# Canto XXXIII explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

Bradamant views prophetic paintings in Merlin's hall, foretelling future wars and the fate of French kings in Italy. The chapter also depicts her restless night and dream of Rogero, the shaming of knights by a woman's spear, and the ongoing duel between Rinaldo and Gradasso for Bayardo and Durindana, interrupted by a monstrous bird.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Free Will

The prophetic paintings in Merlin's hall depict future events, suggesting a predetermined destiny for the French kings in Italy.

### War and Conflict

The chapter is filled with depictions of battles, duels, and military campaigns, both in the paintings and in the ongoing fight between Rinaldo and Gradasso.

### Magic and the Supernatural

Merlin's magic creates the prophetic hall; a monstrous bird interrupts the duel; Bradamant's dream carries a supernatural quality.

### Honor and Reputation

Knights are shamed by being unhorsed by a woman, leading them to swear off arms for a year to restore their honor.

## Character check-ins

### Bradamant

Views the prophetic paintings in Merlin's hall, then suffers a restless night and dreams of Rogero.

### Rogero

Appears in Bradamant's dream, reassuring her of his fidelity.

### Rinaldo

Engages in a fierce duel with Gradasso for Bayardo and Durindana.

### Gradasso

Fights Rinaldo for possession of Bayardo and Durindana.

### Bayardo

The horse fought over by Rinaldo and Gradasso; seen beset by a monstrous bird.

### Durindana

The sword sought by Gradasso in his duel with Rinaldo.

### Astolpho

Mentioned as the English knight who arrives in Nubia and drives the Harpies from the royal board.

### Aymon

Mentioned as Duke Aymon, father of Bradamant.

## Key lines

> Bradamant sees in picture future fight There, where she gained admission by the spear.

Bradamant views a painted depiction of a future battle in the very hall she entered by force.

_Introduces the prophetic paintings in Merlin's hall._

> The king is taken, is conveyed to Spain; And all upon Pescara’s lord bestow And him of that inseparable twain— Of Guasto hight—the praise and prime renown For that great king captived and host o’erthrown.

King Francis I is captured and taken to Spain, with the credit for his capture and the victory going to the lords of Pescara and Guasto.

_Describes the aftermath of the Battle of Pavia._

> They good Bayardo by a monster view, —A bird, and bigger than that courser—prest.

Rinaldo and Gradasso see Bayardo being attacked by a monstrous bird larger than the horse itself.

_Interruption of the duel by a supernatural creature._

## Links

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