The Faerie Queene summary

The second book of The Faerie Queene chronicles the adventures of Sir Guyon, the knight of temperance, as he journeys to defeat the enchantress Acrasia in her Bower of Bliss. Guyon must overcome numerous threats and diversions that test his commitment to moderation, prudence, and self-control. He is accompanied by a holy Palmer, or pilgrim, whose wisdom and guidance steer Guyon back on course when he strays too close to intemperance.

Archimago has escaped the captivity he earned for deceiving Redcrosse, and now tricks Guyon and the Palmer by disguising himself as an injured man whose wife has been assaulted. Guyon and the Palmer assist Archimago in searching for the alleged culprit – who turns out to be Redcrosse. Guyon is nearly influenced into attacking Redcrosse, but Archimago’s lies are uncovered just in time.

Book three celebrates the virtue of chastity, embodied in the woman warrior Britomart. We first meet Britomart after she unhorses Guyon in a friendly joust. She aids Redcrosse in a fight against six knights, who attack him outside the wanton Malecasta’s Castle Joyous. Her true quest, though, is for her destined love – the knight Arthegall. When Britomart was first smitten by Arthegall’s image in an enchanted looking glass, she sought the wizard Merlin's help. Merlin revealed that she and Arthegall would continue the line leading to Queen Elizabeth. 

The untempered passions of others often imperil Britomart’s safety during her adventures, but Britomart prevails every time. There’s the wrathful Marinell, who Britomart slays when he arrogantly bars her way. Like Guyon before her, she also faces the malevolent sorceress Acrasia. Britomart overcomes Acrasia's temptations and ultimately defeats her.

Following Britomart after she’s rescued Amoret from the enchanter Busirane, book four intertwines several plots concerning the virtue of friendship and the paradoxes of love. Believing Britomart is a noble – and male – knight, Amoret joins her on the next leg of her adventures. Their bond embodies virtuous friendship, a sharp contrast to the manipulative seductions seen elsewhere in the poem. They seek shelter at a castle where knights must have a lady to stay the night. Britomart is challenged by a knight and defeats him, claiming Amoret as her own.

We then encounter the knights Paridell and Blandamour who are trying to rescue Florimell from Ferraugh, the villain who’s holding her captive. Neither knight knows, however, that this is a “false” Florimell – crafted in Florimell’s image by the witch Duessa. Blandamour defeats Ferraugh and takes the false Florimell. As a result, Paridell becomes jealous. Eventually, Paridell and Blandamour arrive at a tournament, where they participate in jousts and competitions. The false Florimell, who is still with them, becomes a subject of contention among the knights. They argue over who has the right to claim her as their lady.

In book five of The Faerie Queene, the noble knight Arthegall, under the guidance of his trusty companion Talus, embarks on a chivalrous quest to champion justice and right wrongs. His journey unfolds through a series of remarkable events and encounters. Notably, Arthegall exposes a treacherous knight who beheaded a lady, unveiling the truth and restoring justice.

As the narrative progresses, Arthegall and Talus face new challenges – including the defeat of the Sarazin guardian Pollente, who guarded a vital bridge. This victory results in the reformation of the customs surrounding the bridge, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and fairness. They also confront a giant who seeks to redistribute wealth and resources equally; Arthegall demonstrates the divine balance in nature, thwarting the giant's misguided ambitions.

In book six of The Faerie Queene, the enchanting realm of Faeryland takes center stage, where courtesy is celebrated as the most esteemed virtue. The story follows the valiant knight Calidore, whose noble quest is to subdue the fearsome Blatant Beast, a powerful symbol of slander and calumny that wreaks havoc in the land.

As Calidore embarks on his mission, he encounters various characters who play essential roles in his journey. Notably, he meets Tristram, a prince who has been exiled due to the wicked actions of his uncle. This encounter sparks a chain of events where Calidore's chivalry and courage shine brightly.