Page:Studies on the legend of the Holy Grail.djvu/153

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27

CHAPTER V.

Relationship of the Didot-Perceval to the Conte du Graal—The former not the source of the latter—Relationship of the Conte du Graal and the Mabinogi—Instances in which the Mabinogi has copied Chrestien—Examples of its independence—The incident of the blood drops in the snow—Differences between the two works—The machinery of the Mabinogi and the traces of it in the Conte du Graal—The stag-hunt—The Mabinogi and Manessier—The sources of the Conte du Graal and the relation of the various parts to a common original—Sir Perceval—Steinbach's theory—Objections to it—The counsels in the Conte du Graal—Wolfram and the Mabinogi—Absence of the Grail from the apparently oldest Celtic form.

In examining the relationship of the Didot-Perceval to the Conte du Graal, the sequence of the incidents is of importance. This is shown in the subjoined table (where the numbers given are those of the incidents as summarized, chapter II), in which the Didot-Perceval sequence is taken as the standard.


Didot-Perceval. Chrestien Gautier de Doulens.
Inc. Inc. Inc.
2. Perceval sets forth in quest of the rich fisher.
11. Only after the reproaches of the loathly damsel does Perceval first set forth in quest of the Grail.
 
3. Finds a damsel weeping over a knight. Adventure with dwarf and the Orgellos Delande.
8. In so far as finding a damsel weeping over a dead knight, and (9) for overcoming the Orgellous de la Lande.
9. In so far as a damsel is found lamenting over a knight.
4. Arrival at the Chessboard Castle. Adventure of the stag hunt and loss of the hound.
  7 and 8.
5. Meeting with sister; instruction concerning the Grail; vow to seek it.
  12.
6. Meeting with, confession to, and exhortation from hermit uncle.
15. After the Good Friday incident.
12.