# Canto XIV explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

King Agramant and Marsilius muster their troops, discovering that two squadrons have been slain by Orlando. Mandricardo, envious of Orlando's feats, sets out to find the black-clad knight. Meanwhile, Rinaldo, guided by an angel, approaches Paris, which is under siege by the Moors. The angel Michael is dispatched by God to find Silence and Discord, instructing Discord to sow strife among the pagan ranks.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Conflict

The chapter details the muster of armies, the aftermath of battle, and the ongoing siege of Paris, emphasizing the brutality and cost of war.

### Honor and Reputation

Mandricardo's envy of Orlando's martial feats drives his quest, highlighting the importance of glory and renown among knights.

### Magic and the Supernatural

Divine intervention occurs as God dispatches the angel Michael to find Silence and Discord, influencing the mortal conflict.

## Character check-ins

### Orlando

Has slain two squadrons of Agramant's army, wearing black surcoat and shield as a sign of mourning.

### Mandricardo

Son of Agrican, king of Tartary, envious of Orlando's deeds, sets out to find and challenge the black-clad knight.

### Agramant

King of Africa, musters his troops and learns of the losses inflicted by Orlando.

### Rinaldo

Approaches Paris with angelic guidance to aid the Christian host.

### Charlemagne

Prays humbly for divine aid as Paris is besieged by the Moors.

### Marsilius

King of Spain, reviews the troops alongside Agramant and gifts a chestnut courser to Mandricardo.

### Doralice

Mentioned as the object of Mandricardo's joy after his exploits.

## Key lines

> Two squadrons lack of those which muster under King Agramant, by single Roland slain; Hence furious Mandricardo, full of wonder And envy, seeks the count by hill and plain

Two of King Agramant's squadrons are missing because Orlando killed them alone, which makes Mandricardo angry and jealous, so he searches for Orlando across the countryside.

_Sets up Mandricardo's motivation for the ensuing quest._

> Find Silence first, and bid him, on my part, On this emprize attend thee, at thy side; Since he for such a quest, with happiest art Will know what is most fitting to provide. Next, where she sojourns, instantly impart To Discord my command, that she, supplied With steel and tinder, 'mid the paynims go, And fire and flame in their encampment blow;

God commands Michael to first find Silence to assist him, then go to Discord and order her to create strife among the pagan forces with fire and steel.

_Illustrates divine manipulation of the conflict._

## Links

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