Iranian and Islamic Connections of the Parsifal Myth

Parzival (Perceval) is the name of the hero of an unfinished romance by Chrétien de Troyes, the greatest poet of the Middle Ages, written around 1181-1190 AD. In this study, the author explores the mysterious myth of Parzival in search of its Eastern source and equivalent examples that hold archetypal or exemplary meaning in our culture. First, several narratives of the Perceval myth are presented to understand the significant differences among them. Then, the long poem “Parzival” by the German poet Wolfram von Eschenbach is cited. Parzival’s mission is to support the oppressed, the poor, the weak, and defenseless women. The author explores various interpretations of these two stories, most of which are mystical. One such interpretation is by Henry Corbin, who analyzes the myth from Zoroastrian and Shiite Islamic perspectives. Another interpretation by Mr. Koyaji references the myth of Kai Khosrow and his companions, considering Mithraism as the intermediary or connecting link between the myths. The author believes that the central theme of the Perceval and Parzival myth is the teaching and glorification of the religion of love and initiation into the path of love. In this regard, striking similarities can be found between the knights of Western mystical romances and the heroes of Eastern mystical treatises and epics in a certain period of history.