NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Forest of the Pine

Forêt du Pin

In the First Continuation of Perceval, the Forest of the Pine is depicted as a mystical and perilous forest that Percivale encounters during his Grail Quest. Like many forests in Arthurian literature, the Forest of the Pine is imbued with symbolism and mysticism.


Boar Hunting
King Arthur decides to go hunting in the Forest of the Pine. He is accompanied with a group of knights from the Round Table, including Percivale, Gawain, and others. During the hunting expedition, the knights encounter a massive and ferocious boar within the forest.

The boar poses a significant threat, and the knights must respond swiftly to the danger it presents. Percivale takes a leading role in confronting the boar. He displays his valor and courage by engaging the beast in combat. Beyond the hunting expedition led by King Arthur, Percivale has his own boar-hunting adventure in the forest.

Percivale’s Vision
Percivale experiences a vision within the forest, witnessing the Grail Procession and a spiritual revelation. This vision deepens his connection to his quest and highlights the mystical nature of the forest.

Defending the Chapel
Knights come across a chapel within the forest and encounter a group of hostile knights who are desecrating it. The knights defend the chapel against the attackers, illustrating their commitment to protecting sacred places.

The White Hermit
A white hermit residing in the forest provides guidance and counsel to the knights. His presence adds a spiritual dimension to the forest’s significance and serves as a source of wisdom.

Gawain and the Squire’s Dispute
Gawain encounters a squire who is mistreated by his own knight. Gawain intervenes to defend the squire and challenges the abusive knight to combat, advocating for justice and chivalry.

Quest for the Sword
Some knights undertake a quest within the forest to retrieve a magical sword. This quest involves challenges, tests of character, and opportunities for knights to prove their worthiness.

Interactions with Damsels
The Forest of the Pine is also a place where knights encounter damsels in need of assistance. These encounters lead to various adventures and quests as knights seek to aid these distressed damsels.


Source
First Continuation of Chrétien’s Perceval | Attributed to Wauchier of Denain, c. 1200