# Gryphon — Orlando Furioso character guide

> Gryphon in Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Sir Gryphon, The youthful Gryphon, valiant Gryphon

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

## Snapshot

A young Christian knight whose ferocity in battle is matched only by his loyalty to his brother Aquilant.

## Who they are

Gryphon fights in the wars around the Mediterranean, where his temper and his sword-arm make him both feared and useful. He is bound to his brother Aquilant by a devotion that survives separation, mistaken identity, and the general chaos of a world where friends and enemies change places. His story shows how the poem's minor knights carry the same code of honor and vengeance as its famous paladins, and how easily that code can be turned against them.

## In the story

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

Fights Orrilo alongside Aquilant; later joins Astolpho and learns of his lady's ill tidings.

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

Pursues Origille to Damascus, blinded by love despite knowing her treachery.

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

Arrives in Damascus in stolen armor, is mistaken for Martano, and suffers public scorn.

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

Vengefully attacks the townspeople after being wronged by Norandino.

## Links

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