Orlando Furioso · Chapter
Canto XV explained
Astolpho, aided by the fairy Logistilla, departs from her realm with a magical book and horn.
What happens
Astolpho, aided by the fairy Logistilla, departs from her realm with a magical book and horn. He sails eastward, learning from Andronica about future voyages and the destined unification of the world under Emperor Charles V. Meanwhile, the siege of Paris continues with heavy losses for the Saracens. Astolpho encounters Gryphon and Aquilant battling the enchanted Orrilo, and uses his book to discover that Orrilo can only be killed by plucking a single hair from his head.
Themes in this chapter
Magic and the Supernatural
Logistilla's magical gifts, the enchanted Orrilo who reattaches limbs, and the book that reveals his weakness dominate the chapter.
War and Conflict
The siege of Paris continues with heavy Saracen losses; Rodomont's reckless assault leads to a massacre in the fiery ditch.
Fate and Free Will
Andronica's prophecy foretells the destined unification of the world under Charles V, suggesting a predetermined historical course.
Characters to notice
- Astolpho
Departs Logistilla's realm with magical gifts; learns of future explorations; defeats Orrilo by discovering his secret weakness.
- Logistilla
Provides Astolpho with a ship, a book against magic, and a horn that causes flight; sends Andronica and Sophrosina to guide him.
- Gryphon
Fights Orrilo alongside Aquilant; later joins Astolpho and learns of his lady's ill tidings.
- Aquilant
Battles Orrilo with Gryphon; welcomes Astolpho after the fight.
- Orrilo
Enchanted warrior who can reattach severed limbs; defeated by Astolpho who learns his secret.
- Rodomont
Survives the fiery ditch at Paris; curses heaven after his troops are destroyed.
- Agramant
Leads an assault on a gate of Paris but is thwarted by Charlemagne's defenders.
- Charlemagne
Defends Paris with a host of paladins including Ogier, Duke Namus, and others.
Key passages
“Though Conquest fruit of skill or fortune be, To conquer always is a glorious thing.”
Victory is always praiseworthy, whether achieved through skill or luck.
Reflects on the nature of glory in battle.
“How man should guard himself from magic cheats The book instructed, which the fay bestowed;”
The book Logistilla gave taught how to protect oneself from magical deceptions.
Astolpho receives a guide against enchantments.
“I say, the horn is of such horrid sound, That, wheresoe'er 'tis heard, all fly for fear;”
The horn's terrifying blast makes everyone flee in panic.
Description of the magical horn's power.
“But in the course of circling years I view From farthest lands which catch the western ray, New Argonauts put forth, and Tiphys new Opening, till now an undiscovered way.”
In future centuries, I see new explorers setting out from the far west, discovering a route that was previously unknown.
Andronica's prophecy of Columbus-like voyages.
“How he who of one hair deprived the pest, Only could him in battle hope to quell: But this plucked out or sheared, he from his breast Parforce the felon's spirit would expell.”
The only way to defeat the monster is to remove a single hair from his head; once that is done, his soul will be forced out.
Astolpho learns Orrilo's secret weakness from the book.
