In Chrétien de Troyes’ “Perceval, or The Story of the Grail,” the protagonist, Perceval, receives instruction in chivalry from three different teachers: his mother, Gornemont, and the hermit. Each of these instructors teaches Perceval important lessons that shape his understanding of what it means to be a knight. While each teacher’s instructions are valuable in their own way, it can be argued that the hermit is the best instructor overall.
Perceval’s mother is the first teacher that he receives instruction from, and she is responsible for instilling in him the desire to become a knight. She teaches Perceval to “be loyal and true to your lord” (De Troyes 384) and instructs him to “defend the poor and weak” (De Troyes 386). Gornemont is the second teacher that Perceval encounters on his journey to become a knight. He instructs Perceval on the proper use of arms and armor, as well as the importance of courage and chivalry. While Gornemont provides Perceval with valuable knowledge about combat and honor, he is less concerned with Perceval’s internal moral development.
In contrast, the hermit is a more spiritual mentor to Perceval. He teaches Perceval about the importance of self-reflection and moral behavior. In one episode, the hermit instructs Perceval on the dangers of pride, warning him that “when pride has taken root in a man, it can only bring him harm” (De Troyes 442). He also tells Perceval that “the highest form of chivalry is to do good for its own sake, without expecting any reward or thanks” (De Troyes 443). The hermit’s teachings focus on Perceval’s personal character and emphasize the importance of humility and morality in addition to traditional chivalric virtues.
It can be concluded that the hermit is the best instructor. Perceval’s mother instills in him a strong sense of loyalty and duty, Gornemont teaches him the proper use of arms and armor, and the hermit focuses on his personal character and morality. Unlike Gornemont, the hermit places a greater emphasis on self-reflection and moral behavior, which are essential aspects of being a true knight. The hermit’s teachings also align more closely with the ultimate goal of Perceval’s journey, which is to find the Holy Grail and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Work Cited
De Troyes, Chrétien. Perceval, Or, The Story of the Grail. Penguin Classics, 2004.