Spenser says that Britomart literally cannot be beaten, since she carries a powerful magic spear, or phallic symbol (depending on the interpretation) that refers back to the theme of woman's chastity. Britomart easily knocks Sir Guyon off his horse at the beginning of Book 3. She then comes to a castle and once again pushes her authority, characterized as "masculine" with her armor and spear, and confronts six of Malecasta's knights at the Castle Joyous at the end of the first canto.
At last as nigh out of the wood she came,
A stately Castle farre away she spyde,
To which her steps directly she did frame.
That Castle was most goodly edifyde,
And plaste for pleasure nigh that forrest syde:
But faire before the gate a spatious plaine,
Mantled with greene, it selfe did spredden wyde,
On which she saw sixe knights, that did darraine
Fierce battell against one, with cruell might and maine
Ne did she stay, till three on ground she layd,
That none of them himselfe could reare againe;
The fourth was by that other knight dismayd,
All were he wearie of his former paine,
That now there do but two of six remaine;
Which two did yield, before she did them smight.
Ah (said she then) now may ye all see plaine,
That truth is strong, and trew loue most of might,
That for his trusty seruaunts doth so strongly fight
Spenser's confusion about female power is evident in this section of the Faerie Queene. His mixed feelings about women are seen in his depiction of Una, but his thoughts on female authority figures are obvious with his portrayal of Britomart. In Book 3, Spenser depicts
Britomart as a powerful and outstanding female/male. Yet, she becomes submissive and loving when considering her love of Artegall and speaks strongly for chastity and virtue.
Yet these, and all that els had puissaunce,
Cannot with noble Britomart compare,
Aswell for glorie of great valiaunce,
As for pure chastity and virtue rare (3.4.3).
Regardless of her mixed traits, Britomartore is more noteable than many of the other Faerie Queene characters. Unlike other females, she has the ability to defend herself and her virtue. She does not always need a male by her side, but can fight, on her own, for self-protection. Virtue, as demonstrated by the female who is fleeing from being raped, is not easy to defend. It can be read that when Britomart gives up her knighthood to be with Artegall that she is giving in to the patriarchial society. Yet, Britomart is doing this on her own accord and remains self-assured and in control of her own life. She sees her role as supporting the change of leadership and bringing stability.
Seeing his honor, which she tendred chiefe,
Consisted much in that adventures priefe.
The care whereof, and hope of his successe
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