Orlando Furioso · Chapter
Canto XXX explained
Orlando, in his madness, continues his rampage across Spain, killing a shepherd and stealing his horse, then plunging into the sea after a boat.
What happens
Orlando, in his madness, continues his rampage across Spain, killing a shepherd and stealing his horse, then plunging into the sea after a boat. Meanwhile, Rogero slays King Mandricardo in a duel over the eagle emblem, after which Agramant honors Rogero and tends to his wounds. Bradamant, awaiting Rogero's return, receives a letter from him via Hippalca and laments his delay, fearing for his safety. The chapter also recounts Doralice's attempts to dissuade Mandricardo from the duel, which ultimately proceeds.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Chivalry
Bradamant's anxious love for Rogero and Doralice's grief for Mandricardo highlight the intertwining of romantic devotion with knightly deeds.
War and Conflict
The duel between Rogero and Mandricardo, as well as Orlando's destructive rampage, underscore the central role of combat and violence.
Honor and Reputation
Mandricardo's insistence on the duel over the eagle emblem and Rogero's desire to prove his right to bear it reflect the importance of honor and reputation.
Characters to notice
- Orlando
Continues his mad rampage, killing a shepherd and stealing his horse, then riding into the sea after a boat.
- Rogero
Slays King Mandricardo in a duel over the eagle emblem; is wounded but cared for by Agramant's physician.
- Bradamant
Anxiously awaits Rogero's return, receives a letter from him via Hippalca, and laments his delay.
- Agramant
Honors Rogero after the duel, tends to his wounds, and gives him Mandricardo's arms and Brigliador.
- Mandricardo
Slain by Rogero in the duel over the eagle emblem; his arms are given to Rogero.
- Doralice
Mourns Mandricardo but is tempted by Rogero's merits; unsuccessfully tries to dissuade Mandricardo from the duel.
- Hippalca
Returns to Bradamant with news of Rogero and delivers his letter.
- Gradasso
Mentioned as having been Mandricardo's prisoner; receives Durindana after the duel.
Key passages
“When Reason, giving way to heat of blood, Herself from hasty choler ill defends, And, hurried on by blind and furious mood, We with the tongue or hand molest our friends, Though the offence is, after, wept and rued, The penance which we pay is poor amends.”
When anger overcomes reason, we lash out at friends with words or actions, only to regret it later, but apologies cannot undo the harm.
The narrator reflects on the folly of acting in blind rage, a theme echoed in Orlando's madness.
“He, now King Mandricardo is no more, Esteems him the united world before.”
With Mandricardo dead, Agramant values Rogero above all others in the world.
Agramant's high regard for Rogero after the duel.
“Alas! alas! Rogero, that above Myself hast evermore been prized by me, Who would have thought thou more than me could'st love Any, and most thy mortal enemy?”
Bradamant laments that Rogero seems to care more for his enemy than for her, as he aids Agramant instead of returning to her.
Bradamant's jealous and fearful lament over Rogero's loyalty.
