# Canto XXXVI explained — Orlando Furioso

> Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

## What happens

Bradamant and Marphisa engage in fierce combat, but Rogero intervenes. The two women fight with fury until a voice from a marble monument reveals that Rogero and Marphisa are brother and sister, children of Galaciëlla and Rogero, ending their strife.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Reputation

The combat between Bradamant and Marphisa is driven by perceived slights and the defense of personal honor.

### Betrayal and Deception

Bradamant suspects Rogero of infidelity with Marphisa, leading to her fury and the conflict.

### Fate and Free Will

The revelation of Rogero and Marphisa's sibling bond is a fateful twist that resolves the strife.

## Character check-ins

### Bradamant

Duke Aymon's daughter, fights Marphisa and later recognizes Rogero's voice.

### Marphisa

Fierce warrior who battles Bradamant and is revealed to be Rogero's sister.

### Rogero

Intervenes in the fight between Bradamant and Marphisa, learns he is Marphisa's brother.

### Ferraù

Mentioned as having been unhorsed by Bradamant and questioned about the mysterious knight.

### Agramant

Present as Rogero dons his armor in view of him.

## Key lines

> Where’er they be, all hearts of gentle strain Still cannot choose but courtesy pursue; For they from nature and from habit gain What they henceforth can never more undo.

Noble hearts everywhere naturally and habitually practice courtesy, which becomes an unbreakable part of their character.

_Reflects the theme of constancy and the innate goodness of gentle souls._

> The horrid voice exclaims, “Your quarrel leave; For ’twere a deed unjust and inhumane, That brother should of life his sister reave, Or sister by her brother’s hand be slain. Rogero and Marphisa mine, believe! The tale which I deliver is not vain. Seed of one father, on one womb ye lay; And first together saw the light of day.”

A terrifying voice from the monument commands them to stop fighting, revealing that Rogero and Marphisa are twin brother and sister, children of the same parents.

_Climactic revelation that resolves the conflict and establishes a new familial bond._

## Links

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