Bulfinch’s Mythology · Character

Rinaldo of Montalban

Charlemagne's nephew and Orlando's cousin, a paladin whose loyalty to his brothers outweighed even his loyalty to the crown.

supporting

Also known as Rinaldo, Montalban, the illustrious Rinaldo

First appearance: Rinaldo

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

A paladin of Charlemagne, often rivaling Orlando in prowess and love.

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Rinaldo is the head of the house of Montalban, and his feud with the emperor over the horse Bayard and the grievances of his family drives some of the cycle's bitterest sieges. When starvation forces his garrison to consider killing Bayard, the horse kneels like a suppliant, and Rinaldo's heart fails him, a moment that reveals how much of his defiance is personal rather than political. His eventual submission, brokered by his mother Aya, restores him to the king's favor and sets up his later role among the peers.

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Character Web

59 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Greek and Trojan Heroes
Orlando Epic Characters
Protagonist
Charlemagne Epic Antagonists and Allies

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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

Rinaldo of Montalban appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Legends of Charlemagne
A paladin of Charlemagne, often rivaling Orlando in prowess and love.
The Peers, or Paladins
Cousin of Orlando and one of the most distinguished Paladins.
Rinaldo
The protagonist of the chapter; a nephew of Charlemagne and cousin of Orlando, who seeks glory and subdues the horse Bayard.
The Tournament
Blushes with desire for Angelica; chases her and later battles a giant.
The Siege of Albracca
Sent against Gradasso but tricked by Malagigi into leaving the army.
Adventures of Rinaldo and Orlando
Main protagonist; overcomes a monster, battles a giant and griffin, obtains Rabican, fights Orlando, and is later defeated by Arridano.
The Invasion of France (Continued)
Interrupted in combat with Rodomont; enters the forest of Arden, is punished by a vision of dancers, drinks from the waters of Love, repents his ingratitude to Angelica, and sets off to find her.
The War in Africa
Selected as champion for the Christians in the proposed single combat; the truce is broken during his fight with Rogero.
Rogero and Bradamante
Supports Rogero's claim to Bradamante.
The Battle of Roncesvalles
Paladin who arrives too late to join the battle, but later finds Orlando before his death.
Rinaldo and Bayard
The paladin who loses his horse Bayard and later recovers it with Malagigi's help.
Death of Rinaldo
Rinaldo, now old and infirm, returns to France, lives humbly, works as a laborer building St. Peter's Church in Cologne, and is martyred by jealous workmen. His body is miraculously transported to Dortmund.
A
Mentioned as the son of Aymon and Aya, and as the target of the spirit Ashtaroth.
F
His sword Fusberta is listed.
R
One of the bravest knights of Charlemagne, noted in this chapter.

Chapter companion notes

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