Redcrosse Knight

A Letter to Sir Walter Raleigh

The first knight, in whom Spenser expresses Holiness; he undertakes the adventure to rescue Una's parents from a dragon.

The Faerie Queene

The hero of the first book, representing Holiness, who undertakes the quest to slay the dragon.

Book I: The Legend of the Knight of the Red Cross, or of Holiness

The protagonist, a gentle knight on a quest from Gloriana, who defeats Error but later falls to Orgoglio and is rescued by Prince Arthur.

Canto I

The gentle knight on a quest from Gloriana, bearing a blood-red cross on his chest and shield.

Canto II

Deceived by Archimago's false vision, he abandons Una and later travels with Duessa, unaware of her true nature.

Canto III

Mentioned as the object of Una's search; absent from the chapter except as impersonated by Archimago.

Canto IV

Guided by Duessa to the House of Pride; challenged by Sansjoy to avenge Sansfoy's death.

Canto V

Defeats Sansjoy in combat, then flees the palace of Pride after learning of its dungeon.

Canto VI

Mentioned as the knight Una seeks; falsely reported dead by Archimago.

Canto VII

Disarmed and weakened by the fountain's enchantment, he is captured by the giant Orgoglio.

Canto VIII

Found imprisoned in a dark dungeon by Arthur, emaciated and weakened after three months of captivity.

Canto IX

Nearly driven to suicide by Despair's rhetoric, but is rescued by Una.

Canto X: The House of Holinesse

Receives instruction in repentance, virtue, and faith; granted a vision of the New Jerusalem and told he will become Saint George.

Canto XI

The knight fights the dragon for three days, is healed by the well of life, and ultimately slays the beast.

Canto XII

Betrothed to Una, defends himself against Duessa's accusations, and remembers his vow to the Faery Queene.

Canto I

Mentioned as having departed from Eden lands; falsely accused by Archimago of dishonoring a virgin.

Book III: The Legend of Britomartis, or of Chastity

Meets Britomart and informs her of Artegall's estate and chivalric appearance.

Canto I

Present at Castle Joyous; disarmed there; runs to the commotion when Malecasta screams.

Canto IV

Briefly mentioned as having informed Britomart about Artegall.

Canto XI

Mentioned as the knight who dubbed Sir Burbon and gave him the shield bearing the Redeemer's badge.