Bulfinch’s Mythology · Character

Angelica

The princess of Cathay whose beauty turns knights into rivals, and whose enchanted ring lets her slip through besieging armies.

supporting

Also known as this Angelica, cease loving Angelica

First appearance: The Siege of Albracca

As a supporting figure in Bulfinch’s Mythology, Angelica is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A beautiful princess from Cathay, object of desire for many paladins, including Orlando and Rinaldo.

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Angelica is the elusive prize of the Orlando romances, a princess whose charms set paladins against one another even as her city falls around her. Trapped in a citadel with dwindling supplies, she rides out alone through enemy lines, relying on her enchanted ring and her own nerve. Her flight sets knights like Sacripant, Rogero, and Bradamante in motion, making her the quiet engine of the epic's wandering plots.

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Character Web

34 connections

A slice of how Angelica sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Orlando Epic Characters
Greek and Trojan Heroes

+29 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…

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In the story

Angelica appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Legends of Charlemagne
A beautiful princess from Cathay, object of desire for many paladins, including Orlando and Rinaldo.
The Tournament
Arrives with her brother Argalia to challenge the knights; uses her enchanted ring to escape.
The Siege of Albracca
Besieged in Albracca by Agrican; escapes with her ring, disenchants Orlando and others, then returns to relieve the citadel.
Adventures of Rinaldo and Orlando
Sends Orlando to destroy Falerina's garden; sends Bayard to Rinaldo in an attempt to win his love.
The Invasion of France
Princess of Cathay; her ring, a talisman against enchantments, is stolen by Brunello.
The Invasion of France (Continued)
Flees from Rinaldo and Orlando; drinks from the fountain of Disdain; escapes into the forest; encounters Sacripant and asks for his aid.
The Orc
Flees her lovers, is abandoned on Ebuda, captured for sacrifice, rescued by Rogero, then escapes using the magic ring.
Medoro
The Princess of Cathay who heals Medoro, falls in love with him, and marries him, giving him sovereignty over her lands.
Orlando Mad
Her marriage to Medoro is the cause of Orlando's madness; she is mentioned as having given a bracelet to the shepherd.
Huon of Bordeaux (Continued)
Not present; no match found.

Chapter companion notes

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See Angelica in The Siege of Albracca

See Angelica in Legends of Charlemagne