# Canto X explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Bireno's treacherous abandonment of Olympia exemplifies the theme of betrayal, as he feigns love while plotting to leave her.

### Constancy and Fickleness

Olympia's unwavering faithfulness contrasts sharply with Bireno's fickle desire for a younger woman, highlighting the theme of constancy versus fickleness.

### Magic and the Supernatural

Logistilla's magical realm, the hippogryph, and the enchanted gems that reveal the soul all underscore the supernatural elements in this canto.

## Character check-ins

### Bireno

Betrays Olympia, abandoning her on an island for a younger woman.

### Olympia

Abandoned by Bireno on a deserted island after her faithful love.

### Rogero

Arrives at Logistilla's realm, learns to control the hippogryph, and departs on a new journey.

### Logistilla

Hosts Rogero and Astolpho, provides guidance and a magical bit for the hippogryph.

### Astolpho

Guest at Logistilla's realm, reunited with Rogero, seeks to return to Charlemagne's court.

### Melissa

Acts as an ambassador for Rogero and Astolpho to Logistilla.

### Alcina

Mentioned as the enchantress Rogero has left behind.

## Key lines

> Another love assails Bireno's breast, Who leaves one night Olympia on the shore.

Bireno's heart is seized by a new love, causing him to abandon Olympia alone on the shore overnight.

_Summarizes Bireno's betrayal at the start of the canto._

> To Logistilla's holy realm addressed, Rogero goes, nor heeds Alcina more:

Rogero travels to Logistilla's virtuous kingdom, no longer paying attention to Alcina.

_Describes Rogero's shift from Alcina to Logistilla._

> Olympia lap in slumber so profound, No sheltered bear or dormouse sleeps more sound.

Olympia slept so deeply that not even a hibernating bear or dormouse could sleep more soundly.

_Emphasizes Olympia's deep, unsuspecting sleep before her abandonment._

> He shows her what to do, if he on high Would make him soar, or down to earth would bring;

Logistilla instructs Rogero on how to make the hippogryph ascend or descend.

_Describes the training Rogero receives to control the magical steed._

## Links

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