He is the knight who finally defeats Don Quixote, in Barcelona. Behind the armor is an old acquaintance: bachelor Sansão Carrasco.
Who is it
The Knight of the White Moon is the bachelor Sansão Carrasco in disguise. He had tried before, as Mirror Knight, and failed. Now he comes back with a plan: beat Don Quixote to force him to return home.
The condition imposed
In Barcelona, Don Quixote is defeated and falls from his horse. The winner's condition is harsh: abandon the knighthood for an entire year. Fiction loses to reality.
The consequence
The defeat is not just physical, it is ontological. Don Quixote returns to the village, falls ill and, upon regaining his reason, loses the meaning that sustained him. The knight who wanted to cure him ends up precipitating his death.
Readings from Nous
Read the classics in depth
Our list of more than 130 recommended books, commented and organized by theme, so you don't read in the dark.
See recommended readingsFrequently asked questions
Who is the Knight of the White Moon?
It is the bachelor Sansão Carrasco disguised as a knight-errant, who defeats Don Quixote in Barcelona to force him to return home.
Why does he defeat Don Quixote?
To cure him. Carrasco believes that, by defeating him and keeping him away from adventures, he will return his friend to a normal life. The effect, however, is tragic.
Is it the same Knight of Mirrors?
Yes. Carrasco had already tried the Mirror Knight disguise, but had lost. Knight of the White Moon is his second, successful attempt.
Continue: Who is Alonso Quijano · Don Quixote, Part 2: summary and analysis · Cronos and Kairos: the two times of the Greeks
Source class (YouTube): Dom Quixote, Parte Dois (NousCast)