Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Rogero and Bradamante explained
Rogero, distraught over losing Bradamante to Prince Leo, seeks combat with the prince but ends up aiding the Bulgarians against the Greeks.
What happens
Rogero, distraught over losing Bradamante to Prince Leo, seeks combat with the prince but ends up aiding the Bulgarians against the Greeks. He is captured and imprisoned by Theodora. Bradamante secures a boon from Charlemagne that she must only marry someone who can defeat her in combat. Prince Leo, unaware of Rogero's identity, befriends him and asks for his help to win Bradamante. Rogero, in disguise, fights Bradamante to a draw, then reveals his identity. Leo, moved by Rogero's honor, renounces his claim and reunites Rogero with Bradamante. Rogero is offered the Bulgarian crown and marries Bradamante with her parents' consent.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
Rogero's despair and eventual joy are driven by his love for Bradamante, leading to personal transformation and reconciliation.
Heroism and the Quest
Rogero's quest to win Bradamante involves combat, disguise, and selfless acts of heroism.
Hospitality and Its Violation
Rogero is betrayed and captured while sleeping in a cottage, violating the expected hospitality.
Characters to notice
- Rogero
Disguises himself as the Knight of the Unicorn to fight Prince Leo, later befriends Leo and wins Bradamante.
- Bradamante
Secures a boon from Charlemagne to only marry a knight who can defeat her in combat; fights Rogero unknowingly.
- Prince Leo
Grecian prince who seeks Bradamante's hand but ultimately renounces his claim out of courtesy to Rogero.
- Marphisa
Rogero's sister who defends his claim and joyfully reunites with him.
- Charlemagne
Emperor who grants Bradamante's boon and presides over the tournament and marriage.
- Rinaldo of Montalban
Supports Rogero's claim to Bradamante.
- Orlando
Supports Rogero's claim to Bradamante.
- Duke Aymon
Bradamante's father who initially opposes Rogero but later consents to the marriage.
Key passages
“But Bradamante, though respect forbade her to refuse her mother’s entreaty, would not promise to do what her heart repelled, and answered only with a sigh, until she was alone, and then gave a loose to tears.”
Bradamante, out of respect, could not outright refuse her mother's request, but she would not agree to something her heart rejected, so she sighed and waited until she was alone to cry freely.
Bradamante's internal conflict between duty and love.
“He spoke in such moving accents that Rogero could not choose but yield.”
Prince Leo's words were so heartfelt that Rogero felt compelled to give in.
Leo's persuasive kindness moves Rogero to reveal his identity.
“And if I would willingly have done so then, how much more gladly will I now restore the gift of which you would rob yourself to confer it upon me.”
If I would have helped you then, I am even more eager now to give back the prize you would sacrifice for me.
Leo's selfless renunciation of Bradamante out of respect for Rogero.
