Wolfram von Eschenbach quotes

Wolfram von Eschenbach was a German knight, poet, and one of the most celebrated medieval epic writers. His best-known work is "Parzival," an influential Arthurian romance that explores themes of chivalry, compassion, and the quest for the Holy Grail. He inspired generations of poets and remains central to the Western literary canon. Here are 23 of his quotes:

Although German writers may sometimes have mispraised or overpraised their greatest mediaeval poet, it is certain that we find in Wolfram von Eschenbach qualities, which, in the thousand years between the Fall and the Renaissance of classical literature, can be found to anything like the same extent in only two known writers, the Italian Dante and the Englishman Langland; while if he is immensely Dante's inferior in poetical quality, he has at least one gift, humour, which Dante had not, and is far Langland's superior in variety and in romantic charm. (Wolfram von Eschenbach)
Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival...was where love and marriage were brought together. It was an apple of a story. That's my favorite love story. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Any brother of mine and I make one person, as do a good man and his good wife. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
By common consent, Wolfram is the greatest medieval poet before Dante. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
By the miracle of genius he created a masterpiece [Parzival], epic in scope, noble in purpose, humorous, humane, tender, and rational. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Two hearts that are but one have shown their strength in fierce enmity. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Upon a green achmardi she bore the consummation of heart's desire, its root and its blossoming – a thing called "The Gral", paradisal, transcending all earthly perfection! She whom the Gral suffered to carry itself had the name of Repanse de Schoye. Such was the nature of the Gral that she who had the care of it was required to be of perfect chastity and to have renounced all things false. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
A loyal-hearted man rejoices at a friend's advancement; a disloyal man cries out in sorrow when something pleasant befalls his friend and he is there to see it. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Wherever you can win a lady's ring and greeting, take it – it will rid you of the dumps. Waste no time, but kiss and embrace her. It will bring you good fortune and raise your spirits, granted she be chaste and good. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Losers always meet with mockery, Heaven sides with the fortunate. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
You must be rich and poor with discretion. A nobleman who squanders his property does not display a noble spirit, while if he hoards his wealth to excess it will bring dishonour. (Wolfram von Eschenbach)
How I wish I had your looks! If only you had some sense in you, God would have left you nothing to wish for. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Alas that he asked no Question then! Even now I am cast down on his account! For when he was given the sword it was to prompt him to ask a Question! View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Day thrust its brightness through the window-pane. They, locked together, strove to keep Day out And could not, whence they grew aware of dread. She, his beloved, casting her arms about Her loved one, caught him close to her again. Her eyes drenched both their cheeks. She said: "One body and two hearts are we." View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Mistress Love, you have one merit and no others: Mistress Affection keeps you company. Else would your rule be sadly wanting! View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
To win a boar's head one must sacrifice the hounds. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Tear-filled eyes make sweet lips. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
The Waleis...are even denser than Bavarian folk, though stout men with their weapons. Whoever is born in either land will blossom into a prodigy of tact and courtesy! View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
Trees have their sap from water. Water fecundates all things made that are called "creature". We see by means of water. Water gives many souls a splendour not to be outshone by the Angels. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
You have heard the saying from before your time that if a man saved another from death that other would be his enemy ever after. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
You must never lose your sense of shame. If one is past all shame what is one fit for? One lives like a bird in moult, shedding good qualities like plumes all pointing down to Hell. (Wolfram von Eschenbach)
If vacillation dwell with the heart the soul will rue it. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach
All that was ever told of Arthur, the man of the merry month of May, happened at Whitsun or at blossom-time in Spring. View quote
Wolfram von Eschenbach