# Of the arrival of Clavileño and the end of this protracted adventure explained — Don Quixote

> Chapter companion for Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se/chapters/part-ii-xli
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se/chapters