Chivalry

One of the main themes in Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival is the theme of chivalry which is appropriate since the book was written about knights who are supposed to be the epitome of chivalry and honor. Throughout the novel, the knights are constantly searching for adventure and a means of gaining renown by proving their prowess through acts of chivalry. This is first seen when Gahmuret leaves Anjou, his homeland, in search of adventure. After serving the Baruc, he rescues Queen Belacane of Zazamanc from her enemies. After abandoning his wife, he achieves renown during the tournament at Kanvoleis in Waleis, winning the hand of Queen Herzeloyde, but he dies while fighting the Babylonians for the Baruc. Although Herzeloyde tries to raise her son without knowledge of knighthood, he meets several knights and leaves home to travel to King Arthur's court with the hope of becoming a knight...