Orlando Furioso · Character

Astolpho

An English paladin whose winged hippogryph and knack for the absurd carry him from wind-caves to Nubia on errands no ordinary knight could survive.

supporting

Also known as Sir Astolpho, good Astolpho, bold Astolpho, Valiant Astolpho

First appearance: canto i

As a supporting figure in Orlando Furioso, Astolpho is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Transformed into a myrtle tree by Alcina, warns Rogero of her deceit and tells of his own fate.

In the storyCanto VIOpen this moment free

See Astolpho in Canto VI Book page

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Astolpho travels farther than any other paladin, trapping the wind Auster in a bladder, raising cavalry from scattered stones, and besieging Biserta with a Nubian host. His adventures tilt toward the marvelous rather than the martial, giving the poem its comic and cosmic registers. He matters because his far-flung errands intersect with the war's turning points, including the recovery of Orlando's lost wits.

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See Astolpho in canto i

Character Web

41 connections

A slice of how Astolpho sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Knights and Monsters
Primary Christian and Saracen Knights
Sorcerer and Magical Mounts

+36 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Astolpho, usin…

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In the story

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

Canto VI
Transformed into a myrtle tree by Alcina, warns Rogero of her deceit and tells of his own fate.
Canto VIII
Restored to his true shape by Melissa.
Canto X
Guest at Logistilla's realm, reunited with Rogero, seeks to return to Charlemagne's court.
Canto XV
Departs Logistilla's realm with magical gifts; learns of future explorations; defeats Orrilo by discovering his secret weakness.
Canto XX
Chases Guido and his followers with his horn, sets fire to the town, and roams the world.
Canto XXII
Destroys Atlantes' magic towers and frees the prisoners; travels from the Levant through Europe to France, then to England and back; loses his horse Rabican to a thief.
Canto XXIII
Prepares to depart on the Hippogryph and entrusts Rabican to Bradamant.
Canto XXVIII
King Astolpho of Lombardy, who tests women's fidelity with Jocundo and finds them all unfaithful.
Canto XXXII
His courser is taken by Bradamant for her journey.
Canto XXXIII
Mentioned as the English knight who arrives in Nubia and drives the Harpies from the royal board.
Canto XXXIV
Descends into the infernal pit, hears Lydia's tale, and later ascends to the terrestrial paradise.
Canto XXXV
Guided by the apostle John, Astolpho views the threads of future lives in the palace, including the radiant fleece of Hippolytus of Este.
Canto XXXVIII
Descends from heaven and restores sight to the Nubian king, then attacks Agramant's land.
Canto XXXIX
Leads the siege of Biserta and orchestrates the restoration of Orlando's wits.
Canto XL
Commands the Nubian troops with sling and arrow to harass the Moors during the assault.

Chapter companion notes

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See Astolpho in canto i

See Astolpho in Canto VI