# Canto XIII explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Chivalry

Isabella's devotion to Zerbino and Bradamant's quest for Rogero exemplify the chivalric ideal of love driving heroic action.

### Magic and the Supernatural

Atlantes' enchanted palace and Melissa's prophetic powers highlight the pervasive influence of magic in the narrative.

### Betrayal and Deception

Atlantes uses illusions to deceive knights, trapping them in his palace, while Isabella's trust in Odoric is betrayed.

## Character check-ins

### Orlando

Hears Isabella's tale of woe and later punishes her captors.

### Isabella

Recounts her love for Zerbino and her imprisonment to Orlando.

### Zerbino

Isabella's beloved, the Scottish prince who planned to elope with her.

### Bradamant

Guided by Melissa, she seeks to free Rogero from Atlantes' magic.

### Rogero

Imprisoned by Atlantes; Bradamant aims to rescue him.

### Melissa

The sage enchantress who guides Bradamant and reveals prophecies about her lineage.

### Atlantes

The wizard who traps knights in his enchanted palace using illusions.

### Agramant

Ranks his army for review.

## Key lines

> Above I told you how a gentle maid Orlando had discovered under ground, And asked, 'by whom she thither was conveyed?'

Earlier, I recounted how Orlando found a young woman in a cave and inquired about her captor.

_Recap of Isabella's discovery by Orlando._

> Lo! I am Isabel, who once was styled The daughter of Gallicia's hapless king: I said aright who was ; but now the child (No longer his ) of care and suffering: The fault of Love, by whom I was beguiled;

I am Isabella, once the princess of Gallicia, but now I am a prisoner of sorrow, all because of love's deception.

_Isabella introduces herself and blames love for her plight._

> Fear not for thy Rogero; he is well And safe (she cried), and ever worships thee, As wonted; but thy foe, that wizard fell, Him yet again deprives of liberty.

Melissa reassures Bradamant that Rogero is safe and still loves her, but the evil wizard Atlantes has imprisoned him again.

_Melissa's message to Bradamant about Rogero's captivity._

> Hard will it seem to slay, full well I know, The wight, in whom Rogero you descry: But, for truth is not in the lying show, Trust not to sight where magic blears the eye.

I know it will be difficult for you to kill someone who looks like Rogero, but do not trust your eyes, for magic deceives them.

_Melissa warns Bradamant not to be fooled by Atlantes' illusions._

## Links

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