Orlando Furioso · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.
Chapter 1
To Sir Walter Scott, of Abbotsford, Bart.
The poet dedicates the work to Sir Walter Scott, crediting him with encouraging the resumption of the poem after it had been abandoned. He compares his labor to that of a peasant tilling a field, finding sweetness in the work itself regardless of the reward.
Chapter 2
Orlando Furioso
The chapter introduces the epic tale of Orlando, a knight of Charlemagne, and the complex web of love, war, and magic that drives the narrative. It sets the stage for the conflicts between Christian and Saracen forces, the pursuit of Angelica, and the various adventures of knights like Rogero, Bradamant, and others.
Chapter 3
Canto I
Angelica flees through the forest to escape danger. Rinaldo loses his horse Bayardo and fights Ferraù. Ferraù breaks an oath but later swears a new one. King Sacripant encounters Angelica and laments his unrequited love. The chapter introduces the central conflict between Christian and Moorish armies, and sets up Orlando's madness and the love triangle between Orlando, Rinaldo, and Angelica.
Chapter 4
Canto II
Bradamant, seeking to free Rogero from Atlantes' enchanted castle, is guided by the treacherous Pinabel, who plots to abandon her. Meanwhile, Rinaldo and Sacripant duel over Angelica, who flees from Rinaldo. Bradamant encounters a grieving knight who recounts the abduction of his lady by a winged rider to a steel castle, and learns that Rogero and Gradasso have gone to challenge the sorcerer.
Chapter 5
Canto III
Bradamant, restored to sense in Merlin's cave, meets the sage Melissa who reveals the prophecy of her illustrious lineage and instructs her on how to rescue Rogero from Atlantes' enchanted castle. Melissa explains that Brunello possesses a magic ring that can nullify sorcery, and Bradamant must obtain it to free Rogero.
Chapter 6
Canto IV
Bradamant, using the magical ring, deceives Brunello and confronts the enchanter Atlantes, freeing Rogero and other captives from his castle. Rogero mounts the hippogryph and flies away. Meanwhile, Rinaldo arrives in Scotland and learns of Princess Geneura's plight under a harsh law, vowing to defend her.
Chapter 7
Canto V
Dalinda recounts to Rinaldo how she was deceived by Polinesso, who feigned love for her while secretly pursuing Geneura. Polinesso used Dalinda to gain access to Geneura's chambers and then plotted to ruin Geneura's reputation. Lurcanio, believing his brother Ariodantes dead due to Polinesso's scheming, accuses Geneura of infidelity. A mysterious knight arrives to defend Geneura in combat, and Rinaldo, having learned the truth from Dalinda, rides to the lists to intervene.
Chapter 8
Canto VI
Rogero arrives in Alcina's realm, where he learns from a myrtle (the transformed Astolpho) of the fairy's treacherous nature. Meanwhile, the story of Ariodantes and Geneura concludes with Ariodantes revealing himself, defeating Lurcanio, and marrying Geneura. Rogero resolves to avoid Alcina's trap and seeks a path to Logistilla's domain.
Chapter 9
Canto VII
Rogero, guided by two damsels, overthrows the giantess Eriphila and proceeds to Alcina's palace. There he is welcomed by the beautiful fay Alcina and her court, but Melissa the enchantress reveals Alcina's true hideous form using a magic ring. Advised by Melissa, Rogero feigns normalcy, reclaims his armor and sword Balisarda, and escapes on the steed Rabicano toward Logistilla's realm. Meanwhile, Bradamant seeks news of Rogero and is comforted by Melissa, who promises to rescue him from Alcina's enchantments.
Chapter 10
Canto VIII
Rogero escapes Alcina's realm using Atlantes' magic shield, while Melissa restores Astolpho and others to their true forms. Rinaldo gathers forces to aid Charlemagne against the Moorish siege. Angelica, found asleep by pirates, is captured and taken to the island of Ebuda to be sacrificed to the orc. Orlando, warned in a vision, reluctantly departs Paris.
Chapter 11
Canto IX
Orlando, disguised in Arab weeds, searches the Moorish camp for Angelica but cannot find her. He then encounters a damsel (Olympia) who tells him her tragic story: her father and brothers were killed by King Cymosco of Friesland, who forced her to marry his son; she and a faithful servant killed the bridegroom and escaped, but Cymosco captured her beloved Bireno and now demands her surrender in exchange for Bireno's freedom. Orlando promises to help her and save both lovers.
Chapter 12
Canto X
Bireno's fickle heart betrays Olympia, abandoning her on a deserted island for a younger woman. Meanwhile, Rogero, having escaped Alcina's enchantments, arrives at Logistilla's virtuous realm, where he is reunited with Astolpho and learns to control the hippogryph before departing on a new aerial journey.
Chapter 13
Canto XI
Angelica uses her magic ring to vanish from Rogero's grasp, escaping into a cave. Rogero, distraught, loses both the ring and his griffin-horse. He then witnesses a giant attacking a knight, who is revealed to be Bradamant. Meanwhile, Orlando frees Olympia from the orc, and Oberto, King of Ireland, arrives and learns of Bireno's betrayal.
Chapter 14
Canto XII
Orlando, in a fury, pursues a knight who has taken his lady-love, only to find himself trapped in the enchanted palace of Atlantes, where many other knights are also imprisoned. He later encounters a maiden in a cave, and the canto also features a confrontation between Orlando, Sacripant, and Ferraù over Angelica.
Chapter 15
Canto XIII
Orlando hears the story of Isabella, who recounts her love for Zerbino and her imprisonment. Bradamant, guided by Melissa, seeks to free Rogero from Atlantes' enchanted palace, where she must resist the wizard's illusions. Meanwhile, Agramant reviews his army.
Chapter 16
Canto XIV
King Agramant and Marsilius muster their troops, discovering that two squadrons have been slain by Orlando. Mandricardo, envious of Orlando's feats, sets out to find the black-clad knight. Meanwhile, Rinaldo, guided by an angel, approaches Paris, which is under siege by the Moors. The angel Michael is dispatched by God to find Silence and Discord, instructing Discord to sow strife among the pagan ranks.
Chapter 17
Canto XV
Astolpho, aided by the fairy Logistilla, departs from her realm with a magical book and horn. He sails eastward, learning from Andronica about future voyages and the destined unification of the world under Emperor Charles V. Meanwhile, the siege of Paris continues with heavy losses for the Saracens. Astolpho encounters Gryphon and Aquilant battling the enchanted Orrilo, and uses his book to discover that Orrilo can only be killed by plucking a single hair from his head.
Chapter 18
Canto XVI
Gryphon pursues the faithless Origille to Damascus, where he encounters her with her new lover Martano. Meanwhile, the battle outside Paris intensifies: Ferraù rallies the Saracens, Agramant leads a massive assault, and Rinaldo rescues Zerbino. Inside Paris, Rodomont wreaks havoc with fire and sword, forcing Charlemagne to respond.
Chapter 19
Canto XVII
King Charles confronts Rodomont's rampage in Paris, while Gryphon is deceived by Martano and Origille in Damascus, leading to his public humiliation in a tournament.
Chapter 20
Canto XVIII
Gryphon exacts vengeance on the townspeople who wronged him, while King Charles fights Rodomont. Marphisa overthrows Norandino's men, and Martano's cowardice is punished. Medoro and Cloridano venture into the Christian camp to recover their lord Dardinello's body, slaying many sleeping enemies. The battle continues with Dardinello's valiant stand and eventual death at Rinaldo's hands.
Chapter 21
Canto XIX
Angelica heals Medoro and marries him, then they depart for Catay. Marphisa and her companions endure a storm at sea and encounter Guido the Savage.
Chapter 22
Canto XX
Astolpho uses his horn to chase Guido and his followers from a foul haunt, sets fire to the town, and roams the world. Marphisa, angered over Gabrina, confronts Zerbino and forces him to become Gabrina's guardian, from whom Zerbino learns news of Isabella. The canto also includes a lengthy digression on the achievements of women, and Guido the Savage recounts the story of the matriarchal society founded by Orontea and the trials imposed on male arrivals.
Chapter 23
Canto XXI
The knight recounts the tragic story of his brother Philander, who was falsely accused by the treacherous Gabrina, leading to the accidental murder of his friend Argaeus and his subsequent imprisonment.
Chapter 24
Canto XXII
Astolpho destroys Atlantes' magic towers and frees the prisoners. Bradamant finds Rogero, and together they encounter a weeping woman who tells them of a youth condemned to be burned for love. They set out to rescue him but must first pass a castle where Pinnabel has imposed a shameful law. Bradamant recognizes Pinnabel as the traitor who once threw her into a tomb and pursues him through the forest. Meanwhile, Rogero faces three knights from the castle in single combat, using the enchanted shield as a last resort.
Chapter 25
Canto XXIII
Bradamant slays the treacherous Pinnabel and then wanders lost in the woods, lamenting her separation from Rogero. Rodomont seizes Frontino from Hippalca and challenges Rogero. Zerbino discovers Pinnabel's body and is later suspected of the murder. Astolpho prepares to depart on the Hippogryph and entrusts Rabican to Bradamant. Orlando, learning from a shepherd of Angelica's love for Medoro, is driven to madness and roams the forest in despair.
Chapter 26
Canto XXIV
Zerbino confronts Odoric for his treachery against Isabella, but is interrupted by Gabrina's arrival. Mandricardo claims Durindana, which Orlando had cast aside in his madness. Zerbino challenges Mandricardo for the sword, but is gravely wounded in the ensuing duel.
Chapter 27
Canto XXV
Rogero rescues Richardetto from execution, learns of Flordespina's unrequited love for Bradamant (disguised as a man), and struggles between his duty to King Agramant and his love for Bradamant. He writes a letter to Bradamant explaining his need to aid the Moorish camp before converting to Christianity and marrying her.
Chapter 28
Canto XXVI
Marphisa joins Rogero, Richardet, and Aldigier to rescue prisoners from the Maganzese. Rogero learns that Rodomont has taken his horse Frontino and sets off to recover it. Meanwhile, Mandricardo and Rodomont, having suspended their quarrel over Doralice to aid King Agramant, encounter Marphisa and her companions at a fountain. Rogero catches up to Rodomont but the Saracen king refuses combat to prioritize aiding Agramant.
Chapter 29
Canto XXVII
After Rogero and the three paynim kings defeat Charlemagne, the Christian army retreats to Paris. Discord erupts among the Saracen leaders, leading to a quarrel between Rodomont and Sacripant over the horse Frontino. Agramant attempts to mediate but fails. Meanwhile, Malagigi's ill-advised plan inadvertently brings the Saracen forces upon the Christians, and the fiendish palfrey carries Doralice to her father's hold. Rodomont, enraged by love and betrayal, vents against women and his sovereign, then departs for Africa.
Chapter 30
Canto XXVIII
King Rodomont listens to the landlord's misogynistic tale of King Astolpho and Jocundo, who test women's fidelity and find them all faithless. An elder in the audience defends women, arguing that men are equally unfaithful and that the blame should be shared.
Chapter 31
Canto XXIX
Isabella, to preserve her chastity from the pagan king Rodomont, tricks him into believing she can make him invulnerable with a magical bath. She anoints herself and bids him strike her neck with his sword; he does so, beheading her. Her soul ascends to heaven, and Rodomont, stricken with remorse, builds a bridge and tomb in her honor, where he challenges all passersby.
Chapter 32
Canto XXX
Orlando, in his madness, continues his rampage across Spain, killing a shepherd and stealing his horse, then plunging into the sea after a boat. Meanwhile, Rogero slays King Mandricardo in a duel over the eagle emblem, after which Agramant honors Rogero and tends to his wounds. Bradamant, awaiting Rogero's return, receives a letter from him via Hippalca and laments his delay, fearing for his safety. The chapter also recounts Doralice's attempts to dissuade Mandricardo from the duel, which ultimately proceeds.
Chapter 33
Canto XXXI
Rinaldo and Dudon unite against Agramant's forces, scattering them. Brandimart fights Rodomont for Orlando's sake but is captured. Rinaldo contends with Gradasso for Bayardo. The chapter also reflects on jealousy and love's pains, and follows Rinaldo's return to Paris.
Chapter 34
Canto XXXII
Bradamant, despairing over Rogero's delay, hears rumors that he is romantically involved with Marphisa. Consumed by jealousy and grief, she resolves to confront Marphisa and possibly die in battle. She dons a mourning surcoat and sets out, encountering Ullania and three kings along the way.
Chapter 35
Canto XXXIII
Bradamant views prophetic paintings in Merlin's hall, foretelling future wars and the fate of French kings in Italy. The chapter also depicts her restless night and dream of Rogero, the shaming of knights by a woman's spear, and the ongoing duel between Rinaldo and Gradasso for Bayardo and Durindana, interrupted by a monstrous bird.
Chapter 36
Canto XXXIV
Astolpho descends into the infernal pit, where he encounters the spirit of Lydia, who recounts her story of pride and ingratitude toward the Thracian knight Alcestes, leading to her eternal punishment in smoke. Afterward, Astolpho ascends to the terrestrial paradise, where he is advised by John the Evangelist, recovers Orlando's lost wits, and sees the Fates spinning their threads before returning to earth.
Chapter 37
Canto XXXV
Astolpho, guided by the apostle John, observes the threads of future lives in the palace of the Fates, with special attention to a radiant fleece foretelling the birth of Hippolytus of Este. Meanwhile, Bradamant, still grieving over Rogero's supposed inconstancy, encounters Flordelice and learns of Rodomont's bridge of death. She challenges Rodomont, defeats Grandonio and Ferraù, and demands to face Rogero, unaware that the knight she seeks is the very one she loves.
Chapter 38
Canto XXXVI
Bradamant and Marphisa engage in fierce combat, but Rogero intervenes. The two women fight with fury until a voice from a marble monument reveals that Rogero and Marphisa are brother and sister, children of Galaciëlla and Rogero, ending their strife.
Chapter 39
Canto XXXVII
Rogero and the two damsels encounter Ulania mourning after her mantle was shorn by Marganor. Marphisa takes fierce revenge on Marganor, and Ulania slays him. The canto also includes a lengthy defense of women's honor, recounting the story of Drusilla who avenges her husband Olindro by poisoning Tanacro.
Chapter 40
Canto XXXVIII
Marphisa arrives in Arles to be baptized, guided by Bradamant. Astolpho descends from heaven and supplies the Nubian king with sight, then harries Agramant's land. Agramant, persuaded by Sobrino, agrees to settle the war by single combat between Rogero and Rinaldo. Charles accepts, and both sides prepare for the duel. Bradamant is distraught at the prospect of Rogero fighting her brother, but Melissa promises to intervene.
Chapter 41
Canto XXXIX
Agramant breaks the pact and is overthrown, forcing him to flee France for Africa. Meanwhile, Astolpho besieges Biserta with a Nubian host, and Orlando is discovered as a mad wild man. Through Astolpho's intervention, Orlando is restored to his senses. At sea, Dudon harries Agramant's fleet. Rogero and Rinaldo duel, but the battle is interrupted when Melissa, disguised as Rodomont, tricks Agramant into breaking the truce, leading to a general melee. Bradamant and Marphisa join the fray. Flordelice and Bardino arrive to inform Brandimart of his father's death and his inheritance.
Chapter 42
Canto XL
Agramant flees the burning Biserta as the Christian fleet, led by Sansonetto, attacks. Orlando, Olivier, and Brandimart lead the assault on the city. Brandimart climbs a ladder but it breaks; he alone holds the wall. Meanwhile, Rogero, torn between loyalty to Agramant and his oath to Rinaldo, decides to follow his king to Africa. Dudon captures seven Moorish kings and their ships.
Chapter 43
Canto XLI
Dudon consigns prisoners to the Child, who is wrecked at sea but escapes by swimming and becomes a faithful Christian. Meanwhile, Brandimart, Olivier, and Orlando charge the hostile three; Sobrino is wounded, and Gradasso and Agramant are killed. Rogero spares Dudon out of courtesy, and they make peace on condition that seven prisoners are freed. Dudon allows the Child to take the prisoners and a bark for Africa. At sea, a storm arises, threatening the vessel. On the island, Orlando, Olivier, and Brandimart encamp opposite Agramant's forces. Brandimart parleys with Agramant, urging him to convert to Christianity and avoid battle, but Agramant refuses. At dawn, the battle begins, while Rogero swims in the storm, tormented by his conscience and unfulfilled promises.
Chapter 44
Canto XLII
Orlando avenges Brandimart's death by slaying Agramant and Gradasso. Rinaldo, still tormented by love for Angelica, seeks Malagigi's aid. Bradamant laments Rogero's broken oath. Rinaldo is hosted by a mysterious cavalier who presents him with a magical cup that reveals a wife's fidelity.
Chapter 45
Canto XLIII
Rinaldo hears from his host the tale of a jealous husband who, persuaded by the enchantress Melissa, tests his wife's fidelity with a magical cup, only to lose her to avarice. Rinaldo then continues his journey by boat toward Ravenna, reflecting on the folly of seeking proof of a spouse's faithfulness.
Chapter 46
Canto XLIV
Rinaldo pledges his sister to Rogero, and they journey to Marseilles. After a fierce battle, King Otho's son arrives. They proceed to Paris, where great honor is bestowed upon the company. Rogero departs, intent on killing Leo, to whom Duke Aymon had betrothed his daughter. The hermit's counsel unites Rinaldo and Rogero in friendship and affinity, but Aymon's promise to Constantine for Leo creates turmoil. Bradamant boldly petitions Charlemagne to let her choose her husband through combat. Rogero laments his lowly fortune and fears losing Bradamant, who sends him a message of unwavering fidelity.
Chapter 47
Canto XLV
Rogero, disguised as Leo, faces Bradamant in combat to fulfill his promise to Leo. He fights without his enchanted lance or Frontino to avoid recognition. After the battle, Charlemagne awards Bradamant to Leo. Rogero, despairing, flees into a dark wood, intending to die. Leo searches for him in vain.
Chapter 48
Canto XLVI
Leo discovers Rogero near death from grief over Bradamant, and in a display of supreme courtesy, yields his claim to her. Rogero is revived and reconciled, and the two return to Charlemagne's court. The canto also includes the poet's vision of welcoming friends and patrons upon his return.
Chapter 49
Endnotes
The endnotes provide commentary on various elements of Orlando Furioso, including mythological and medieval fountains, the character of Rinaldo, the genealogy of the Este family, historical and literary parallels, and explanations of chivalric customs, magic, and weaponry.
