# The Orc explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-orc
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters