Jurgen · Character

Queen Anaïtis

The restless, dark, thinnish Queen of Cocaigne, who marries Jurgen by accident, loves him with alarming fervor, and suspects every bosom of wanting him.

major

Also known as Anaïtis, Dame Anaïtis

First appearance: XXI: How Anaïtis Voyaged

As a major figure in Jurgen, Queen Anaïtis is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

She accompanies Merlin Ambrosius as the Lady of the Lake, arriving with a great retinue to escort Guenevere to London.

In the storyXV: Of Compromises in GlathionOpen this moment free

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Anaïtis rules a land where the law is simply to do what seems good to you, and she takes Jurgen as Prince Consort when he blunders through the Breaking of the Veil. Her passion unnerves him — he keeps thinking of the female spider — and her jealousy is equally outsized, though she has some cause where the yogini Stella is concerned. She embodies the book's central temptation: pleasure without consequence, offered by a goddess who cannot quite believe her luck in having him.

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See Queen Anaïtis in XXI: How Anaïtis Voyaged

Character Web

39 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Mortal and Mythic Women
Protagonist
Cosmic and Mysterious Entities
Mythological and Historical Figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Jurgen’s calm, rational dismissal of his father Coth’s lifelong guilt—redu…

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In the story

Queen Anaïtis appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XV: Of Compromises in Glathion
She accompanies Merlin Ambrosius as the Lady of the Lake, arriving with a great retinue to escort Guenevere to London.
XVII: About a Cock That Crowed Too Soon
Witnesses the staged murder calmly, interrupts Jurgen and Sylvia, and dismisses the ghost as a product of drink.
Why Merlin Talked in Twilight
Mentioned as having spoken with Merlin about Jurgen.
XX: Efficacy of Prayer
Appears beside Jurgen after the procession, invites him to Cocaigne, and he agrees to go with her.
XXI: How Anaïtis Voyaged
Leads Jurgen to Cocaigne, narrates tales of the Old Gods, and dismisses his concerns about the unusual crew and landscape.
XXII: As to a Veil They Broke
Leads Jurgen through the ritual in Cocaigne, kneeling to stroke the lance and speaking of desire and the serpent flame.
XXIII: Shortcomings of Prince Jurgen
Rules Cocaigne as a nature myth connected to the Moon, diverts Jurgen with pastimes, and becomes jealous of his attention to other female myths.
XXIV: Of Compromises in Cocaigne
Lives with Jurgen as a humdrum married couple, travels to divert ascetics, and takes pride in Jurgen's cleverness.
XXV: Cantraps of the Master Philologist
Heartbroken over Jurgen's impending departure; she later gives Caliburn to King Arthur.
XXVI: In Time's Hourglass
Shows Jurgen various paradises through Time's hourglass, sees through his lies, and decides to send him to Leukê.
XLVI: The Desire of Anaïtis
The Sun's daughter, who tempts Jurgen with descriptions of her palaces and sensual pleasures, then departs forever after he rejects her.

Chapter companion notes

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See Queen Anaïtis in XXI: How Anaïtis Voyaged

See Queen Anaïtis in XV: Of Compromises in Glathion