Perceval- Part 3

When Perceval goes to repent to the hermit, I think it is safe to say that his self image is in a state of utter disarray. The story says that Perceval spent five years wandering around performing all sorts of adventurous feats, but in doing so, forgot who God was. I do not think that this statement is without flaws, however. In fact, I would question whether or not Perceval ever truly knew God. I think he did not. Furthermore, I do not think that Perceval ever knew himself. Throughout the story Perceval has been trying to develop a personality and an identity of his own, but he has yet to achieve this. The Bible says that God created man in his image. Therefore, if Perceval does not know who he is, he can never know God.

This fatal flaw is one that is seen in a much earlier story about a similar young man. In Ovid's Narcissus, Narcissus disdains all those who love him. This action has been seen all throughout the story of Perceval, but most clearly in the case of Perceval's mother. It is interesting to note that his mother represents true charity at the highest level. When Perceval goes to the hermit he learns that his mother really sacrificed herself for him, and that the only thing that has allowed him to live for so long was her prayer. I also find it interesting that Perceval's resurrection is initiated by a holy man, and that this was the only masculine advice that was given by someone who was not a knight.