Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Invasion of France explained
King Agramant of Africa convenes his vassals to plan an invasion of France to avenge his father's death.
What happens
King Agramant of Africa convenes his vassals to plan an invasion of France to avenge his father's death. Despite opposition from his wise councillor Sobrino and a prophetic warning from the aged king of the Garamantes, the fiery Rodomont pushes for war. The prophet declares that success depends on winning the young knight Rogero, descended from Hector, who is hidden by the magician Atlantes. The only way to break the enchantments is with Angelica's ring, which the dwarf Brunello steals. Agramant uses the ring to lure Rogero from his retreat, and Rogero joins the expedition. Meanwhile, the traitor Gano conspires with Marsilius of Spain, and Rodomont lands in France. Separately, the Tartar king Mandricardo undertakes a quest for Hector's armor, overcoming a champion, magical harvest beasts, and a serpent, ultimately winning the armor and swearing to take Durindana from Orlando.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Mandricardo's quest for Hector's armor and Agramant's campaign to win Rogero both exemplify the heroic quest for glory and destiny.
Fate and Free Will
The prophecy of the aged king and the magical constraints on Rogero highlight the tension between fate and individual choice.
Jealousy and Revenge
Agramant's desire to avenge his father's death and the traitorous schemes of Gano drive the conflict.
Characters to notice
- King Agramant
Convokes his vassals to plan invasion of France; seeks Rogero's alliance; rewards Brunello with a kingdom.
- Rodomont
Fiery king of Algiers who scorns cautious counsel and impatiently launches his own invasion of France.
- Rogero
Young knight descended from Hector, hidden by Atlantes; lured from his retreat by Agramant's tournament and joins the Saracen cause.
- Mandricardo
Tartar king who undertakes a perilous quest for Hector's armor, defeats Gradasso, and swears to win Durindana from Orlando.
- Gradasso
King of Sericane, defeated by Mandricardo while defending Hector's armor as a champion of the fairy.
- Angelica
Princess of Cathay; her ring, a talisman against enchantments, is stolen by Brunello.
- Orlando
Slayer of Almontes, possessor of Durindana; Mandricardo swears to take the sword from him.
- Gano
Traitor who conspires with Marsilius of Spain to invite Saracen forces into France.
Key passages
“If you have the courage to attempt their acquisition,' said the damsel, 'I will be your guide.'”
The damsel offered to guide Mandricardo if he dared to seek Hector's armor.
Sets up the heroic quest for the armor.
“Rodomont treated this declaration of the old prophet with scorn, and it would probably have been held of little weight by the council, had not the aged king, oppressed by the weight of years, expired in the very act of reaffirming his prediction.”
Rodomont dismissed the prophet's warning, but the king's death while speaking made the council take it seriously.
Dramatic moment that shifts the council's decision.
“Mandricardo, without replying, began to mow the harvest with his sword, but had scarce smitten thrice when he perceived that every stalk that fell was instantly transformed into some poisonous or ravenous animal, which prepared to assail him.”
Mandricardo cut the golden stalks, but each one turned into a dangerous beast that attacked him.
Magical obstacle in the quest for Hector's armor.
