Orlando Furioso · Chapter
Canto XXIV explained
Zerbino confronts Odoric for his treachery against Isabella, but is interrupted by Gabrina's arrival.
What happens
Zerbino confronts Odoric for his treachery against Isabella, but is interrupted by Gabrina's arrival. Mandricardo claims Durindana, which Orlando had cast aside in his madness. Zerbino challenges Mandricardo for the sword, but is gravely wounded in the ensuing duel.
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
- Honor and Reputation
Zerbino's defense of Durindana and his refusal to yield the sword without a fight underscores the chivalric code of honor.
- Betrayal and Deception
Odoric's treachery against Isabella and Zerbino's struggle to decide his punishment highlight themes of betrayal and justice.
- War and Conflict
The duel between Zerbino and Mandricardo exemplifies the violent conflicts among knights.
Characters to notice
- Zerbino
Prince of Scotland; confronts Odoric and is mortally wounded by Mandricardo.
- Isabella
Zerbino's beloved; present during the duel and distraught by his wound.
- Odoric
Traitor who betrayed Isabella; brought before Zerbino in chains.
- Gabrina
Old harridan; arrives on a palfrey, seeking succour.
- Mandricardo
Tartar king; claims Durindana and wounds Zerbino in combat.
- Orlando
Mentioned as having cast away Durindana in his madness.
Key passages
“Let him make haste his feet to disengage, Nor lime his wings, whom Love has made a prize; For love, in fine, is nought but phrensied rage, By universal suffrage of the wise”
Love is a form of madness, and those caught by it should hurry to free themselves before they are trapped.
The narrator reflects on the folly of love, comparing it to a frenzy.
“He by one leg the heavy trunk in air Upheaved, and made a mace the rest to bray.”
Orlando lifted a dead shepherd by one leg and used the body as a club to beat others.
Description of Orlando's mad violence against the shepherds.
“The stronger is the enemy, the more Easily is the vanquished side excused”
It is easier to forgive someone who surrenders to a stronger foe.
Odoric's plea for mercy, arguing that he yielded to superior force.
“None can (he said) the action reprehend, Nor first I make the faulchion mine to-day; And to its just possession I pretend Where'er I find it, be it where it may.”
Mandricardo claims that no one can blame him for taking Durindana, as he asserts his right to the sword wherever he finds it.
Mandricardo justifies his seizure of Orlando's sword.
