Anfortas is a character from the medieval German epic poem, the Parzival, written by Wolfram von Eschenbach. He is the king of the Grail and suffers from a wound that symbolizes both physical and spiritual pain. His condition reflects the themes of suffering and redemption in the story. Anfortas's wound is a central element in the quest for the Holy Grail, as it can only be healed by a pure knight. This quest is undertaken by Parzival, who ultimately learns about compassion and the importance of understanding one's own suffering. Anfortas's character serves as a catalyst for the spiritual journey of others.