# Canto XLII explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

Orlando avenges Brandimart's death by slaying Agramant and Gradasso. Rinaldo, still tormented by love for Angelica, seeks Malagigi's aid. Bradamant laments Rogero's broken oath. Rinaldo is hosted by a mysterious cavalier who presents him with a magical cup that reveals a wife's fidelity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Chivalry

Rinaldo's persistent love for Angelica and Bradamant's lament for Rogero highlight the theme of love intertwined with knightly honor.

### Betrayal and Deception

Bradamant feels betrayed by Rogero's broken oath; the magical cup tests marital fidelity.

### Honor and Reputation

Orlando's vengeance for Brandimart and the cup's test of a wife's faithfulness underscore concerns with honor.

## Character check-ins

### Orlando

Slays Agramant and Gradasso in vengeance for Brandimart's death.

### Rinaldo

Still loves Angelica; seeks Malagigi's help and later is tested with a magical cup.

### Bradamant

Grieves over Rogero's perjury and seeks comfort from Marphisa.

### Rogero

Accused by Bradamant of breaking his oath.

### Malagigi

Consulted by Rinaldo about Angelica; summons a demon to explain Rinaldo's love.

### Marphisa

Offers comfort to Bradamant and promises to confront Rogero.

## Key lines

> The victory with Count Orlando lies; But good Rinaldo and Bradamant at heart, (One for Angelica, the other sighs For young Rogero) suffer cruel smart.

Orlando is victorious, but Rinaldo and Bradamant are tormented by love—Rinaldo for Angelica, Bradamant for Rogero.

_Introduces the emotional contrast between Orlando's triumph and the lovers' suffering._

> Drink, and a mighty marvel shall be seen; For if thou wearest Cornwall's lofty crest, No drop of wine shall pass thy lips between, And all the draught be spilt upon thy breast. If faithful is thy wife, thou shalt drink clean.

The host explains that if Rinaldo drinks from the cup and his wife is unfaithful, the wine will spill; if she is faithful, he will drink without incident.

_The magical cup serves as a test of marital fidelity._

## Links

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