# Canto XXV explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

Rogero rescues Richardetto from execution, learns of Flordespina's unrequited love for Bradamant (disguised as a man), and struggles between his duty to King Agramant and his love for Bradamant. He writes a letter to Bradamant explaining his need to aid the Moorish camp before converting to Christianity and marrying her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Chivalry

Rogero's love for Bradamant conflicts with his chivalric duty to Agramant; Flordespina's unrequited love for Bradamant highlights the tension between desire and honor.

### Honor and Reputation

Rogero fears shame if he abandons his king, and writes to Bradamant to justify his actions to preserve his honor.

### Gender and Power

Flordespina's love for Bradamant, mistaken for a man, explores female desire and the constraints of gender roles.

## Character check-ins

### Rogero

Rescues Richardetto, writes a letter to Bradamant explaining his duty to Agramant, and plans to aid the Moorish camp.

### Richardetto

Condemned to death by Marsilius, rescued by Rogero from the flames.

### Bradamant

Mistaken for a man by Flordespina; stays with Flordespina and later returns to Mount Alban.

### Flordespine

Falls in love with Bradamant, believing her to be a man; later learns the truth and suffers unrequited desire.

### Aldigier

Hosts Rogero and Richardetto, guides them to rescue Vivian and Malagigi.

### Agramant

Sends dispatches requesting Rogero's aid against Charlemagne's siege.

### Vivian

Imprisoned and to be rescued by Aldigier, Rogero, and Richardetto.

### Malagigi

Imprisoned and to be rescued by Aldigier, Rogero, and Richardetto.

## Key lines

> He from that well a mile is hardly gone Ere he a courier sees arrive at speed, Of those dispatched by King Troyano's son To knights whom he awaited in his need; From him Rogero hears that 'so foredone By Charles are those who hold the paynim creed, They will, save quickly succoured in the strife, As quickly forfeit liberty and life.'

Rogero meets a courier from Agramant who warns that the Moorish forces are nearly defeated by Charlemagne and need immediate aid.

_This sets up Rogero's internal conflict between love and duty._

> As on the stripling's face he turns his eyes, Which hangs declined and wet with frequent tear, Rogero thinks he Bradamant descries; So much the youth resembles her in cheer: More sure the more intently he espies Her face and shape: when thus the cavalier; 'Or this is Bradamant, or I no more Am the Rogero which I was before.'

Rogero mistakes Richardetto for Bradamant due to their similar appearance, prompting him to intervene in the execution.

_Highlights Rogero's devotion and the theme of mistaken identity._

> Woman to woman's beauty still is blind; Nor ewe delights in ewe, nor hind in hind.

Flordespina laments that women are not naturally attracted to other women, making her love for Bradamant unnatural and painful.

_Reflects the theme of gender and power, and the rarity of same-sex desire in the epic._

> He, having thought on many things, in the end Resolves on writing what behoves; and, though He knows not how his letter he shall send, In the assurance it will safely go, This hinders not; he thinks that, as they wend, Chance in his way some faithful Post may throw; Nor more delays: up leaps the restless knight, And calls for pen and paper, ink and light.

Rogero decides to write a letter to Bradamant explaining his departure, trusting that he will find a messenger along the way.

_Shows Rogero's careful consideration of his honor and his relationship with Bradamant._

## Links

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