Bulfinch’s Mythology · Character

Orlando

Charlemagne's bravest paladin, whose devotion to a lady unhinges the very reason that made him feared.

major

Also known as Roland, the paladin Orlando, the Paladin Orlando, Orlando Mad Orlando, the frantic Orlando

First appearance: The Peers, or Paladins

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

One of Charlemagne's greatest paladins, known for his strength and tragic love for Angelica.

In the storyLegends of CharlemagneOpen this moment free

Orlando stands first among the paladins, his prowess the pride of Charlemagne's court. But his love for Angelica becomes an obsession that neither duty nor honor can temper, and the discovery of her union with another drives him past the edge of reason. His descent into madness is the epic's central catastrophe, transforming its greatest hero into its most pitiable figure.

See Orlando in Legends of Charlemagne Book page

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Character Web

60 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Greek and Trojan Heroes
Charlemagne's Paladins and Figures
Orlando Epic Characters

+55 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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Relationships

Astolpho
friendship · positive
Astolpho and Orlando are fellow paladins and cousins, sharing adventures in Charlemagne's… How this plays out →
Astolpho
friendship · positive
Astolpho and Orlando are fellow paladins and cousins, sharing adventures in Charlemagne's… How this plays out →
Astolpho
friendship · positive
Astolpho and Orlando are fellow paladins and cousins, sharing adventures in Charlemagne's… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Orlando in The Peers, or Paladins

In the story

Orlando appears across 24 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Legends of Charlemagne
One of Charlemagne's greatest paladins, known for his strength and tragic love for Angelica.
The Peers, or Paladins
Favorite nephew of Charlemagne, also known as Roland, and the first peer to be introduced in detail.
Orlando
Born in a cave in Sutri to exiled parents; grows up among peasants, surpasses them in strength, and later becomes Charlemagne's greatest knight.
Roland and Ferragus
The Christian paladin who defeats the giant Ferragus through cleverness and chivalry.
A Roland for an Oliver
Champion for Charlemagne, fights Oliver to a draw, then embraces him.
Rinaldo
Cousin of Rinaldo; his fame inspires Rinaldo's quest for glory.
The Tournament
Falls in love with Angelica and insists on being first to joust; later pursues her into the forest.
The Siege of Albracca
Seeks Angelica, drinks from the Cup of Oblivion, and becomes a prisoner; later disenchanted by Angelica.
Adventures of Rinaldo and Orlando
Fights Rinaldo, is sent by Angelica to destroy Falerina's garden, defeats a dragon, captures Falerina, slays a siren, and learns of Morgana.
The Invasion of France
Slayer of Almontes, possessor of Durindana; Mandricardo swears to take the sword from him.
The Invasion of France (Continued)
Held by passion for Angelica; helps her escape Albracca and travels to France; fights Rinaldo over Angelica; separated by Charlemagne.
The Orc
Mentioned as one of the knights trapped in Atlantes' enchanted castle.
Astolpho's Adventures Continued, and Isabella's Begun
Freed from Atlantes' castle, rescues Isabella from pirates, and reunites her with Zerbino.
Orlando Mad
Goes mad upon learning of Angelica's marriage to Medoro, destroys the grotto and fountain, and rampages through the forest.
Zerbino and Isabella
In his mad fury, approaches Rodomont's bridge, fights and falls with Rodomont into the river, then swims away.
Astolpho in Abyssinia
Mentioned as having lost his reason due to love for a Saracen princess; his sense is stored in a vial on the moon.
The War in Africa
Challenges Gradasso and Agramant to single combat on Lampedusa, fights with Balisardo, and later, in his madness, swims across the strait to Africa and arrives at Astolpho's camp.
Rogero and Bradamante
Supports Rogero's claim to Bradamante.
The Battle of Roncesvalles
Heroic paladin who refuses to suspect treachery, fights valiantly, and dies after blowing his horn to summon Charlemagne.
Ogier, the Dane
Young knight; pledges brotherhood in arms with Ogier after knighting ceremony.
A
Mentioned as the slayer of the magical ruffian Arridano and as the killer of Agrican.
D
Owner of the sword Durindana.
F
Mentioned as the opponent of the giant Ferragus.
O
Famous knight and nephew of Charlemagne.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Orlando unlock in the free preview.

See Orlando in The Peers, or Paladins

See Orlando in Legends of Charlemagne