he has come to realize what he should have asked in that moment before the king.

The Hermit Priest now full of joy,

“O mercy! Bounteous grace! O wonder! Holy, highest wonder!”

He tries to compose himself.

“Sir knight! If it was a curse which drove you from the rightful path, be sure its power shall be broken now. For here you are, this is the domain of the Holy Grail whose brotherhood awaits you. Ah, it needs the healing, the healing that you bring!”

The Hermit Priest recounts the sad tale to Parsifal of what happen the day he left.

Since the day you tarried here, the sorrow then made known to you, the anguish, increased to the extremes of distress. Amfortas, The Fisher King, fighting against his wound, which brought torment to his soul, in maddened defiance craved only for death. No entreaties, no misery of his Knights, could move him to perform again his holy office. The Holy Grail has long lain enclosed within the shrine, thus, its guardian, repentant of his sin, hopes to hasten his end, since he cannot die while he beholds it, and with his life to end his torment.”

The Hermit Priest then laments,

“The divine bread is now defined us, and common food must sustain us; thereby our heroes’ strength is exhausted. Never more do messages come here or call from afar to holy war, our dispirited and leaderless knighthood wander about, pale and woeful. In this corner of the forest I myself lie hidden, silently awaiting that death to which my aged warrior lord surrendered. For King Titurel, The Noble, my holy hero, whom the sight of the Holy Grail no longer revived, is dead – a man like all men!”

Parsifal now fully understands what the question was that needed to be asked. He is guilt-ridden and filled with intense grief,

“And it is I, I, who caused all this woe! Ah! What transgression, what burden of guilt must my foolish head have borne from eternity, since no repentance, no atonement can free me of my blindness, though I was appointed for this deliverance, the last path of deliverance escapes me, lost as I am in hopeless error!”

Parsifal collapses in a fever, the Hermit Priest holds him upright, then gently sets him down on the soft grass. The Witch Kundry, runs to the hut and fetches a bowl of water to cool his brow. The Hermit Priests snaps at her,

“Not with this! The Holy Spring itself shall refresh and bathe our Pilgrim.”

Lifting him up, the Hermit Priest says,

“I suspect he has today to fulfil a lofty task, to perform the Holy Office. Then let him be free of stain, and the dust of lengthy wanderings now be washed from him.”

They gently lead Parsifal to the edge of the spring. The Witch Kundry, loosens his greaves while the Hermit Hermit Priest removes his body armor.

Parsifal asks,

“Shall I be led today to Amfortas, The Fisher King?”

The Hermit Priests tells him,

“Assuredly, the great castle awaits us, the solemn death-rites of my dear lord summon me within. Once more to reveal to us the Holy Grail, once more to serve today the long-neglected Office to sanctify the noble father slain by his son’s misdeed, which he thus now may expiate this Amfortas, The Fisher King has vowed to us.”

The Witch Kundry, bathes Parsifal’s feet. He watches her in silent wonder. Parsifal says to the witch,

“You wash my feet,”

He then looks to the Hermit Priest,

“now old friend, bathe my head.”

The Hermit Priest takes water from the spring and sprinkles Parsifal’s head. He speaks,

“May this purity bless you, pure one! Thus may the burden of all guilt be washed away!”

The Witch Kundry, then draws from her bosom a golden phial. She pours the oil over Parsifal’s feet, then dries his feet with her long hair. He gently takes the phial from The Witch Kundry, and hands it to the Hermit Priest.

“You have anointed my feet, let the Knight of Titurel, The Nobel anoint my head, that he may greet me today as King!”

The Hermit Priest empties the phial over Parsifal’s head. He gently strokes it, then folds his hands upon it, speaking,

“Thus was it promised to us; thus do I bless your head, as King to greet you. Pure of heart! Pitying sufferer, enlightened healer! As you have endured the sufferings of the redeemed, lift the last burden from his head!”

Parsifal rises, walks to the edge of the spring, he gathers water from the spring. He stands and turns to The Witch, Kundry, she kneels before him, he says,

“My First Office I thus perform. Receive this baptism and believe in the Redeemer!”

In this act, he forgives The Witch Kundry, for her curse that has caused him so much confusion and suffering, and for the guilt she carried for centuries, the mocking of Jesus on the cross.

The Witch Kundry, bows her head and weeps. She is now reborn.

Parsifal then turns his gazes towards the wood and meadows now covered in a blanket of the glowing morning light. He sighs in wonder.

“How fair seem the meadows today! Once I came upon magic flowers which twined their tainted tendrils about my head, but never did I see so fresh and charming the grass, the blossoms and flowers, nor did they smell so sweet of youth or speak with such tender love to me.”

The Hermit Priests replies in a quiet voice,

“That is the magic of Good Friday, my lord!”

Parsifal exclaims in great sorrow,

“Alas, for that day of utmost grief! Now, I feel, should all that blooms, that breathes, lives and lives anew only mourns and weep!”

The Hermit Priest assures Parsifal,

“You see that it is not so. It is the tears of repentant sinners that today with Holy dew besprinkle field and meadow, thus they make them flourish. Now all creation rejoices at the Saviour’s sign of love and dedicates to Him its prayer. No more can it see Him Himself on the Cross, it looks up to man redeemed, who feels freed from the burden of sin and terror, made clean and whole through God’s loving sacrifice.

Now, the grasses and flowers in the meadow know that today the foot of man will not tread them down, but that, as God with divine patience pitied him, and suffered for him, so man today in devout grace will spare them with soft tread.

Thus all creation gives thanks, all that here blooms and soon fades, now that nature, absolved from sin,
today gains its day of innocence.”

The Witch Kundry, has raised her head and looks up at Parsifal with tearful eyes, calm and earnest entreaty.

Parsifal speaks to The Witch Kundry,

“I saw them that once mocked me wither, do they long for redemption today? Your tears too are a dew of blessing, you weep and see, the meadow smiles.”

He kisses her gently on the forehead. In the distance, bells from the temple ring.

The Hermit Priest speaks to Parsifal,

“Tis Midday, the hour has come. My lord, permit your servant to guide you!”

The Hermit Priest retrieves his Knights of the Holy Grail mantle. Parsifal takes up the Spear. The Hermit Priest leads, followed by The Witch Kundry, and Parsifal. As they approach the vault, the bells grow louder and clearer. The wall opens, this is the entrance at the top/ Before them is the great hall of the Holy Grail. They remained in the shadow of the entrance and watched.

The lights are dim. At the far entrance a group of Knights carry a coffin. Inside is the body of King Titurel, The Noble.

From the other side, the Esquires enter, they carry Amfortas, The Fisher King. Behind them is the procession, they carry the Holy Grail.

The Holy Grail Procession Sings,

“We carry in its sheltering shine the Holy Grail to the Holy Office, whom do you shelter in yon gloomy shrine and bear here in sorrow?”

The Knights Who Carry King Titurel, The Noble’s Coffin, Respond,

“Within the shrine of mourning lies the hero with the holy strength, whom God Himself once took as His Guardian. We bear King Titurel, The Noble hither.”

The Holy Grail Procession Sings,

Who brought him low that, in God’s keeping, once guarded God Himself?”

The Knights Who Carry King Titurel, The Noble’s Coffin, Respond,

“The conquering weight of years laid him low, since he no more might look upon the Holy Grail.”

The Holy Grail Procession Sings,

“Who barred him from looking of the Holy Grail?”

The Knights Who Carry King Titurel, The Noble’s Coffin, Respond,

“He whom you carry there, its Sinful Guardian.”

The Holy Grail Procession Sings,

“We bear him in today, because once more, for the last time, he will serve the Holy Office.”

Amfortas, The Fisher King’s chair, is placed facing the altar, looking down at the Knights. The Holy Grail is placed on the altar. King Titurel, The Noble’s Coffin is placed in front of the altar, the Knights all turn towards him.

The Knight Zweiter, second in command, stands at the foot of King Titurel, The Nobel’s coffin, and implores Amfortas, The Fisher King,

“Alas! Alas! Guardian of the Holy Grail, for the last time, be mindful of your charge!”

Amfortas, The Fisher King, feebly raising himself up, still bent. He is in great pain, hangs onto the arm of the chair.

“Alas indeed! Alas! Woe be on me! Thus, I willingly cry with you. More willingly yet would I accept from you death, the lightest atonement for sin!”

The Knights open the coffin. At the sight of King Titurel, The Nobel’s body, all utter a sudden cry of woe.

He raises himself high, struggling to stand upright. He looks at his father in the coffin.

“My father! Most blessed of heroes! Most pure, to whom once the angels bowed. I, who alone longed to die, to you brought death! O you who in divine radiance do behold the Redeemer’s very self, entreat of Him that His Holy Blood, if once more today His blessing shall revive these, my brothers, as it gives them new life may at least grant me death! Death! To die! Unique mercy! Take from me the hideous wound, the poison, paralyze the heart it eats away! My father! As I call to you, I beg you call to Him, “Redeemer, grant my son repose!””

The Knights move closer to Amfortas, The Fisher King, they beseech him,

“Uncover the Holy Grail! Serve the Office! Your father exhorts you! You must! You must!”

Amfortas, The Fisher King, leaps up in wild despair, he rushes among the Knights, they recoil. He scolds them in frustration,

“No! No more! Ha! Already I feel the darkness of death enshroud me, and must I yet again return to life? Madmen! Who would force me to live? Could you but grant me death!”

In a frenzy, he tears open his garment,

“Here I am. Here is the open wound! Here flows my blood, that poisons me. Draw your weapons! Plunge your swords in deep, deep, up to the hilt! Up, you heroes! Slay the sinner with his agony, then once more, the Holy Grail shall shine clear on you!”

The Knight pull back in dread.

Parsifal, The Hermit Priest and The Witch Kundry, step out of the shadows.

Parsifal extends the Spear and points it at Amfortas, The Fisher King. In a clear and commanding voice, he says,

“One weapon serves. Only the Spear that smote you can heal your wound! 

A look of relief comes over Amfortas, The Fisher Kings, he almost collapses. The Hermit Priest reaches out to help steady him.

Parsifal speaks in a commanding voice,

“Be whole, absolved and atoned! For I now will perform your task. O’ blessed be your suffering, that gave pity’s mighty power and purest wisdom’s might to the timorous fool!”

Parsifal steps towards Amfortas, The Fisher King, holding the Spear above him, exclaims,

“I bring back to you, The Holy Spear! The Spear of Destiny!”

Amfortas, The Fisher King’s wound is healed, all pain and suffering is gone.

The Knights gaze in wonder at the uplifted Spear. Parsifal speaks,

“O supreme joy of this miracle! This that could heal your wound. I see pouring with holy blood, yearning for that kindred fount which flows and wells within the Holy Grail. No more shall it be hidden, uncover the Holy Grail, open the shrine!”

Parsifal walks up the steps to the altar. He takes the Holy Grail and lifts it up and falls to his knees. In silent contemplation, he prays. The Holy Grail gradually glows with a soft light that is growing brighter.

The Knights are in awe, their hearts filled with joy.

“Miracle of supreme salvation! Our Redeemer redeemed!”

The Witch Kundry, falls lifeless to the ground, her eyes uplifted to the light. The Hermit Priest and Amfortas, The Fisher King, kneel in humbleness and reverence. Parsifal makes the sign of the cross with the Holy Grail in blessing over the Brotherhood of Knights. Their hearts fill with gratitude, the Holy Grail glows brightest. From the dome the violet light falls over Parsifal and the altar, a white dove descends, hovering over Parsifal’s head.

Lecture: 3rd Friday

Opera: 3rd Sunday
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Parsifal Lecture — 3rd Friday
Parsifal Opera — 3rd Sunday

 

 

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Parsifal
The Legend of the Holy Grail 

There are stories that live in the heavens and on the earth, that belong to no single time or place but echo across centuries. The legend of Parsifal is such a story. It is a bridge between the pagan past and the Christian future, between the Celtic mysteries of Arthur’s court and the medieval quest for the Holy Grail, a cup still sought after. It is a tale of innocence and awakening, of suffering and redemption, of the pure fool who becomes the healer-king.

Richard Wagner, in his final opera, gave this legend its most profound expression. He set it not in the historical Middle Ages but in a timeless realm where myth and spirit intertwine. The story he tells is not merely about a young knight’s journey; it is about the transformation of consciousness itself, the movement from ignorance to compassion, from self to service, from wounding to healing.

We tell this story in September because it mirrors the season’s own journey. Just as the equinox marks the turn from light to darkness, Parsifal’s tale marks the turn from innocence to knowledge, from the bright garden of childhood to the shadowed temple of suffering. And just as we preserve the harvest against winter’s scarcity, Parsifal preserves the sacred—the Spear, the Grail, the possibility of redemption—against the forces of decay and despair.

This is the story of Parsifal, the pure fool, who asked the question that healed the world.