'I dare not approach this castle, for there are archers who shoot with such force that none can endure their shots; and they will not cease, it is said, until you go there. But I know why they will then stop: they will want to trap you inside the castle to kill and destroy you; but no one there has the power to kill or harm you save the lord of the castle, though he will fight with you most willingly.'

Perceval turned towards the castle of the Black Hermit, with the Maiden of the Cart following behind. The archers of the castle drew their bows and let fly with terrible power, but Perceval rode swiftly on. They did not recognize him with his white shield and thought he must be some other knight, and many bolts they sent smashing into his shield. Up he came to the drawbridge, but it was raised, and beneath it a river ran, foul and terrible.

Perlesvaus