Percival went to become one of the "greats" in Arthurian legend when he was one of only two (or three, depending on the source) knights to find the Holy Grail (the other being Sir Galahad). He is also credited with killing the Red Knight.

Percival is presented as a good knight in nature, but is usually portrayed as foolish or naïve in his pursuit of the Holy Grail. Having encountered the Grail before he meets Arthur, he fails to ask an all-important question about its origins.

In early versions, Perceval's sweetheart is Blanchefleur and he becomes the King of Carbonek after healing the Fisher King. In later versions, he is a virgin who dies after achieving the Grail.

Perceval, hero of Arthurian romance, distinguished by his quality of childlike (often uncouth) innocence, which protected him from worldly temptation and set him apart from other knights in Arthur's fellowship. This quality also links his story with the primitive folktale theme of a great fool or simple hero.