# Mercilla — The Faerie Queene character guide

> Mercilla in The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mercilla

**First appearance:** 0083-canto-ix

## Who they are

A queen representing Mercy, who judges Duessa.

## In the story

### [Canto X: The House of Holinesse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-x)

An ancient matrone who guides the Redcrosse Knight through the narrow way and to the hospital.

### [Canto VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-viii)

The queen served by Samient, whose mercy and justice are contrasted with Adicia's tyranny.

### [Canto IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-ix)

The queen presiding over the trial; she weeps and shows pity for Duessa despite her clear guilt.

### [Canto X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-x)

The queen who tempers justice with mercy, judges Duessa with remorse, and grants Arthur the quest.

### [Canto XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-xii)

Mentioned as the queen in whose court Artegall is later slandered by Envy and Detraction.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/mercy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters