# Elfinan — Poetry character guide > Elfinan in Poetry by John Keats. **Role:** minor **Also known as:** Imperial Elfinan, Elfinan swift, Poor Elfinan, Emperor Elfinan, great Elfinan **First appearance:** 0051-i ## Who they are An elfin emperor from a fantastical narrative. ## In the story ### [Canto the XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/canto-the-xii) The Ape servant, a transformed prince who picklocked a faery's boudoir. ### [Canto the XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/canto-the-xiii) Implied as the 'unhappy Prince' the Mule references, though not directly present. ### [The Cap and Bells](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/the-cap-and-bells) Emperor of the faery city, who loves mortal women and is forced into a political marriage with Bellanaine. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/i) Emperor of the faery city, known for loving mortal women and hating shades. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/iii) The emperor whose court petitions him to avoid mortal temptations and accept an immaterial bride. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/iv) Sends an embassy to Pigmio to arrange marriage with Bellanaine. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/vi) Referenced as the one Crafticant serves, the great state-spy militant. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xiii) Mentioned as the husband Bellanaine never joyed in company with. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xiv) Poor Elfinan is very ill at ease, sitting and cursing a bride he cannot touch. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xv) The emperor, vexed and murmuring after the bridal embassy departs. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xvi) The Emperor, furious at the rebellion against his wishes, threatens to retaliate against his ministers and members of the opposition. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xix) Expresses despair over his arranged marriage and his longing for Bertha. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxiii) The Prince, Elfinan, gives orders and then lounges on the sofa in a fret. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxxvi) The Emperor is mentioned as being in a huge rage and is heard snoring. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxxvii) Mentioned as the Emperor whose state is being discussed. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xxxviii) The Emperor turns his back in bitterness, causing fear in Eban and the Seer. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xli) Elfinan responds to Hum's request, offering Nantz instead of rum. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xlii) The Emperor who pledges his love to Bertha. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xliii) The Emperor is addressed as 'Your Majesty' and is deeply in love with Bertha Pearl. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xlv) The monarch who speaks of being in love and asks for help to get the lady. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xlviii) The Emperor, pining for love ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/xlix) Addressed as 'Sire' by the Mago, who advises him on marriage. ### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/l) Elfinan snatches the embroidery with a sudden jerk and weeps profusely, honoring the homespun with royal tears. ### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/liv) The Emperor, addressed as 'your Grace,' seeks guidance on winning a sweet girl. ### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lv) The king addressed by Hum, who is urged to leave for Kent. ### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lviii) The Emperor is addressed as 'Sire' and given the magic book. ### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lix) The Emperor speaks, planning his journey and offering his new bride as a reward. ### [LX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lx) The magian addresses the fay, likely Elfinan, discussing how to account for her absence from court. ### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lxi) The Emperor, preparing to meet the crowd, asks for his belt, book, and wand. ### [LXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lxiii) The great Emperor Elfinan listens to Hum and observes the scene. ### [LXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lxvii) Elfinan observes the magnificence behind, waves his handkerchief, and announces his departure for Angle-land, asking for an invisible ring. ### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lxviii) Elfinan vaults to the window-sill, carrying the magic book, and bids a mocking farewell to Bellanaine. ### [LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lxix) The Emperor (Elfinan) has left the room, as noted by Hum. ### [LXXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lxxxiv) Elfinan is implied as the imperial figure leading the procession, referenced by the 'Imperial Basilic'. ### [LXXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/lxxxvii) The King being sought by the speaker after the incident. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/characters/elfinan - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_14_se/characters