Book 1, Canto 5 Summary

The next day, the two knights fight. Eventually, Red Cross manages to knock down Sansfoy (after some misinterpreted "aid" from Duessa) and is about to deliver the killing blow when Sansjoy disappears in a swirl of black mist. Unbeknownst to the Red Cross knight, Duessa accompanies Sansjoy down to the Underworld (along with Night) and they convince Aesculapius, a physician punished for knowing the secrets of bringing people back to life, to bring Sansjoy back to life. Eventually, the doomed man agrees and Sansjoy is saved.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross Knight is recovering from the battle in bed. The faithful dwarf (remember Una's dwarf from Canto 1?) is wandering the castle and discovers a basement filled with the bodies of those who would not leave because they were overcome with Pride. He tells this to a dismayed Red Cross Knight, and the...