Orlando Furioso · Chapter
Canto XXXV explained
Astolpho, guided by the apostle John, observes the threads of future lives in the palace of the Fates, with special attention to a radiant fleece foretelling the birth of Hippolytus of Este.
What happens
Astolpho, guided by the apostle John, observes the threads of future lives in the palace of the Fates, with special attention to a radiant fleece foretelling the birth of Hippolytus of Este. Meanwhile, Bradamant, still grieving over Rogero's supposed inconstancy, encounters Flordelice and learns of Rodomont's bridge of death. She challenges Rodomont, defeats Grandonio and Ferraù, and demands to face Rogero, unaware that the knight she seeks is the very one she loves.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Chivalry
Bradamant's quest to avenge Isabella and her desire to prove Rogero's constancy intertwine love with knightly deeds.
Honor and Reputation
Bradamant's challenge to Rodomont and her demand for the release of prisoners are driven by a code of honor and the pursuit of glory.
Betrayal and Deception
Bradamant's belief that Rogero is faithless, and the ironic situation where she unknowingly seeks to fight him, highlight themes of perceived betrayal.
Characters to notice
- Astolpho
Guided by the apostle John, Astolpho views the threads of future lives in the palace, including the radiant fleece of Hippolytus of Este.
- Bradamant
Duke Aymon's daughter, she defeats Grandonio and Ferraù at Rodomont's bridge, and demands to face Rogero, still believing him faithless.
- Rodomont
The pagan king who guards the bridge; he agrees to Bradamant's pact but is defeated and forced to release his prisoners.
- Ferraù
Unhorsed by Bradamant; he returns to camp and informs Rogero of the mysterious knight's challenge.
- Rogero
Unaware that Bradamant is the challenger, he eagerly arms himself for the duel.
- Flordelice
Gentle Flordelice tells Bradamant the story of Isabella's murder by Rodomont.
Key passages
“The beauteous fleece he saw with wondrous glee Equalled by none amid that countless store; And when and whose such glorious life should be, Longed sore to know.”
Astolpho marvels at a uniquely radiant thread among the countless lives, and eagerly asks the apostle John whose destiny it represents.
This fleece symbolizes the future glory of Hippolytus of Este, a patron of the arts.
“The high-minded maid, to whom aye welcome are All noble quests, by which she worthily May hope a great and glorious name to bear, Straight to the paynim's bridge resolves to hie;”
Bradamant, always eager for honorable adventures that bring fame, decides to go directly to Rodomont's bridge.
Bradamant's motivation combines chivalric ambition with personal grief over Rogero.
“He seems an angel sent from Paradise; And, though he should not harm me with his lance, I am already quelled by that sweet glance.”
Ferraù, seeing Bradamant's face, feels himself conquered by her beauty before the joust even begins.
Ferraù's reaction underscores the power of Bradamant's appearance, blending martial and romantic themes.