# Canto XV explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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