Orlando Furioso · Chapter
Canto XLII explained
Orlando avenges Brandimart's death by slaying Agramant and Gradasso.
What happens
Orlando avenges Brandimart's death by slaying Agramant and Gradasso. Rinaldo, still tormented by love for Angelica, seeks Malagigi's aid. Bradamant laments Rogero's broken oath. Rinaldo is hosted by a mysterious cavalier who presents him with a magical cup that reveals a wife's fidelity.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Astolpho, usin…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Chivalry
Rinaldo's persistent love for Angelica and Bradamant's lament for Rogero highlight the theme of love intertwined with knightly honor.
- Betrayal and Deception
Bradamant feels betrayed by Rogero's broken oath; the magical cup tests marital fidelity.
- Honor and Reputation
Orlando's vengeance for Brandimart and the cup's test of a wife's faithfulness underscore concerns with honor.
Characters to notice
- Orlando
Slays Agramant and Gradasso in vengeance for Brandimart's death.
- Rinaldo
Still loves Angelica; seeks Malagigi's help and later is tested with a magical cup.
- Bradamant
Grieves over Rogero's perjury and seeks comfort from Marphisa.
- Rogero
Accused by Bradamant of breaking his oath.
- Malagigi
Consulted by Rinaldo about Angelica; summons a demon to explain Rinaldo's love.
- Marphisa
Offers comfort to Bradamant and promises to confront Rogero.
Key passages
“The victory with Count Orlando lies; But good Rinaldo and Bradamant at heart, (One for Angelica, the other sighs For young Rogero) suffer cruel smart.”
Orlando is victorious, but Rinaldo and Bradamant are tormented by love—Rinaldo for Angelica, Bradamant for Rogero.
Introduces the emotional contrast between Orlando's triumph and the lovers' suffering.
“Drink, and a mighty marvel shall be seen; For if thou wearest Cornwall's lofty crest, No drop of wine shall pass thy lips between, And all the draught be spilt upon thy breast. If faithful is thy wife, thou shalt drink clean.”
The host explains that if Rinaldo drinks from the cup and his wife is unfaithful, the wine will spill; if she is faithful, he will drink without incident.
The magical cup serves as a test of marital fidelity.
