Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Death of Rinaldo explained
The chapter recounts the final days of Rinaldo, from his humble life as a pilgrim and laborer in Cologne to his martyrdom at the hands of jealous workmen.
What happens
The chapter recounts the final days of Rinaldo, from his humble life as a pilgrim and laborer in Cologne to his martyrdom at the hands of jealous workmen. It also includes the earlier episode of the siege of his castle, the sacrifice of his beloved horse Bayard to secure peace with King Charles, and the miraculous transport of his body to Dortmund, where he becomes a patron saint.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Immortality
Rinaldo's death as a martyr and his body's miraculous journey to Dortmund highlight the transition from mortal life to sainthood and eternal legacy.
Heroism and the Quest
Rinaldo's humble labor and self-sacrifice, even after his days of knightly glory, redefine heroism as spiritual devotion and endurance.
Hospitality and Its Violation
The workmen's betrayal and murder of Rinaldo, who had served faithfully, violate the bonds of community and hospitality.
Characters to notice
- Rinaldo of Montalban
Rinaldo, now old and infirm, returns to France, lives humbly, works as a laborer building St. Peter's Church in Cologne, and is martyred by jealous workmen. His body is miraculously transported to Dortmund.
- Charlot
Charlot demands Bayard as part of the peace terms and repeatedly tries to drown the horse, showing his cruelty.
- King Arthur
Referenced as King Charles (Charlemagne) who grants peace to Rinaldo and his brothers after their mother's intercession.
- Astolpho
Bayard, Rinaldo's horse, is a central figure; he is given to Charlot, survives multiple drowning attempts, and is finally killed.
Key passages
“strength returned to him, till it was equal to what it was in his best days. And though he never mounted a horse, nor took a sword in his hand, yet with his pilgrim's staff he did good service in the armies of the Christians; and it pleased God that he escaped unhurt, though he was present in many battles, and his courage inspired the men with the same.”
Rinaldo regained his full strength and, though he no longer rode a horse or wielded a sword, he served Christian armies effectively with his pilgrim's staff, inspiring others with his courage and remaining unharmed in battle.
Describes Rinaldo's later life as a pilgrim warrior.
“When the pious hero arrived at Cologne he went to the monastery of St. Peter, and lived a holy life, occupied night and day in devotion.”
Upon reaching Cologne, Rinaldo entered the monastery of St. Peter and devoted himself entirely to a holy life of prayer.
Highlights Rinaldo's turn to monastic devotion.
“Then Rinaldo took the horse Bayard, gave him to Charlot, and said, 'My lord and prince, this horse I give to you; do with him as to you seems good.'”
Rinaldo handed Bayard over to Prince Charlot, telling him he could do whatever he wished with the horse.
Rinaldo's reluctant surrender of his loyal horse to secure peace.
“When now the body with the coffin was put on the cart, the cart began to move toward Dortmund without horses or help of men, and stopped not till it reached the place where the church of St. Rinaldo now stands.”
The cart carrying Rinaldo's coffin moved on its own to Dortmund, stopping only at the site where his church now stands.
The miraculous transport of Rinaldo's body to Dortmund.