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This text introduces Wolfram von Eschenbach's *Parzival* as an epic of medieval knightly cultivation education (*Bildung*), exploring the emphasis placed on "cultivation education" in medieval society. The article analyzes the distinct developmental traditions and meanings of "Bildung" and "Erziehung" in Germany, noting that "Bildung" emphasizes the individual's active process of understanding, adapting to, and mastering the world, while "Erziehung" focuses more on the support and challenges provided by adults in the educational process. Through *Parzival*, the author seeks to examine the historical reality of knightly cultivation education and guide readers to understand the path of cultivation taken by Parzival and other epic figures, while also discussing whether this epic belongs to the genre of the developmental novel (*Bildungsroman*), the educational novel (*Erziehungsroman*), or the cultivation novel (*Bildungsroman*).

1. Knightly Education and Cultivation in the Middle Ages

Knightly education and cultivation in medieval Europe began in noble households, where boys at the age of seven received training in loyalty, etiquette, and other qualities. As squires, noble youths learned to uphold knightly dignity and symbols of status, such as weapons and horses. Courtly education emphasized character and conduct, demanding virtues like self-restraint, discipline, and graceful manners. Cultural knowledge was also part of courtly education, with cultivation completed through spiritual connection with God. Noble youths underwent physical training, etiquette discipline, knowledge acquisition, and military experience, earning the title of knight at twenty-one. The dubbing ceremony was a crucial step in becoming a knight, initially secular but later infused with Christian symbolism. Chivalry was closely tied to Christianity, preventing violence from dominating knightly culture. Tournaments served as stages for newly dubbed knights to demonstrate their prowess—though dangerous, they gradually became more performative. Parzival's journey metaphorically reflects knightly education and rituals, completing both secular and religious rites of passage to mature into a true knight.

2. The Issue of Parzival's Cultivation Education

This section explores the importance of knightly cultivation in the epic *Parzival*, emphasizing how qualities like honor, loyalty, and humility are intrinsically linked to chivalry. Through name symbolism, Wolfram presents a dialectical understanding of knightly cultivation—for instance, Parzival’s half-brother Feirefiz embodies the duality of good and evil. Parzival's growth reflects a transformation from a reckless youth to a Round Table knight, requiring him to overcome personal stubbornness, reconcile with the world, and achieve spiritual harmony. His mother Herzeloyde attempts to shield him through isolation, but this leaves him ill-prepared for the knightly world, forcing him to rely on his innate abilities to compensate for his lack of formal education. Despite his unconventional upbringing, Parzival’s natural talent, martial skill, and pursuit of chivalric ideals ultimately earn him achievements beyond the reach of other knights.

3. Gawain as a Model of Knightly Cultivation

This section discusses Gawain’s role as a paragon of knightly cultivation in *Parzival*. Unlike Parzival, Gawain received systematic knightly education at King Arthur’s court, becoming a key member of the Round Table. His literacy, uncommon among knights of the time, may have been acquired in a monastery. Gawain also demonstrates medical knowledge and caregiving skills, reflecting the high status of healing arts in medieval knightly cultivation. His conduct aligns with the paradigms of courtly elite society, grounded in love and aimed at transcending conflict to establish order. Gawain’s portrayal is understated and humble—his virtues and skills are listed rather than described through direct physical depiction, embodying the Confucian ideal of "the gentleman is not a utensil" (*junzi buqi*).

4. Siegfried as Parzival’s Antithesis

This section contrasts Parzival with Siegfried from *The Nibelungenlied*. While Gawain’s knightly cultivation was completed at court, Parzival’s path diverges sharply. Siegfried, a prince who has already undergone knightly training, exudes refinement, standing in stark contrast to Parzival. Siegfried’s confidence and reckless demeanor, along with his adventures, ultimately lead to his tragic downfall. Parzival, however, begins his journey in the forest—a symbol of untamed wilderness opposed to civilized cultivation—and pursues knightly ideals and life’s meaning, achieving redemption at court. Parzival and Gawain represent a community bound by faith and divine grace, transcending the constraints of bloodline and kinship.

5. Genre Classification of *Parzival*

This section examines *Parzival*’s classification in German literary history, analyzing concepts such as the adventure novel, developmental novel (*Entwicklungsroman*), educational novel (*Erziehungsroman*), and cultivation novel (*Bildungsroman*). *The Nibelungenlied* is identified as an adventure novel, while *Parzival* exhibits transitional features from adventure to developmental novel. The developmental novel focuses on growth, the educational novel on schooling, and the cultivation novel on the protagonist’s self-formation through natural environments, professional settings, and social contexts. *Parzival* already displays characteristics of later cultivation novels, embodying the German ideals of "individuality" (*Individualität*) and "inwardness" (*Innerlichkeit*). It is more appropriate to classify *Parzival* as an early developmental novel with elements of the cultivation novel.

Conclusion

The text critiques modern education systems for producing atomized, compliant individuals lacking the drive for self-actualization. In contrast, medieval knightly cultivation, as depicted in *Parzival*, portrays the protagonist’s journey from an ignorant youth to a mature knight. Parzival’s life is fraught with challenges, yet his pursuit of cultivation deepens his connection with God, culminating in self-redemption. The contrast between Gawain and Parzival underscores the importance of cultivation education. *Parzival* embodies the core features of the cultivation novel—self-education and self-discovery—with Parzival’s character and psyche evolving throughout the narrative. The epic emphasizes direct experience, as Parzival learns about society and himself through interactions with the knightly class, achieving holistic development. *Parzival* adopts the classical stance of the cultivation novel, serving as a wake-up call, a brake, and a compass for modern society.

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