# Canto VI explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Alcina's false love and transformation of her lovers, Polinesso's treachery against Geneura, and the theme of hidden truths revealed.

### Love and Chivalry

Ariodantes' constant love for Geneura despite her apparent betrayal, and Rogero's quest to avoid Alcina's enchantment.

### Magic and the Supernatural

Alcina's magic that transforms humans into plants, the hippogryph as a magical steed, and the enchanted island.

## Character check-ins

### Rogero

Arrives in Alcina's realm, learns of her treachery from the transformed Astolpho, and resolves to seek Logistilla.

### Astolpho

Transformed into a myrtle tree by Alcina, warns Rogero of her deceit and tells of his own fate.

### Alcina

The false fairy who transforms her lovers into plants, rocks, or beasts; Rogero is warned to avoid her.

### Ariodantes

Reveals himself alive, defeats his brother Lurcanio in combat, and is granted Geneura's hand and Albany's duchy.

### Geneura

Accused by Lurcanio, defended by Ariodantes, and ultimately married to him with her father's blessing.

### Lurcanio

Accuses Geneura of infidelity, is defeated by Ariodantes in combat.

### Polinesso

The villain who plotted against Geneura; dies in the duel and his duchy is forfeited.

### Rinaldo

Advises the king to grant Geneura to Ariodantes and intercedes for Dalinda's pardon.

## Key lines

> Clasped in her dainty limbs, and lapt in pleasure, I weened that I each separate good had won, Which to mankind is dealt in different measure, Little or more to some, and much to none.

Astolpho recalls being so enraptured by Alcina's embrace that he believed he had attained every possible happiness, though such joy is rarely granted to anyone.

_Astolpho's lament about his former bliss with Alcina, now lost._

> Late I discerned her light and fickle bent, Still loving and unloving at a heat: Two months, I reigned not more, no sooner spent, Than a new paramour assumed my seat;

Astolpho realized too late that Alcina is fickle, loving and then discarding lovers quickly; he ruled for only two months before being replaced.

_Astolpho warns Rogero of Alcina's inconstancy._

> Ariodantes (long his doubts are weighed) Will meet his brother in Geneura’s aid.

After much deliberation, Ariodantes decides to fight his own brother Lurcanio to defend Geneura's honor.

_Ariodantes' resolve to defend Geneura despite believing she wronged him._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orlando_furioso_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters