Orlando Furioso · Chapter
Canto XLI explained
Dudon consigns prisoners to the Child, who is wrecked at sea but escapes by swimming and becomes a faithful Christian.
What happens
Dudon consigns prisoners to the Child, who is wrecked at sea but escapes by swimming and becomes a faithful Christian. Meanwhile, Brandimart, Olivier, and Orlando charge the hostile three; Sobrino is wounded, and Gradasso and Agramant are killed. Rogero spares Dudon out of courtesy, and they make peace on condition that seven prisoners are freed. Dudon allows the Child to take the prisoners and a bark for Africa. At sea, a storm arises, threatening the vessel. On the island, Orlando, Olivier, and Brandimart encamp opposite Agramant's forces. Brandimart parleys with Agramant, urging him to convert to Christianity and avoid battle, but Agramant refuses. At dawn, the battle begins, while Rogero swims in the storm, tormented by his conscience and unfulfilled promises.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Rogero's courtesy in sparing Dudon and Agramant's refusal to act unworthy of a king highlight the importance of honor.
War and Conflict
The battle between Orlando, Brandimart, Olivier and the pagan kings Agramant, Gradasso, and Sobrino dominates the canto.
Fate and Free Will
Rogero's conscience and fear of Christ's wrath, along with Agramant's choice to fight despite potential doom, explore fate versus choice.
Characters to notice
- Orlando
Charges fiercely with Brandimart and Olivier; fights Sobrino and Gradasso; uses Balisarda to cleave Sobrino's shield and wound him.
- Brandimart
Fights alongside Orlando and Olivier; unhorses Sobrino; parleys with Agramant urging conversion; rides Frontino.
- Olivier
Engages Agramant in combat; fights alongside Orlando and Brandimart.
- Rogero
Spares Dudon out of courtesy; makes peace and secures release of seven prisoners; later swims in a storm, tormented by conscience and unfulfilled promises.
- Dudon
Consigns prisoners to the Child; allows the Child to take prisoners and a bark for Africa.
- Agramant
Fights Olivier; refuses Brandimart's counsel to convert; prepares for battle.
- Gradasso
Fights Brandimart and Orlando; is cleaved by Orlando's Balisarda.
- Sobrino
Unhorsed by Brandimart; wounded by Orlando's blow; left stunned on the shore.
Key passages
“His prisoners to the Child the Danish peer Consigns, who, homeward bound, are wrecked at sea; By swimming he escapes, and a sincere And faithful servant now of Christ is he.”
Dudon gives the prisoners to Rogero, who is shipwrecked but swims to safety and becomes a devout Christian.
Rogero's conversion and survival after shipwreck.
“Meanwhile bold Brandimart, and Olivier, And Roland fiercely charge the hostile three. Sobrino is left wounded in the strife; Gradasso and Agramant deprived of life.”
Brandimart, Olivier, and Orlando attack the three pagan kings, wounding Sobrino and killing Gradasso and Agramant.
Climactic battle scene.
“To him Rogero answered, 'and no less I covet peace, than 'tis desired by thee. But this upon condition, that those seven Are freed from bondage, and to me are given.'”
Rogero agrees to peace only if the seven prisoners are freed and given to him.
Rogero's condition for peace with Dudon.
“Thus Brandimart to Afric's cavalier; And much would have subjoined; but, on his side, That knight, with angry voice and haughty cheer, The pagan interrupted, and replied”
Brandimart tries to counsel Agramant, but Agramant angrily interrupts him.
Agramant's rejection of Brandimart's advice.
“Cleaving the flood with nimble hands and feet He swims, amid the horrid surges' roar, On him the threatening wind and tempest beat, But him his harassed conscience vexes more.”
Rogero swims through the storm, but his troubled conscience torments him more than the weather.
Rogero's internal struggle during the storm.
