Orgoglio Character Analysis in The Faerie Queene

Orgoglio is an evil giant who schemes with Duessa and who defeats a weakened Redcross Knight in battle, taking him prisoner in his dungeon. Though Orgoglio is a powerful and proud fighter, Prince Arthur manages to defeat him in battle, and when Orgoglio dies, all that remains is an empty bladder—showing how empty Orgoglio’s pride really was.

Orgoglio Character Timeline in The Faerie Queene

The timeline below shows where the character Orgoglio appears in The Faerie Queene. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

All of a sudden, a giant named Orgoglio shows up and challenges the Redcross Knight. Being weakened, the Redcross Knight can’t get to... (full context)

Duessa suggests that instead, Orgoglio can claim the Redcross Knight as a prisoner and force him into service. Orgoglio agrees... (full context)

Meanwhile, the dwarf, who wasn’t noticed by Orgoglio but who saw what happened to the Redcross Knight, gathers up the knight’s scattered possessions... (full context)

...was misled by Duessa and Archimago and how he was captured and taken away by Orgoglio the giant. (full context)

British Identity and Nationalism Theme Icon

The dwarf, Una, and Prince Arthur ride until they reach Orgoglio the giant’s castle. They blow a horn at the gate, and Orgoglio leaves Duessa to... (full context)

Orgoglio is struck down so hard that his club gets stuck in the ground. While he... (full context)

Meanwhile, Orgoglio the giant has recovered and comes charging at Prince Arthur. He brings his club down... (full context)

Duessa grieves to see the fall of Orgoglio. The squire captures her and brings her to Prince Arthur. Una thanks them for all... (full context)

...The old man is Ignaro, and he acted as a kind of foster father to Orgoglio. Ignaro doesn’t answer Arthur’s questions about the keys, so at last, Arthur just takes them. (full context)

The rude man with Mirabella is a giant from the same house as Orgoglio (who was slain by Arthur in Book 1) named Disdain. He wields an iron club.... (full context)