This paper proposes some considerations on kalokagathia and the relation between seeming and being in Wolfram von Eschenbach’s "Parzival". As far as the Urjâns-episode of the poem is concerned, we see the unworthy Urjâns wearing a helmet through the eyes of the deceived Gawan. Nevertheless, Wolfram illustrates that an unworthy knight remains unworthy even if he has a worthy appearance – chivalrous romance doesn’t know the modern distinction between reality and appearance of the protagonists. Urjâns’ ugly appearance remains an interpretative challenge: Wolfram opens a gap in the text letting his audience take part in his play with perspectives.
