A Visual Adaptation of
Emund Spenser’s
The Faerie Queene
By Alex Hill
The Knight of Redcross Before becoming a hero of great renown, St. George was simply known as the Redcross Knight. It was through his journey with the maiden Una that he learned the virtues of holiness and chivalry. Little did he realize what his journey had in store for him, or the legend he was destined to become.
Una The Maiden of Unity. Her homeland has been stolen from her and she seeks a champion to reclaim it from the dragon which holds her realm, as well as her family, hostage. All who gaze upon her recognize her as a being of virtue and purtiy.
Error The beast of the crossroads, a humanoid serpent, and the mother of foul, venomous creatures. She lies in her cave, waiting for lonely travelers who have strayed off the path.
Archimago A sorcerer of dark magic and illusionary spells, he wanders the land disguised as a holy monk. With a host of evil minions at his beck and call, he seeks to seperate Una from her champion.
Duessa Disguised as a maiden of voluptuous beaty, this witch seduces champions to their downfall. Her true form is beyond hideous; a haggish beast which would repulse even the stoutest of heroes. She desires to see Knight of Redcross fail in his mission, and to perish before her eyes.
The Guardian Lion When seperated from her champion, Una was left without an escort. This king of beasts, enraptured by he virtuous beauty, accompanies her as her new sentinel, protecting her from foul beasts and wicked men.
Frabdubio Once a knight of great renown, he became a victim of Duessa’s seduction. For seeing her true form, the witch cursed him, turning him into a living tree. Still capable of speech he warns all who happen upon him to beware of Duessa.
Night Before any being, before creation, even before the gods, there existed Night. The first and eldest of all creatures. The primordial mother of all evil, she constantly seeks refuge from the piercing gaze of the sun.
Gloriana The Faerie Queen and ruler of the realm. Many have searched for her elusive court where she provides sanctuary for heroic knights, and sets them before their destiny. She appears in the dreams of heroes with pure resolve and who are destined for greatness.
Satyrane Born from a human mother and Satyr father, Satyrane grew up testing his courage and prowess against the wild beasts of the realm. At the behest of his mother he became a knight of wonderous renown. Known as “Nature’s Knight” he wanders the realm in search of enlightment, aiding maidens and fellow knights along the way.
Orgoglio The giant of pride, and the offspring of Earth and Wind, Orgoglio hunts all who exert arrogance. To succumb to him is to succumb to one’s own pride. Wielding a tree as a great club, he defeated the Redcross Knight and imprisoned him, but was soon slain by another great hero.
Prince Arthur The “Knight of Magnificence,� and future king. With enchanted arms he wanders in search of his true love, the Faerie Queen, Gloriana. It was he who slayed the giant Orgoglio, freed the Redcross Knight, and reunited him with Una. He still searches the world for his elusive love, aiding all other knights and maidens he happens upon.
The Dragon The beast which ravaged Una’s homeland, and the greatest challenge ever faced by the Redcross Knight. Many other heroes have fallen to his talons and hellish flames. Only a truly holy knight such as Redcross could ever defeat this infernal serpent.
About The Artist
Alex Hill is an illustrator currently living Kansas with a specific focus on conceptual and freelance work, as well as a recent graduate from the University of Kansas. He is a fan of film, folklore, and world mythologies. His dream is to become a visual story teller, and to draw monsters for a living.