Percival facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Percival
Matter of Britain character
Parsifal by Rogelio de Egusquiza (1910)
Information
Occupation	Knight of the Round Table
Title	Sir
Family	Pellinore, Lamorak, Aglovale, Tor, Lohengrin, his sister

Sir Percival was a brave and loyal knight who served King Arthur. He was a famous member of the Round Table, a special group of knights. Percival is best known for his important role in the search for the Holy Grail.

Who Was Sir Percival?

Percival is a legendary hero from the stories of King Arthur. He is often seen as a pure and innocent knight. His journey is about growing up and learning to be a true hero. He faces many challenges and temptations.

Percival's Early Life

In many stories, Percival grew up in a forest, far from castles and knights. His mother raised him away from the dangers of the world. Because of this, he was very innocent and didn't know much about knightly ways. But he was also very strong and determined.

Joining the Round Table

Percival eventually left his home and found King Arthur's court. He was amazed by the knights and wanted to become one himself. Even though he was a bit clumsy at first, his pure heart and courage impressed King Arthur. He soon became a knight of the Round Table.

The Quest for the Holy Grail

Percival is most famous for his part in the search for the Holy Grail. The Holy Grail is a mysterious and powerful object. It is often described as the cup that Jesus drank from at the Last Supper. Finding it was considered the highest and most difficult quest for any knight.

Percival's First Encounter

In some tales, Percival was the first knight to see the Holy Grail. This happened during a strange feast in a mysterious castle. However, because he was so young and innocent, he didn't ask the right questions. This caused him to miss his chance to complete the quest at that time.

Learning and Growing

After his first failure, Percival continued his journey. He learned from his mistakes and became wiser. He faced many trials and battles. These experiences helped him become a better knight. He learned about faith, patience, and true courage.

Achieving the Grail

In many versions of the story, Percival eventually succeeds in the quest. He finds the Holy Grail and brings healing or peace to the land. His purity and determination make him worthy of this great honor. He is often seen as the perfect example of a Grail knight.

Percival in Stories

Percival's story has been told in many books and poems.

Early Tales

One of the first stories about Percival was written around 1190 by a French poet named Chrétien de Troyes. His story was called Percivale or Conte del Graal. Chrétien's story was not finished. This led other writers to create their own endings. One writer, Manessier, wrote an ending where Percival finds the Grail.

Later Adaptations

Percival's adventures also appear in other famous works. These include the Welsh romance Peredur. He is also a key character in Thomas Malory's famous book, Le Morte d'Arthur, written in the 1400s. Many modern writers and artists have also retold his story.

Images for kids

• 

  Percival in N.C. Wyeth's illustration for Sidney Lanier's The Boy's King Arthur (1922)

• 

  Arthur Hacker's 1894 illustration of a scene from Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur, in which Percival is tempted by a devil in the form of a beautiful woman

See also

In Spanish: Perceval para niños