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'The great importance of these plays is not that we are given many
thoughts to further our understanding of anthroposophy, but that we
are shown the transforming power of spiritual striving in
individual lives, and especially the development in human
relationships through an awareness of the forces of destiny. In
this respect the Mystery Plays are unique.' - from the Foreword In
writing and producing his Mystery Plays, Rudolf Steiner offered his
spiritual observations and concepts from a fresh, artistic
perspective. The dramas appeared in the context of the movement of
'Theatrical Realism' - during a period when only a handful of
dramatists attempted representations of a spiritual world, and
these mostly under the guise of fantasy. In introducing spiritual
beings to the stage, and showing their connections with human
beings, Steiner was pioneering a drama for the future. Eileen
Hutchins' classic work on Steiner's Mystery Plays provides a
thoughtful commentary that helps us enter the minds and souls of
the characters. Through gaining insights into their relationships
and inner lives, and the problems and situations with which they
are faced, the characters are brought to life. Gradually, we begin
to see possible solutions to the complex web of their difficulties.
As a naive and innocent young man, Parzival encounters a group of
noble knights in the forest. Overcome by the leading knight's
shining armour, he assumes that the man must be a God. This key
turning point in Parzival's life inspires him to seek to become a
knight himself, and immediately he embarks upon a quest to find
King Arthur's court and ultimately the Holy Grail. Through his
journeys Parzival is to learn many unexpected lessons, discovering
qualities of empathy, humility, compassion and ultimately true and
selfless love. Filled with spiritual wisdom and artistic beauty,
Parzival is one of the greatest works of world literature. In this
concise, accessible introduction to the central Gail story, Eileen
Hutchins describes the key characters, including Parzival's father
Gamuret and mother Herzeleide, and relates the tale in outline. Her
classic study also features commentary on the book's historical
background, essays on its significance today, and a comparison with
other Grail Romances. Eschenbach is the first medieval poet to
represent a character who has to win his way through trial and
error, from ignorance to wisdom, and from fascination with the
world of the senses to recognition of higher realms of experience.
In this sense he is representative of modern man.' - from the
Introduction
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