Orlando Furioso · Chapter
Canto XI explained
Angelica uses her magic ring to vanish from Rogero's grasp, escaping into a cave.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Angelica deceives Rogero by vanishing with the ring; Bireno's betrayal of Olympia is recounted.
Love and Chivalry
Rogero's desire for Angelica and his later concern for Bradamant; Orlando's rescue of Olympia as a chivalric act.
Magic and the Supernatural
Angelica's magic ring grants invisibility; the griffin-horse and the orc are supernatural elements.
Characters to notice
- Angelica
Escapes Rogero using the magic ring, hides in a cave, and later disguises herself in rustic clothes to return to the Levant.
- Rogero
Loses Angelica and the ring, then witnesses a giant attacking Bradamant and rushes to her aid.
- Bradamant
Revealed as the knight under attack by a giant; Rogero sees her face when her helmet is removed.
- Orlando
Frees Olympia from the orc by thrusting an anchor down its throat, then meets Oberto and recounts Bireno's treachery.
- Olympia
Rescued by Orlando from the orc; she recounts Bireno's betrayal and is later described in detail.
- Oberto
King of Ireland who arrives after the orc's death, recognizes Orlando, and learns of Bireno's betrayal of Olympia.
- Bireno
Mentioned as the false spouse who betrayed Olympia, leaving her to pirates.
Key passages
“Although a feeble rein, in mid career, Will oft suffice to stop courageous horse; ’Tis seldom Reason’s bit will serve to steer Desire, or turn him from his furious course, When pleasure is in reach”
A weak rein can stop a horse, but reason rarely controls desire when pleasure is near.
Introduces Rogero's inability to resist Angelica.
“Ungrateful damsel! and is this the pay You render for the service done?”
Rogero accuses Angelica of ingratitude for vanishing after he saved her.
Rogero's frustration at Angelica's escape.
“He heard a din, and fearful clashing sound Of arms, and hurrying on with eager pace ’Twixt tree and tree, two furious champions found”
Rogero hears a loud clash of arms and finds two warriors fighting fiercely in the woods.
Rogero discovers the battle between the giant and Bradamant.
“Of his sweet lady, of his passing fair, And dearest Bradamant Rogero spies The lovely visage, of its helmet bare”
Rogero sees the face of his beloved Bradamant when her helmet is removed.
Reveals Bradamant's identity to Rogero.
“Oberto, though the Paladin to sight Was dripping, and with water foul and gore; ... Knew him, because a page of honour he Had been in France”
Oberto recognizes Orlando despite his grimy appearance, having served as a page in France.
Oberto identifies Orlando after the orc battle.
