# Canto XXIV explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

Zerbino confronts Odoric for his treachery against Isabella, but is interrupted by Gabrina's arrival. Mandricardo claims Durindana, which Orlando had cast aside in his madness. Zerbino challenges Mandricardo for the sword, but is gravely wounded in the ensuing duel.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Reputation

Zerbino's defense of Durindana and his refusal to yield the sword without a fight underscores the chivalric code of honor.

### Betrayal and Deception

Odoric's treachery against Isabella and Zerbino's struggle to decide his punishment highlight themes of betrayal and justice.

### War and Conflict

The duel between Zerbino and Mandricardo exemplifies the violent conflicts among knights.

## Character check-ins

### Zerbino

Prince of Scotland; confronts Odoric and is mortally wounded by Mandricardo.

### Isabella

Zerbino's beloved; present during the duel and distraught by his wound.

### Odoric

Traitor who betrayed Isabella; brought before Zerbino in chains.

### Gabrina

Old harridan; arrives on a palfrey, seeking succour.

### Mandricardo

Tartar king; claims Durindana and wounds Zerbino in combat.

### Orlando

Mentioned as having cast away Durindana in his madness.

## Key lines

> Let him make haste his feet to disengage, Nor lime his wings, whom Love has made a prize; For love, in fine, is nought but phrensied rage, By universal suffrage of the wise

Love is a form of madness, and those caught by it should hurry to free themselves before they are trapped.

_The narrator reflects on the folly of love, comparing it to a frenzy._

> He by one leg the heavy trunk in air Upheaved, and made a mace the rest to bray.

Orlando lifted a dead shepherd by one leg and used the body as a club to beat others.

_Description of Orlando's mad violence against the shepherds._

> The stronger is the enemy, the more Easily is the vanquished side excused

It is easier to forgive someone who surrenders to a stronger foe.

_Odoric's plea for mercy, arguing that he yielded to superior force._

> None can (he said) the action reprehend, Nor first I make the faulchion mine to-day; And to its just possession I pretend Where'er I find it, be it where it may.

Mandricardo claims that no one can blame him for taking Durindana, as he asserts his right to the sword wherever he finds it.

_Mandricardo justifies his seizure of Orlando's sword._

## Links

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