Canto XVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Betrayal and Deception

  Martano and Origille deceive Gryphon, stealing his identity and arms, leading to his public humiliation.

• Honor and Reputation

  Gryphon's honor is shattered by false accusations; the tournament serves as a public stage for shame and mockery.

• War and Conflict

  Rodomont's siege of Paris and Charlemagne's counterattack highlight the ongoing war between Christians and Saracens.

Characters to notice

• Charlemagne

  Leads his forces against Rodomont, rallies his fleeing people, and confronts the destruction in Paris.

• Rodomont

  Rampages through Paris, besieging the palace and causing widespread destruction.

• Gryphon

  Arrives in Damascus in stolen armor, is mistaken for Martano, and suffers public scorn.

• Martano

  Deceives Gryphon, steals his arms, and falsely accuses him of cowardice before King Norandino.

• Origille

  Accompanies Martano, supports his deception, and is revealed as his paramour.

• Norandino

  King of Syria, hosts the tournament, mocks Gryphon, and orders his detention.

Key passages

• “God, outraged by our rank iniquity, Whenever crimes have past remission’s bound, That mercy may with justice mingled be, Has monstrous and destructive tyrants crowned;”

  When human sin exceeds all limits, God allows cruel tyrants to rule as a form of divine punishment.

  Ariosto justifies tyranny as divine retribution for collective wickedness.

• “If verily most Christian you would be, —I speak to you, that catholic are hight⁠— Why slain by you Christ’s people do I see? Wherefore are they despoiled of their right? Why seek you not Jerusalem to free From renegades?”

  If you claim to be true Christians, why do you kill fellow Christians and neglect to reclaim Jerusalem from the Muslims?

  Ariosto criticizes European Christians for internal conflict instead of crusading.