In Our Time The Fisher King
Jan 17, 2008
Explore the mysterious and powerful Fisher King from medieval legend, a symbol of Christian beliefs, tragedy, and society's decay. Discover his influence on writers from Chretien de Troyes to TS Eliot. Dive into Percival's encounter, Celtic origins in literature, and the myth's connection to psychology and spirituality.
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Percival’s Encounter with Fisher King
- Percival meets the Fisher King, who is wounded and fishing, in a magical castle with mysterious processions.
- Percival's failure to ask about the Grail's purpose curses the king, showing a classic tale of missed initiation.
Christian Origins by Robert de Boron
- Robert de Boron intensified the Christian symbolism of the Fisher King by linking him to Joseph of Arimathea.
- The Grail became a holy chalice caught with Christ's blood, making the Fisher King part of a Christian mythos.
Wolfram’s Personal Grail Narrative
- Wolfram von Eschenbach's grail is a stone, avoiding direct Last Supper ties but keeping Christian focus.
- Healing of the Fisher King Fortas occurs through Percival's personal question about the king's ailment, emphasizing relationship over ritual.