Orlando Furioso · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide commentary on various elements of Orlando Furioso, including mythological and medieval fountains, the character of Rinaldo, the genealogy of the Este family, historical and literary parallels, and explanations of chival
What happens
The endnotes provide commentary on various elements of Orlando Furioso, including mythological and medieval fountains, the character of Rinaldo, the genealogy of the Este family, historical and literary parallels, and explanations of chivalric customs, magic, and weaponry.
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 Resolution.
- 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
- Magic and the Supernatural
Discusses miraculous fountains, Merlin's death, the pentacle as a defense against demons, and enchanted weapons like Balisarda.
- Honor and Reputation
Covers chivalric vows, the contrast between Rinaldo's rapacity and Orlando's disinterestedness, and the formal plighting of troth.
Characters to notice
- Rinaldo
Mentioned in connection with his sword Fusberta and his rapacious conduct contrasted with Orlando's disinterestedness.
- Orlando
Referenced in the contrast with Rinaldo's conduct and in the note about his claim to Hector's arms.
- Rogero
Mentioned as the ancestor of the Este family, with a note that he died without a son.
- Bradamant
Noted as the wife of Rogero and ancestress of the Este line.
- Zerbino
Discussed in relation to his soul's destination and his traditional association with dandyism.
- Mandricardo
Mentioned in the context of plighting troth before Doralice.
- Rodomont
Mentioned alongside Mandricardo in the same context.
- Pinabel
Referenced in the note about Altaripa and Guido the savage.
Key passages
“bitter stream; Where Cupid dips his darts, as poets dream.”
A bitter stream where Cupid is said to dip his arrows, according to poetic tradition.
Explains the classical fiction of miraculous fountains influencing love and memory.
“Fusberta is the name of Rinaldo’s sword.”
Rinaldo's sword is called Fusberta.
Identifies the name of Rinaldo's weapon.
“The beginning of this pedigree is, of course, purely ideal.”
The start of this family tree is entirely fictional.
Acknowledges the legendary origin of the Este genealogy.
