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Orlando Furioso · Character

Olympia

A countess abandoned by her lover Bireno.

minor

Also known as Olympia fair, Wretched Olympia

First appearance: canto i

Olympia shows up with force in Canto IX. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Tells Orlando her tragic story of betrayal by King Cymosco, the murder of her forced bridegroom, and her desperate plan to trade herself for Bireno's freedom.
In the storyCanto IXOpen this moment free

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In Canto IX: Tells Orlando her tragic story of betrayal by King Cymosco, the murder of her forced bridegroom, and her desperate plan to trade herself for Bireno's freedom. Later, in Canto X: Abandoned by Bireno on a…

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See Olympia in canto i

Character Web

16 connections

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

BIBirenoMAMarphisaRORogeroPOPolinessoCHCharlemagneOLOlympia

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Primary Christian and Saracen Knights
  • Protagonist

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

SetupAftermathClimax
  • 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

Olympia appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Olympia unlock in the free preview.

See Olympia in canto i