Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Astolpho and the Enchantress explained
Rogero, freed from Alcina's enchantments by Melissa's intervention, escapes her realm with the help of the magic ring and the shield of Atlantes.
What happens
Rogero, freed from Alcina's enchantments by Melissa's intervention, escapes her realm with the help of the magic ring and the shield of Atlantes. Melissa disenchants Alcina's victims, including Astolpho, who is liberated and given a magical horn. Rogero and Astolpho find refuge with the sage Logestilla before parting ways.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
Rogero's enchanted love for Alcina is broken by the ring, revealing her true monstrous form; Astolpho and others are transformed into trees and fountains by Alcina's magic.
Hospitality and Its Violation
Alcina's false hospitality traps and transforms her lovers, contrasting with Logestilla's genuine welcome and virtuous court.
Characters to notice
- Rogero
Freed from Alcina's enchantment by Melissa, escapes with the shield of Atlantes and Rabican.
- Astolpho
Liberated by Melissa from his transformation into a myrtle; given a magical horn and his golden lance.
- Melissa
The sage enchantress who disenchants Alcina's victims and aids Rogero and Astolpho.
- Alcina
The base enchantress whose illusions are dispelled; she pursues Rogero with her forces.
- Logestilla
The virtuous sister who offers refuge and wise counsel to Rogero and Astolpho.
Key passages
“She undid one by one all the talismans and spells which she found, broke the seals, burned the images, and untied the hag-knots.”
Melissa systematically dismantled every enchantment, breaking seals, burning effigies, and untying cursed knots.
Melissa's methodical disenchantment of Alcina's magic.
“Rogero's love for Alcina, being but the work of enchantment, vanished as soon as the enchantment was withdrawn, and he now hated her with an equal intensity.”
Rogero's love for Alcina was purely magical, so it disappeared instantly when the spell broke, replaced by intense hatred.
The enchantment's dissolution and Rogero's reversal of feeling.
“Astolpho was the first whom Melissa liberated, for Rogero had particularly recommended him to her care.”
Melissa freed Astolpho first, as Rogero had specifically asked her to look after him.
Rogero's request and Astolpho's liberation.