Phantastes: A Faerie Romance for Men and Women

As soon as he sets out in pursuit of the Marble Lady, Anodos encounters a knight in rusty armor. He seems familiar, but Anodos doesn’t recognize him until he thinks of the story of Sir Percival. The knight warns Anodos to beware of the Maiden of the Alder-tree, for the knight fell into her trap, and his armor will not shine again until he has redeemed himself.

Anodos continues to search for his lost lady. Night falls and bathes him in mournful beauty. He forgets he is in Fairy Land and imagines himself walking through a perfect night in the ordinary world. He feels a flood of ecstasy at the thought. The earth seems strong and old and perfect. Then he remembers that his Marble Lady is somewhere in this forest. He thinks of how his first song freed her from her stone sleep and thinks that he ought to be able to summon her. Song bursts from him again. He sings for her—Queen of the Night—and hears a laugh that seems to call to him.

Entering a thicket, he sees a white figure amid the small trees and throws himself at her feet, thinking he has found his lady.