'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