Parsifal
2
9.9
- proper noun
- /ˈpɑːrsɪfəl/
- Literature
- The story of Parsifal, the knight who seeks the Holy Grail, has inspired many works of art.
- Parsifal and Tristan
Examples
-
1882 was the year of the world premiere of Parsifal.
Academic text (1998) -
In Wagner's opera, Parsifal embarks on a quest to find the Holy Grail.
-
"I know what you mean," Parsifal said.
Fiction book (1991) -
Look, do we really have to fight? "I'm afraid we do," Parsifal said, and attacked.
Fiction book (1991) -
The only work of Wagner that was written for that house was Parsifal.
Academic text (1998) -
JM: We feel like Parsifal felt.
Academic text (1994) -
"For now, young man, that I am Parsifal, and I quest after no less a thing than the Holy Grail."
Fiction book (1991) -
"My horse?" said Parsifal.
Fiction book (1991) -
I had been reading the legend of the Holy Grail, in which Parsifal enters the wasteland in the realm of the Fisher King; this king was clearly some form of the wounded Fisher King.
Academic text (1994) -
During the performance, the audience was captivated by the character of Parsifal and his noble journey.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Parsifal comes from old Arthurian stories and the old name Perceval, and one popular way to remember it is to see perce- 'to pierce' plus -val 'valley'. Picture a knight 'piercing the valley' on a brave search, and that image helps explain why he is the seeker of the Holy Grail and the hero of Wagner's opera.