Don Quixote · Chapter
Of the arrival of Clavileño and the end of this protracted adventure explained
The enchanted horse Clavileño arrives, and Don Quixote mounts it with Sancho Panza on the croup, despite Sancho's fears.
What happens
The enchanted horse Clavileño arrives, and Don Quixote mounts it with Sancho Panza on the croup, despite Sancho's fears. After a simulated flight with bellows and burning flax, they dismount to find the duennas' beards shaved. A parchment prophecy links the adventure to Dulcinea's disenchantment, and Sancho humorously describes his imaginary view of the earth and the seven goats.
Themes in this chapter
Reality vs. Illusion
The entire Clavileño flight is an elaborate illusion orchestrated by the duke and duchess, blurring the line between reality and fantasy for Don Quixote and Sancho.
Chivalry and Idealism
Don Quixote's willingness to mount Clavileño reflects his unwavering commitment to knightly ideals, even in the face of absurdity.
Friendship and Loyalty
Sancho's reluctant but loyal decision to accompany Don Quixote on the flight underscores their bond, despite his fears.
Characters to notice
- Don Quixote
Mounts Clavileño eagerly, reassures Sancho, and accepts the adventure as a knightly duty.
- Sancho Panza
Reluctantly mounts the croup, expresses fear, and later describes a fanciful view of the earth and goats.
- The Duke
Orchestrates the Clavileño hoax, reassures Sancho about his island, and feigns wonder after the adventure.
- The Duchess
Participates in the hoax, questions Sancho about his journey, and pretends to be amazed.
- The Countess Trifaldi
Urges Don Quixote to mount Clavileño, vanishes after the adventure, and is said to be shaved.
- Clavileño
The wooden horse brought by wild-men; carries Don Quixote and Sancho in the simulated flight.
- Malambruno
Referenced as the sender of Clavileño and the enchanter behind the duennas' plight.
- Merlin
Mentioned in the parchment as the arch-enchanter whose decree involves Dulcinea's disenchantment.
Key passages
“Let the knight who has heart for it mount this machine.”
The wild-man invites the brave knight to climb onto the wooden horse.
This line sets the stage for the mock adventure.
“I felt, señora, that we were flying through the region of fire, as my master told me, and I wanted to uncover my eyes for a bit.”
Sancho tells the duchess he sensed they were passing through a fiery zone and wished to peek.
Sancho's description of the flight blends his imagination with the hoax.
“I saw myself so close to the sky that there was not a palm and a half between me and it; and by everything that I can swear by, señora, it is mighty great!”
Sancho claims he was within a handspan of the sky and that it was enormous.
Sancho's exaggerated account of the sky highlights his credulity and humor.