# Canto XXVI explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

Marphisa joins Rogero, Richardet, and Aldigier to rescue prisoners from the Maganzese. Rogero learns that Rodomont has taken his horse Frontino and sets off to recover it. Meanwhile, Mandricardo and Rodomont, having suspended their quarrel over Doralice to aid King Agramant, encounter Marphisa and her companions at a fountain. Rogero catches up to Rodomont but the Saracen king refuses combat to prioritize aiding Agramant.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Reputation

Rogero's pursuit of Frontino is driven by honor and the need to avenge the theft; Rodomont's refusal to fight is motivated by his duty to his king.

### Love and Chivalry

Bradamant's love for Rogero motivates her actions; Rogero's quest is partly to prove his worth to her.

### War and Conflict

The overarching siege of King Agramant by Charlemagne frames the characters' decisions and alliances.

## Character check-ins

### Rogero

Leaves the group to pursue Rodomont and recover Frontino; receives a message from Bradamant via Hippalca.

### Marphisa

Revealed as the stranger who joins Rogero, Richardet, and Aldigier; later dons female attire and is challenged by Mandricardo.

### Mandricardo

Challenges Marphisa to a joust, intending to give her to Rodomont in exchange for Doralice; quarrel with Rodomont is suspended.

### Rodomont

Refuses Rogero's challenge to prioritize aiding King Agramant; previously took Frontino from Hippalca.

### Hippalca

Guides Rogero to Rodomont; delivers Bradamant's message and letter to Rogero.

### Richardetto

One of the three companions; yields the quest to recover Frontino to Rogero.

### Aldigier

One of the three companions; initially responds to Marphisa's challenge.

### Doralice

Cause of the discord between Mandricardo and Rodomont; travels with them.

## Key lines

> In former ages courteous ladies were, Who worshipt virtue, and not worldly gear. Women in this degenerate age are rare, To whom aught else but sordid gain is dear;

In the past, noble women valued virtue over wealth, but now few care for anything but money.

_The narrator laments the decline of female virtue, contrasting it with Bradamant's selflessness._

> Bradamant well would deathless praise inherit, Who nor in wealth nor empire took delight; But in Rogero's worth, excelling spirit, In his unbounded gentlesse; and aright For this did good Duke Aymon's daughter merit To be beloved of such a valorous knight;

Bradamant deserves eternal praise because she valued Rogero's character and nobility, not riches or power.

_Highlights Bradamant's virtuous love for Rogero, a key theme in the canto._

> He told, "why he refused the strife;" and prayed, "As well Rogero the design

Rodomont explained why he would not fight and asked Rogero to understand his purpose.

_Rodomont prioritizes aiding Agramant over personal combat, showing his sense of duty._

## Links

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