# Canto XL explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

Agramant flees the burning Biserta as the Christian fleet, led by Sansonetto, attacks. Orlando, Olivier, and Brandimart lead the assault on the city. Brandimart climbs a ladder but it breaks; he alone holds the wall. Meanwhile, Rogero, torn between loyalty to Agramant and his oath to Rinaldo, decides to follow his king to Africa. Dudon captures seven Moorish kings and their ships.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Conflict

The canto depicts the brutal assault on Biserta, naval combat, and the chaos of battle.

### Honor and Reputation

Rogero struggles with his oath to Rinaldo versus his duty to Agramant, fearing accusations of baseness or fear.

### Betrayal and Deception

The broken pact between Agramant and Charlemagne is investigated; Rogero learns Agramant broke faith first.

## Character check-ins

### Agramant

Flees Biserta in a boat with Brigliador and precious things, grieving his earlier disbelief of Sobrino's warnings.

### Orlando

Leads the assault on Biserta, ordains fast and prayer, and later walks on the shore with companions.

### Brandimart

Climbs a ladder to the walls of Biserta, fights valiantly, and remains on the battlement when the ladder breaks.

### Rogero

Renews his compact with Rinaldo, inquires who broke faith, and decides to follow Agramant to Africa out of honor and duty.

### Dudon

Assaults the Moorish fleet, captures seven kings and their ships, and brings them to Marseilles.

### Sansonet

Leads the Christian fleet against Biserta, anchoring a mile off the port.

### Astolpho

Commands the Nubian troops with sling and arrow to harass the Moors during the assault.

### Sobrino

Flees with Agramant, having foreseen the disaster.

## Key lines

> To fly the royal Agramant is fain, And sees Biserta burning far away;

King Agramant is eager to flee and watches Biserta burn in the distance.

_Agramant's flight from the destruction of his city._

> Rogero ponders if he should remain, Or rather should his sovereign lord attend:

Rogero debates whether to stay or follow his king.

_Rogero's internal conflict between love and duty._

> Brandimart to the walls a ladder brought, Climbed, and to climb withal to others cried:

Brandimart brings a ladder to the wall, climbs it, and urges others to follow.

_Brandimart's heroic assault on Biserta's walls._

## Links

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