Canto III explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Magic and the Supernatural

  Merlin's prophetic cave, Melissa's enchantments, and Atlantes' magical castle dominate the chapter.

• Fate and Free Will

  Bradamant's destiny is foretold by Merlin, yet she must act to fulfill it by rescuing Rogero.

• Betrayal and Deception

  Pinabel's treacherous act of pushing Bradamant into the cave exemplifies betrayal.

Characters to notice

• Bradamant

  Restored to sense in Merlin's cave, receives prophecy of her lineage and instructions to rescue Rogero.

• Melissa

  Sage enchantress who guides Bradamant, reveals the prophecy, and explains how to obtain Brunello's ring.

• Rogero

  Imprisoned by Atlantes in an enchanted castle; Bradamant is tasked with his rescue.

• Pinabel

  Traitor who pushed Bradamant into the cave and fled, believing her dead.

• Brunello

  Baron of Agramant who carries the magic ring; Bradamant must take it from him.

• Atlantes

  Enchanter who holds Rogero captive in a steel-walled castle.

• Agramant

  King of Africa who sent Brunello with the ring to free Rogero.

Key passages

• “Who will vouchsafe me voice that shall ascend As high as I would raise my noble theme?”

  The poet invokes divine aid to sing of the illustrious Este lineage.

  Opening invocation for the prophetic genealogy.

• “This is the ancient memorable cave Which Merlin, that enchanter sage, did make:”

  Melissa identifies the cave as Merlin's creation.

  Setting the scene for the prophecy.

• “King Agramant of Africa a ring. Thieved from an Indian queen by subtle guiles, Has to a baron of his following Consigned, who now precedes us by few miles; Brunello he.”

  Melissa explains that Brunello carries a stolen ring that nullifies magic.

  Key plot point for Rogero's rescue.