<P> The First Continuation is notable for its cavalier approach to the narrative agenda set by Chrétien . In particular it includes a seemingly independent romance, which in the long version spans over 6000 lines: The Livre de Caradoc, starring Arthur's knight Caradoc, explains how the hero got his nickname "Briefbras", or "Short Arm". All versions of the First Continuation describe Gawain's visit to a Grail castle quite unlike Chrétien's, a vividly imagined scene that introduces the motif of a broken sword that can only be mended by the hero destined to heal the Fisher King and his lands . Gawain is not this hero and he fails . The final episode recounts the misadventures of Gawain's brother Guerrehet (Gaheris or Gareth) who is humiliated by a dwarf knight before avenging himself and a mysteriously murdered stranger . In the closing scene he returns to court asleep on a swan boat . </P> <P> Shortly after the First Continuation was completed, another author added 13,000 lines to the total . This section was also attributed to Wauchier de Danain, and might actually represent his work . Making extensive use of motifs and themes drawn from Chrétien and the First Continuator, this continuation has Perceval returning to the Grail Castle and repairing the sword of Trebuchet, but a hairline fissure that remains in the blade symbolizes his still - flawed psyche--and the narrative's persisting potential for further development . </P> <P> Gerbert's Continuation added 17,000 lines . The author, usually considered to be Gerbert de Montreuil, composed his version independently of Manessier, and probably around the same time . He tries to tie up loose ends left by Chrétien and the others, and the influence of Robert de Boron's work can be felt . Notably, Gerbert includes a complete Tristan episode into his narrative that exists nowhere else . Gerbert's Continuation seems not to have enjoyed great popularity; it survives in only two manuscripts, one of which is heavily damaged, as an interpolation between the Second and Manessier Continuations . It is likely Gerbert wrote an ending for the story, but it has been excised from both surviving copies to facilitate its position between the two other continuations . </P> <P> Manessier's Continuation (also called the Third Continuation, because that is its place in the manuscripts that do not include Gerbert) added 10,000 lines and, at last, an ending . Manessier wrapped up many of the loose ends from the previous authors, and includes several episodes from other works, including the "Joie de la Cour" adventure from Chrétien's Erec and Enide and Calogrenant's death as told in the Queste del Saint Graal section of the Lancelot - Grail cycle . The tale ends with the Fisher King's death and Perceval's ascension to his throne . After seven peaceful years, Perceval goes off to live as a hermit in the woods, where he dies shortly after . Manessier supposes he took the Grail, the Lance, and the silver plate with him to Heaven . </P>

The main symbols of perceval's story are