The Faerie Queene · Chapter
Book VI: The Legend of Calidore, or of Courtesy explained
The narrator invokes the Muses to guide his exploration of courtesy, a virtue rooted in the mind and not in outward shows.
What happens
The narrator invokes the Muses to guide his exploration of courtesy, a virtue rooted in the mind and not in outward shows. Sir Calidore, the most courteous knight of Faery court, sets out on a quest. He meets Sir Artegall returning from his conquest, and later encounters a lady in distress, a savage man, and a discourteous knight named Crudor. Calidore defeats Crudor, forces him to abandon his evil custom, and reconciles him with Briana. He also meets young Tristram, who slays a discourteous knight and is knighted by Calidore. The chapter explores the nature of true courtesy versus false flattery, and Calidore's actions demonstrate his commitment to simple truth and honest dealing.
Themes in this chapter
Chivalry and Knighthood
Calidore embodies true knighthood through his courteous actions and defense of the weak, contrasting with Crudor's discourteous and unchivalric behavior.
Truth and Deception
The chapter contrasts Calidore's love of 'simple truth and stedfast honesty' with Blandina's false and flattering words, and critiques the counterfeit courtesy of the present age.
Virtue and Vice
True courtesy is presented as a virtue rooted in the mind, while false courtesy is mere forgery; Calidore's actions demonstrate virtuous behavior, and Crudor's custom represents vice.
Characters to notice
- Sir Calidore
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.
- Sir Artegall
Met by Calidore as he returns from his late conquest, still half sad; they recognize each other and exchange greetings.
- Briana
A lady who initially upholds a wicked custom of despoiling knights and ladies; after Calidore defeats Crudor, she becomes more mild and is reconciled.
- Crudor
A discourteous knight who maintains an evil custom; Calidore defeats him in combat and forces him to swear to abandon his wicked ways and serve ladies.
- Tristram
A young noble squire who slays a discourteous knight to defend a lady; he is knighted by Calidore and later takes on the duty of escorting the rescued lady.
- Blandina
A lady who entertains the Prince with feigned courtesy; her words and looks are false and flattering, used to manipulate others.
Key passages
“But vertues seat is deepe within the mynd, And not in outward shows, but inward thoughts defynd.”
True virtue resides in the mind and is defined by inner thoughts, not by external appearances.
The narrator emphasizes that genuine courtesy is an internal quality, not a matter of outward display.
“For he loathd leasing and base flattery, And loved simple truth and stedfast honesty.”
Calidore despised lies and flattery, and cherished straightforward truth and unwavering honesty.
This describes Calidore's character and his commitment to truth, contrasting with the false courtesy of others.
“Yet were her words and lookes but false and fayned, To some hid end to make more easie way, Or to allure such fondlings whom she trayned Into her trap unto their owne decay.”
Blandina's words and expressions were deceitful, designed to manipulate others for her own hidden purposes, leading them to their ruin.
This exposes Blandina's feigned courtesy as a tool for manipulation, highlighting the theme of deception.
