The Faerie Queene: Book V: Canto V Summary & Analysis

The next morning, Arthegall and Radigund each prepare for their upcoming fight. They walk out, trumpets sound, and a furious battle begins. Arthegall strikes her with his weapon as if he’s a blacksmith pounding an anvil, but she manages to wound his thigh. But just as she brags about causing this injury, Arthegall shatters her shield, then hits her on the head, knocking her helmet off.

When Arthegall sees Radigund’s face, he is temporarily enchanted by her beauty. But when she attacks, Arthegall soon snaps out of his daydream. He is defeated by Radigund and agrees to be her vassal. Her first act as victor is to hang Sir Turpine. She then leads Arthegall over to a chamber with many other defeated knights and sets him at the lowest position. They are all forced to dress like women and do household tasks.

Arthegall spends a long time as the servant of Radigund. All the while, however, Radigund is secretly bothered by love for Arthegall. She calls her maiden Clarinda to ask her how she can free Arthegall from his servitude but still keep him loyal to her.

Clarinda goes to explain Radigund’s feelings to Arthegall. Arthegall explains that even if he wanted to, he doesn’t have the means to show favor to Radigund while he’s in captivity. As she’s talking, Clarinda makes the mistake of falling in love with Arthegall herself.

Clarinda reports back to Radigund that Arthegall is obstinate and would rather die than love her. Radigund rages, then composes herself. She decides the best option is to increase Arthegall’s hardships, such as by slowly decreasing his rations of food.

Clarinda lies to Arthegall when she visits him, saying that she is asking Radigund to treat him better but she won’t listen. While Arthegall believes Clarinda’s lies and thinks she is advocating for him, he still remains faithful to Britomart, to Clarinda’s disappointment.