NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Fairy Land

Fairyland

Realm ruled by Gloriana the Fairy Queen, and the setting for all the adventures in Spenser’s The Faerie Queene. True to its name, it was characterized by an abundance of fairies, satyrs, fauns, giants, witches, goblins, dragons, monster, and knights on quests.

Prince Arthur, before he learned his lineage and became king of Britain, came to Fairy Land seeking Gloriana. The poem is an allegory, with Fairyland standing for the England of Spenser’s day.

The early rulers of Fairy Land included gods and elves, and the inhabitants claimed descent from Elf (who was created by Prometheus) and a fay from the gardens of Adonis.

Early kings included:

  • Elfin | Son of Elf, who ruled England and America.
  • Elfinan | Founded the city of Cleopolis.
  • Elfiline | Built a golden wall around Cleopolis.
  • Elfinell | Defeated the Goblins in battle.
  • Elfant
  • Elfar | He killed two giants – one with two heads, the other with three.
  • Elfinor | He built a brazen bridge upon the sea.

The immediate family of Gloriana, queen of Fairyland, of whom Arthur became enamoured.


See also
Faerie | The Legend of King Arthur
Fairies Fountain | The Legend of King Arthur
Goblins | Myths and Legends


See also
The Faerie Queene | Edmund Spenser, 1570-1599