# Orlando — Bulfinch’s Mythology character guide > Orlando in Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Roland, the paladin Orlando, the Paladin Orlando, Orlando Mad Orlando, the frantic Orlando **First appearance:** 0280-the-peers-or-paladins ## Snapshot Charlemagne's bravest paladin, whose devotion to a lady unhinges the very reason that made him feared. ## Who they are 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. ## Relationships ### [Astolpho](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/astolpho) _friendship_ Astolpho and Orlando are fellow paladins and cousins, sharing adventures in Charlemagne's service. ### [Astolpho](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/astolpho) _friendship_ Astolpho and Orlando are fellow paladins and cousins, sharing adventures in Charlemagne's service. ### [Astolpho](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/astolpho) _friendship_ Astolpho and Orlando are fellow paladins and cousins, sharing adventures in Charlemagne's service. ## In the story ### [Legends of Charlemagne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/legends-of-charlemagne) One of Charlemagne's greatest paladins, known for his strength and tragic love for Angelica. ### [The Peers, or Paladins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-peers-or-paladins) Favorite nephew of Charlemagne, also known as Roland, and the first peer to be introduced in detail. ### [Orlando](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/roland-and-ferragus) The Christian paladin who defeats the giant Ferragus through cleverness and chivalry. ### [A Roland for an Oliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/a-roland-for-an-oliver) Champion for Charlemagne, fights Oliver to a draw, then embraces him. ### [Rinaldo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/rinaldo) Cousin of Rinaldo; his fame inspires Rinaldo's quest for glory. ### [The Tournament](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-tournament) Falls in love with Angelica and insists on being first to joust; later pursues her into the forest. ### [The Siege of Albracca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-invasion-of-france) Slayer of Almontes, possessor of Durindana; Mandricardo swears to take the sword from him. ### [The Invasion of France (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-orc) Mentioned as one of the knights trapped in Atlantes' enchanted castle. ### [Astolpho's Adventures Continued, and Isabella's Begun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/astolpho-s-adventures-continued-and-isabella-s-begun) Freed from Atlantes' castle, rescues Isabella from pirates, and reunites her with Zerbino. ### [Orlando Mad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/rogero-and-bradamante) Supports Rogero's claim to Bradamante. ### [The Battle of Roncesvalles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ogier-the-dane) Young knight; pledges brotherhood in arms with Ogier after knighting ceremony. ### [A](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/a) Mentioned as the slayer of the magical ruffian Arridano and as the killer of Agrican. ### [D](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/d) Owner of the sword Durindana. ### [F](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/f) Mentioned as the opponent of the giant Ferragus. ### [O](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/o) Famous knight and nephew of Charlemagne. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/orlando - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters