Week 13 Reading: The Faerie Queen, Britomart, Part A

I have never read the Faerie Queen before, and I am always intrigued by women who dress up as men to become knights, like in the Alanna series by Tamora Pierce.

One character that I am particularly curious about is Glaucé, Britomart's maid. She is not frequently mentioned, except in the part that explains Britomart's backstory. There it is mentioned that she disguises herself as a squire and accompanies Britomart on her journey, but throughout the other chapters, when she would presumably be present, she is not mentioned. It is particularly curious that she is repeatedly referred to as an old nurse, yet she takes on the role of a squire, who is generally a young person. As for her rather unusual name, it appears to be drawn from Greek mythology, as is Britomart's. It would be interesting to retell the story or parts of it from her perspective.

Britomart. Web Source: Public Domain Super Heroes.

Merlin is always an interesting character, particularly as he knows everything that is going to happen.

One especially enjoyable scene was when Glaucé encourages Britomart to take up arms and find the man she loves with inspiring stories of women in arms from history. One of these women, a Saxon queen named Angela, provides the armor that Britomart needs for her quest. According to one report, Anglia was named after the daughter of a Saxon duke, Angela. However, I am not sure whether this is actually the character's namesake.

What is the backstory of the enchanted spear? Who enchanted it and how does it work? Oh maybe I could personify the spear and her sword. Perhaps it is their respect for her character, rather than her goodness itself, that gives her power. The spear and the sword could initially be rivals, but then grow in their desire to defend Britomart and further her quest.

Bibliography: Mary MacLeod's Stories from the Faerie Queen, Link.