Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Orc explained
Angelica, fleeing her lovers, is tricked by a magician and abandoned on the island of Ebuda, where she is captured to be sacrificed to the sea-monster Orc.
What happens
Angelica, fleeing her lovers, is tricked by a magician and abandoned on the island of Ebuda, where she is captured to be sacrificed to the sea-monster Orc. Meanwhile, Rogero, riding the Hippogriff, rescues her but is betrayed when she uses a magic ring to disappear. Rogero then encounters a phantom of Bradamante and is lured into the enchanted castle of Atlantes, where many knights are trapped.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
Angelica's betrayal of Rogero after his rescue highlights the transformative and often deceptive nature of love.
Heroism and the Quest
Rogero's quest to rescue Angelica and later Bradamante exemplifies the heroic journey, though thwarted by enchantment.
Fate and Free Will
Angelica's capture by the Ebudians and Rogero's entrapment in Atlantes' castle illustrate the tension between fate and individual agency.
Characters to notice
- Angelica
Flees her lovers, is abandoned on Ebuda, captured for sacrifice, rescued by Rogero, then escapes using the magic ring.
- Rogero
Rides the Hippogriff, rescues Angelica, is betrayed, then pursues a phantom of Bradamante into Atlantes' enchanted castle.
- Bradamante
Defends Marseilles, is guided by Melissa to rescue Rogero, but is deceived by a phantom and becomes trapped in the enchanted castle.
- Melissa
Guides Bradamante to the enchanted castle, warns her of Atlantes' illusions.
- Atlantes
The magician who creates illusions to trap Rogero and other knights in his enchanted castle.
- Orlando
Mentioned as one of the knights trapped in Atlantes' enchanted castle.
- Gradasso
Mentioned as one of the knights trapped in Atlantes' enchanted castle.
Key passages
“Cruel fortune, have you not yet exhausted your rage against me? To what new miseries do you doom me? Alas! then finish your work! Deliver me a prey to some ferocious beast, or by whatever fate you choose bring me to an end. I will be thankful to you for terminating my life and my misery.”
Angelica laments her cruel fate, begging fortune to end her suffering by any means.
Angelica's despair upon being abandoned on Ebuda.
“Thankless beauty, is this then the reward you make me? Do you prefer to rob me of my ring rather than receive it as a gift? Willingly would I have given it to you, had you but asked it.”
Rogero reproaches Angelica for stealing the ring instead of accepting it as a gift.
Rogero's reaction to Angelica's betrayal after he rescued her.