Orlando Furioso · Chapter
Canto XVIII explained
Gryphon exacts vengeance on the townspeople who wronged him, while King Charles fights Rodomont.
What happens
Gryphon exacts vengeance on the townspeople who wronged him, while King Charles fights Rodomont. Marphisa overthrows Norandino's men, and Martano's cowardice is punished. Medoro and Cloridano venture into the Christian camp to recover their lord Dardinello's body, slaying many sleeping enemies. The battle continues with Dardinello's valiant stand and eventual death at Rinaldo's hands.
Themes in this chapter
War and Conflict
The canto is dominated by battles, skirmishes, and the chaos of war, with multiple characters engaging in combat.
Constancy and Fickleness
Medoro and Cloridan's unwavering loyalty to their fallen lord Dardinello contrasts with the fickle treatment Gryphon receives from Norandino.
Honor and Reputation
Gryphon's vengeance is driven by the stain on his honor, while Medoro seeks to honor his master with a proper burial.
Characters to notice
- Gryphon
Vengefully attacks the townspeople after being wronged by Norandino.
- Rodomont
Fights against King Charles and his knights, enduring multiple lance blows.
- Charlemagne
Leads the attack against Rodomont to protect his people.
- Medoro
Resolves to recover his lord Dardinello's body from the battlefield, showing loyalty.
- Cloridan
Accompanies Medoro into the Christian camp, slaying sleeping enemies.
- Dardinel
Fights valiantly in battle, rallying his troops, but is eventually slain by Rinaldo.
Key passages
“Two Moors amid the paynim army were, From stock obscure in Ptolomita grown; Of whom the story, an example rare Of constant love, is worthy to be known: Medoro and Cloridan were named the pair; Who, whether Fortune pleased to smile or frown, Served Dardinello with fidelity, and late with him to France had crost the sea.”
Two obscure Saracen soldiers, Medoro and Cloridan, are introduced as paragons of loyalty, having faithfully served their lord Dardinello and followed him to France.
Introduces the loyal pair who will risk their lives for their master.
“That he may lack not sepulture, will I Go forth, and seek him out among the slain; And haply God may will that none shall spy Where Charles's camp lies hushed.”
Medoro declares he will go out among the dead to find his lord and give him a proper burial, hoping God will keep the Christian camp asleep.
Medoro's courageous decision to recover Dardinello's body.
“A moment Cloridano stopt and cried; 'Not to be lost are opportunities. This troop, by whom my master's blood was shed, Medoro, ought not I to sacrifice?'”
Cloridan pauses and suggests they should seize the chance to kill the sleeping Christians who killed their master.
Cloridan's vengeful impulse as they enter the camp.