NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Malecasta


Sovereigness of the Castle Joyous, a palace of sexual indulgence.

She tried to force the Red Cross Knight to become her lover, but he defeated her knights with the help of Britomart, the warrior maiden. Britomart and the Red Cross Knight lodged at the Castle Joyous.

Malecasta turned her affections to Britomart, not realizing that Britomart was a woman. Entering Britomart’s chambers at night, Malecasta discovered her mistake and roused her castle. Britomart and the Red Cross Knight were forced to flee.


Source
The Faerie Queene | Edmund Spenser, 1570-1599