The Faerie Queene

Redcrosse, an Epic Hero

The character Redcrosse, the knight of holiness, in The Faerie Queene by Sir Edmund Spenser, is the epic hero of his story.  He comes from “Faerie Land.”  Redcrosse fights evil as an individual knight.  He finds out that he is from the mortal world and was stolen as a child.  This character has one major flaw, which is his pride, that he has to overcome in order to succeed.

The Mundane World

Redcrosse, the knight of holiness, lived in the mortal world as a mortal king’s son before a faerie stole him and brought him to “Faerie Land.”  It was believed that Redcrosse was destined to become a great saint.  He is told by Contiplation that his true name is George and that he will be Saint George of England.
The Call to Adventure

The faerie queene, Gloriana, gives Redcrosse a task to travel to a kingdom to kill the dragon that traps Una’s parents.  The knight is to take Una and a servant dwarf on his quest to aid him along the way.  He is also to be united with Una once he rescues the king and queen.

Crossing the Threshold

Redcrosse sets out to Una’s mother and father’s kingdom, expecting to easily defeat the dragon and return.  He soon finds himself in a world of sorcerers, sprites, giants, and witches.

The Path of Trials

Redcrosse has many challenges to overcome throughout his journey.  While seeking shelter for the night, Redcrosse is attacked by Error and her young.  Fleeing the cave, the trio is invited into an inn to stay, where Archimago, a sorcerer in disguise, creates an illusion that upsets Redcrosse and causes him to leave Una.  He comes across a knight and kills him, taking his lady, Duessa.  Duessa is a witch disguised and takes him to The House of Pride where his dwarf servant discover a dungeon full of dead bodies that were too overcome with pride to leave the house.  Redcrosse leaves and Duessa follows; as they are talking, a giant attacks the knight.  The monstrous giant takes Duessa as his lover and traps Redcrosse in his dungeon.  Una hears this from the dwarf and comes across King Arthur, whom she tells of the entrapment of her knight.  King Arthur defeats the giant and exposes Duessa for her who she really is.  Redcrosse is almost defeated when he comes upon Despair.  Una saves him and takes him to the House of Holiness where he is healed.  Finally, Redcrosse battles the dragon and after being near death and healed twice, defeats the monstrous beast, freeing the king, queen, and their people.

Master of Two Worlds

Redcrosse has finally completed his quest and has overcome his pride, transforming into a humble hero.  Una’s father agrees that Una will marry the knight when his duty to the Faerie Queene is up.  Redcrosse has to return to his queen, but will come back to wed Una and become the leader of her people.