# Canto XXVII explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

After Rogero and the three paynim kings defeat Charlemagne, the Christian army retreats to Paris. Discord erupts among the Saracen leaders, leading to a quarrel between Rodomont and Sacripant over the horse Frontino. Agramant attempts to mediate but fails. Meanwhile, Malagigi's ill-advised plan inadvertently brings the Saracen forces upon the Christians, and the fiendish palfrey carries Doralice to her father's hold. Rodomont, enraged by love and betrayal, vents against women and his sovereign, then departs for Africa.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Malagigi's ill-advised plan leads to unintended consequences, and Rodomont feels betrayed by Doralice and Agramant.

### Honor and Reputation

Sacripant and Rodomont quarrel over the horse Frontino, each asserting their right and honor.

### War and Conflict

Internal strife among the Saracen leaders threatens their unity after defeating Charlemagne.

## Character check-ins

### Rogero

Defeats Charlemagne alongside the paynim kings.

### Charlemagne

Flees to Paris after defeat.

### Rodomont

Quarrels with Sacripant over Frontino; vents against women and Agramant; departs for Africa.

### Sacripant

Claims Frontino was stolen from him; fights Rodomont over the horse.

### Agramant

Attempts to mediate the quarrel between Rodomont and Sacripant.

### Malagigi

His ill-advised plan leads to the Saracen forces attacking the Christians.

### Doralice

Carried away by the fiendish palfrey to her father's hold.

### Marphisa

Recognizes the stolen horse Frontino and recalls her own faulchion being taken.

## Key lines

> By good Rogero and those paynims three Defeated, Charlemagne to Paris flies.

Rogero and three pagan kings defeat Charlemagne, who flees to Paris.

_Opening of the chapter._

> A woman for the most part reasons best Upon a sudden motion, and untaught; For with that special grace the sex is blest, ’Mid those so many gifts, wherewith ’tis fraught; But man, of a less nimble wit possest, Is ill at counsel, save, with sober thought, He ruminates thereon, content to spend Care, time and trouble to mature his end.

Women are quick-witted and intuitive, while men need careful deliberation to make good decisions.

_Narrator's commentary on gender differences._

> These plaints and countless others to the wind Poured forth the paynim knight, to fury stirred; Now easing in low tone his troubled mind, And now in sounds which were at distance heard, In shame and in reproach of womankind; Yet certes he from sober reason erred: For we may deem a hundred good abound, Where one or two perchance are evil found.

Rodomont rants against women, but the narrator notes that most women are good, and only a few are bad.

_Rodomont's misogynistic outburst._

## Links

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