# Sir Calidore — The Faerie Queene character guide

> Sir Calidore in The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Calidore, the courteous Knight

**First appearance:** 0088-canto-i

## Snapshot

The Knight of Courtesy, who hunts the Blatant Beast of slander across Faerie Land with a gentleness that costs him his quarry.

## Who they are

Calidore's quest is to muzzle the many-tongued Beast that tears reputations apart, but his weapon is courtesy rather than force, and courtesy keeps leading him astray into pastoral idylls and other men's troubles. When he hears of a lady despoiled, his fury is immediate and righteous, yet he pauses to comfort her before pursuing the villain. His story asks whether the gentlest knight can ever finish the harshest errand.

## Relationships

### [Pastorella](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/pastorella)

_romantic_

Sir Calidore falls in love with the shepherdess Pastorella, and their relationship is marked by courtship and pastoral romance.

### [Una](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/una)

_friendship_

Sir Calidore aids Una in her quest, acting as a courteous and chivalrous ally in her time of need.

### [Molanna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/molanna)

_psychological_

Molanna, a water nymph, is manipulated by Sir Calidore to reveal information about the hidden garden of Venus, creating a dynamic of persuasion and exploitation.

### [Britomart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/britomart)

_friendship_

Britomart and Sir Calidore share a mutual respect as fellow knights, often cooperating in their chivalric adventures.

### [Prince Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/prince_arthur)

_friendship_

Prince Arthur and Sir Calidore share a bond of chivalric brotherhood, assisting each other in various quests.

### [Coridon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/coridon)

_rivalry_

Coridon, a shepherd, is a jealous rival for Pastorella's affection, resentful of Sir Calidore's success in love.

### [Sir Artegall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/sir_artegall)

_friendship_

Sir Artegall and Sir Calidore are fellow knights of the Faerie Queene, cooperating in their respective quests for justice and courtesy.

### [Tristram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/tristram)

_friendship_

Sir Calidore knights the young Tristram, taking him on as a squire and mentor in chivalric virtue.

### [Sir Guyon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/sir_guyon)

_friendship_

Sir Calidore and Sir Guyon are fellow knights of the Faerie Queene, cooperating in their quests for courtesy and temperance.

### [Sir Artegall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/sir_artegall)

_friendship_

Sir Artegall and Sir Calidore are fellow knights of the Faerie Queene, cooperating in their respective quests for justice and courtesy.

### [Britomart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/britomart)

_friendship_

Britomart and Sir Calidore share a mutual respect as fellow knights, often cooperating in their chivalric adventures.

### [Britomart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/characters/britomart)

_friendship_

Britomart and Sir Calidore share a mutual respect as fellow knights, often cooperating in their chivalric adventures.

## In the story

### [Book VI: The Legend of Calidore, or of Courtesy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/book-vi-the-legend-of-calidore-or-of-courtesy)

The most courteous knight of Faery court, beloved for his gentle speech and noble deeds; he sets out on a quest and demonstrates true courtesy by defeating Crudor and sparing his life for Briana's sake.

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

The courteous knight who pursues the Blattant Beast, rescues a squire, and defeats Crudor to enforce mercy and reform.

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

The courteous knight who observes Tristram's deed, praises his virtue, and later aids a wounded knight and his lady.

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

Demonstrates courtesy by carrying the wounded Aladine and comforting Priscilla.

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

Mentioned as Sir Enias, the courteous knight whom Arthur had subdued and restored.

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

Disguises himself as a shepherd to win Pastorella's love, abandoning his quest and courtly identity.

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

The courteous knight, distracted by love for Pastorella, abandons his quest and stumbles upon the vision of the Graces on Mount Acidale.

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

Rescues Pastorella from the thieves, recovers stolen flocks, and restores them to Coridon.

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

Brings Pastorella to Belgard, reunites her with parents, and subdues the Blatant Beast.

## Links

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