Bulfinch’s Mythology · Character

Zerbino

Scottish prince and lover of Isabella, a tragic figure in Orlando Furioso.

minor

Also known as Isabella, Isabella Zerbino

Zerbino shows up with force in Astolpho's Adventures Continued, and Isabella's Begun. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Daughter of the king of Galicia, secretly married to Zerbino, betrayed by Oderic, imprisoned by pirates, rescued by Orlando.

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In Astolpho's Adventures Continued, and Isabella's Begun: Daughter of the king of Galicia, secretly married to Zerbino, betrayed by Oderic, imprisoned by pirates, rescued by Orlando. Later, in Astolpho's Adventures…

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See Zerbino in Zerbino and Isabella

Character Web

36 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Arthurian and Romance Knights
Charlemagne Epic Antagonists and Allies
Greek and Trojan Heroes

+31 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

Zerbino appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Astolpho's Adventures Continued, and Isabella's Begun
Daughter of the king of Galicia, secretly married to Zerbino, betrayed by Oderic, imprisoned by pirates, rescued by Orlando.
Astolpho's Adventures Continued, and Isabella's Begun
Son of the king of Scotland, secretly married to Isabella, captured by Count Anselm's men, rescued by Orlando and reunited with Isabella.
Medoro
A Christian commander who captures Medoro but is moved by his plea, though a subordinate wounds Medoro.
Orlando Mad
Finds Orlando's scattered arms, hangs them as a trophy, and is later defeated by Mandricardo.
Orlando Mad
Aids Zerbino in collecting Orlando's arms and witnesses the subsequent battle.
Zerbino and Isabella
Dies from wounds after the Tartar prince takes his sword; his last words implore Isabella to live and be faithful.
Zerbino and Isabella
Grieves Zerbino's death, vows fidelity, is captured by Rodomont, and tricks him into beheading her to preserve her vow.
Z
A knight, son of the king of Scotland.

Chapter companion notes

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