# Canto I explained — The Faerie Queene > Chapter companion for The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser. ## What happens The Redcrosse Knight, accompanied by Una, sets out on a quest from Gloriana to slay a dragon. They take shelter from a storm in a forest, become lost, and encounter a hermit who offers them lodging. The hermit, revealed to be the sorcerer Archimago, uses magic to create a false vision of Una to deceive the knight. ## Themes in this chapter ### Truth and Deception Archimago's deceptive hospitality and magical illusions contrast with Una's pure and truthful nature. ### Chivalry and Knighthood The Redcrosse Knight embodies chivalric ideals, undertaking a quest for glory and honor. ### Religion and Morality The knight's cross symbolizes his Christian faith, and the hermit's hypocrisy highlights moral corruption. ## Character check-ins ### Redcrosse Knight The gentle knight on a quest from Gloriana, bearing a blood-red cross on his chest and shield. ### Una A lovely lady riding a white ass, veiled and mourning, leading a milk-white lamb; she is of royal lineage and seeks the knight's aid. ### Archimago The seemingly holy hermit who hosts the knight and Una, but is actually a sorcerer who uses magic to deceive. ### Gloriana The Faerie Queene who assigned the Redcrosse Knight his quest. ## Key lines > A gentle knight was pricking on the plaine, Ycladd in mightie armes and silver shielde, Wherein old dints of deepe woundes did remaine. A noble knight rode across the plain, wearing powerful armor and carrying a silver shield marked with old battle scars. _Introduces the Redcrosse Knight and his experienced appearance._ > And on his brest a bloodie Crosse he bore, The deare remembrance of his dying Lord, For whose sweete sake that glorious badge he wore, And dead, as living, ever him ador’d. He wore a red cross on his chest as a sacred reminder of Christ, whom he worshipped even in death. _Highlights the knight's Christian devotion._ > A lovely Lady rode him faire beside, Upon a lowly Asse more white than snow, Yet she much whiter; but the same did hide Under a vele, that wimpled was full low; And over all a blacke stole she did throw: As one that inly mournd, so was she sad. A beautiful lady rode beside him on a white donkey, but she was even whiter; she wore a low veil and a black cloak, appearing mournful and sad. _Describes Una's appearance and sorrowful demeanor._ > He told of Saintes and Popes, and evermore He strowd an Ave-Mary after and before. He spoke of saints and popes, and frequently recited Hail Marys. _Shows the hermit's feigned piety._ > A bold bad man, that dar’d to call by name Great Gorgon, prince of darknes and dead night; At which Cocytus quakes, and Styx is put to flight. A bold and evil man who dared to invoke the name of the great Gorgon, prince of darkness, causing the rivers of the underworld to tremble. _Reveals Archimago's true nature as a sorcerer._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters/canto-i - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_faerie_queene_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_faerie_queene_se/chapters