Titurel

Summary

Fragment I

[The first fragment describes the parallel childhoods of Sigune and Schionatulander. Sigune is the daughter of Kyot of Katelangen and Schoysiane, daughter of Frimutel and granddaughter of the bed-ridden Grail King, Titurel. After Schoysiane’s death in childbirth, Sigune is brought up first by her uncle, Tampenteire, and then by her aunt, Herzeloyde. Schionatulander, the Dauphin of Graswaldan and grandson of Gurnemanz, is assigned by Queen Amphlise to Gahmuret, to be his squire.]

While strong Titurel could still bestir himself, he ventured willingly into the attack, leading his men with him. Afterwards, in old age, he said: ‘I learn that I must relinquish the shaft. Once I wielded it well and willingly. (1)

If I could still bear arms,’ the bold king said, ‘the air would be honoured by the spear’s crack from my hand. Splinters would give shade from the sun. Many ornaments on top of helmets have been set on fire by my sword’s blade. (2)

If I ever received solace from lofty love, and if love’s sweetness ever exerted its blissful power over me, if I ever received a lovely woman’s greeting – all this has now flown wild from my languishing, lamenting body. (3)

My bliss, my chastity, my constancy of mind – and if my hand ever won high fame by giving gifts or in attacks – my young kinsfolk are ensured against decline by this. Indeed, all my lineage must forever inherit true love, together with loyalty. (4)

I know well that if a man is welcomed by womanly smiles, chastity and constancy will forever draw near his heart. Those two can never estrange themselves from him, except at death alone. Otherwise, no-one can prevent their proximity. (5)

When I received the Grail by the message which the exalted angel sent me, by his high authority, there I found written all my order. That gift had never been given, before me, to human hand. (6)

The Lord of the Grail must be chaste and pure. Alas, my gentle son Frimutel, I have retained only you, of my children, here by the Grail. Now receive the Grail’s crown and the Grail, my fair son!