# Astolpho — Orlando Furioso character guide

> Astolpho in Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0003-canto-i

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [Canto VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-vi)

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

### [Canto VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-viii)

Restored to his true shape by Melissa.

### [Canto X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-x)

Guest at Logistilla's realm, reunited with Rogero, seeks to return to Charlemagne's court.

### [Canto XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xv)

Departs Logistilla's realm with magical gifts; learns of future explorations; defeats Orrilo by discovering his secret weakness.

### [Canto XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xx)

Chases Guido and his followers with his horn, sets fire to the town, and roams the world.

### [Canto XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxiii)

Prepares to depart on the Hippogryph and entrusts Rabican to Bradamant.

### [Canto XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxviii)

King Astolpho of Lombardy, who tests women's fidelity with Jocundo and finds them all unfaithful.

### [Canto XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxii)

His courser is taken by Bradamant for her journey.

### [Canto XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxiii)

Mentioned as the English knight who arrives in Nubia and drives the Harpies from the royal board.

### [Canto XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxiv)

Descends into the infernal pit, hears Lydia's tale, and later ascends to the terrestrial paradise.

### [Canto XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxviii)

Descends from heaven and restores sight to the Nubian king, then attacks Agramant's land.

### [Canto XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxix)

Leads the siege of Biserta and orchestrates the restoration of Orlando's wits.

### [Canto XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xl)

Commands the Nubian troops with sling and arrow to harass the Moors during the assault.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/characters/astolpho
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/characters