# XXI explained — The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen

> Chapter companion for The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen by Rudolph Erich Raspe.

## What happens

The Baron insists on the veracity of his former memoirs and announces his plan to explore the interior of Africa. He consults with Hilaro Frosticos and Lady Fragrantia, receives a favor from her, and goes to court where he recalls the tragic fate of the Marquis de Bellecourt.

## Themes in this chapter

### Veracity and Lying

The Baron insists his tales are gospel truth, while the Marquis de Bellecourt laments that truth is hidden at the bottom of a well.

### Adventure and Exploration

The Baron plans to explore the interior of Africa, seeking the source of the Nile and the realm of Monomotapa.

## Character check-ins

### Baron Munchausen

Insists on the truth of his memoirs, plans African exploration, receives a favor from Lady Fragrantia, and goes to court.

### Hilaro Frosticos

The Baron's powerful friend at court; advises him on the African venture and places a cap of dignity on his head.

### Lady Fragrantia

A divine creature in love with the Baron; gives him a plume as a favor for his journey.

### Marquis de Bellecourt

Recalled in an anecdote about his disgrace at court; he laments that truth is found only at the bottom of a well.

## Key lines

> All that I have related before, said the Baron, is gospel; and if there be anyone so hardy as to deny it, I am ready to fight him with any weapon he pleases.

The Baron declares that everything he has told is absolutely true and challenges anyone who doubts it to a duel.

_The Baron's characteristic insistence on the veracity of his outrageous stories._

> Yes, for once, at least, truth shall be found⁠—in the bottom of a well!

The Marquis de Bellecourt bitterly remarks that truth can only be discovered in the depths of a well.

_A proverbial expression of disillusionment with courtly deceit._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_surprising_adventures_of_baron_munchausen_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxi
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_surprising_adventures_of_baron_munchausen_se/chapters