The ground is strewn with withered flowers,
among which Kundry lies prostrate, and all that a moment before was
bright with exotic beauty now lies a bare and desert waste.
Many years have passed before the third act opens. Evil days have fallen
upon the brotherhood of the Grail. Amfortas, in his craving for the
release of death, has ceased to uncover the Grail. Robbed of their
miraculous nourishment, the knights are sunk in dejection. Titurel is
dead, and Gurnemanz dwells in a little hermitage in a remote part of the
Grail domain. There one morning he finds the body of Kundry cold and
stiff. He chafes her to life once more, and is surprised to see in her
face and gestures a new and strange humility. A warrior now approaches
clad in black armour. It is Parsifal returned at length after long and
weary wanderings. Gurnemanz recognises the spear which he carries, and
salutes its bearer as the new guardian of the Grail. He pours water from
the sacred spring upon Parsifal's head, saluting him in token of
anointment, while Kundry washes his feet and wipes them with her hair.
The first act of Parsifal in his new office is to baptize the regenerate
Kundry, redeemed at length by love from her perpetual curse. Bowing her
head upon the earth, she weeps tears of repentant joy. The three now
proceed to the temple, where the knights are gathered for Titurel's
burial.
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