Spencer's The Faerie Queene: The Red Crosse Knight as an Animated Hero?

Spencer's The Faerie Queene has already been transformed into the story of St. George and the Dragon, a popular children's tale. However, I believe it would also make an excellent animated movie or t.v. series as well. When I first read "The Faerie Queene" I immediately envisioned it as an animated film for either adults or children. It contains all the elements necessary for either a Disney flick, or a Japanese animated series. Disney films generally are based on a fairy tale or an historical character. For example, Pocahontas details the life of a well-known Native American woman (although not very accurately). Hercules, another Disney movie, tells of the legendary struggles of a son of the Gods. Japanese Animation or anime, generally deals with moral issues and fantastic science fiction/fantasy adventures. As an anime afficionado I admit to envisioning the Red Crosse Knight as a character from one of several popular, anime series. This is due mainly to the description of his armor (Norton, 2000. p. 626) and also of his demeanor. Spencer states "...Right faithfull true he was in deede and word, But of his cheere did seeme too solemne sad; Yet nothing did he dread, but ever was ydrad." (Norton, 2000, p. 629) Below I have presented pictures and explanations of what I believed the Red Crosse Knight looked like. These pictures are of characters from various Japanese Animated movies and series as I have little artistic talent to speak of.

This picture aptly conveys a sense of what the Red Crosse Knight may have looked like because of the serious expression on the character's face and the incredible helmet adorning his head. The Knight was said to wear "the helmet of salvation." (Norton, 2000, p. 626)

Again, here is another animated character who could fill the role of the Red Crosse Knight. His facial expression shows that he is not afraid, and he is wearing the all important armor, although it does not have a cross on it. Also, this knight carries a large sword which (in the anime series Slayers, actually is called the sword of light) could easily be the "Sword of the Spirit" (Norton, 2000)

This gentleman looks the part of a knight. He seems brave and serious. Also, he kneels next to his helm and a sword protudes from behind his back. The Red Crosse Knight was described by Spencer as "Ycladd in mightie armes..." and as "Full jolly knight he seemd..." Meaning he was clad in mighty armour and looked very gallant. (Norton, 2000, p.629)

Again, we see a knight/soldier in armor with a mighty sword. However, this hero may be the likeliest Red Crosse Knight because his armor looks like it has seen use.  In The Faerie Queene, Spencer describes the knight's armour as having "deepe wounds" and the "cruell markes of many a bloudy fielde" (Norton, 2000, p. 629)

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Disclaimer: Heroic Legend of Arislan (c) 1996, Central Park Media and U.S. Manga Corps; Slayers (c)1995 Central Park Media and Software Sculptors; Vision of Escaflowne (c) 1997 Pioneer; Record of Lodoss War (c) 1996 Central Park Media and U.S. Manga Corps. I am not making any money off of this web page so refrain from suing me, as I am a poor student. All pictures borrowed with permission from other sites. If a picture on here is your original scan please email me and I will remove it. Thank You.