Wigalois: The Knight of Fortune’s Wheel

The Arthurian verse-novel Wigalois, written by the German knight Wirnt von Grafenberg in the early years of the thirteenth century, tells a story which was well known in the medieval period, appearing in eight versions of four languages. This first English translation makes accessible to a new audience the adventure-filled tale of the hero’s knightly education and quest for honor, and his ultimate recognition of Sir Gawain as his long-lost father. The translator’s introduction compares Wirnt’s work with other treatments of the Wigalois material in France, England, and Italy; discusses the German sources and reception of the novel; and offers a careful literary analysis.