Orlando Furioso · Character

Rodomont

A Saracen king so swollen with pride he guards a bridge alone, collecting armor and chains from every knight he hurls into the river.

major

Also known as King Rodomont, crimson Rodomont, cruel Rodomont, Sir Rodomont

First appearance: canto i

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

Survives the fiery ditch at Paris; curses heaven after his troops are destroyed.

In the storyCanto XVOpen this moment free

Rodomont refuses Agramant's summons and even the offer of a royal bride, choosing instead to squat on his bridge and strip passing cavaliers of their plate and mail. His brutality is matched only by his contempt for any authority that would curb it, making him the invasion's most dangerous and least governable weapon. His defiance of kings and his appetite for single combat embody the poem's fascination with pride that will not bend.

See Rodomont in Canto XV Book page

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Character Web

48 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Allies and Antagonists of Orlando
Protagonist
Primary Christian and Saracen Knights
Scottish Subplot Characters
Bradamant's Messengers and Kin

+43 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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Rogero
rivalry · negative
Rodomont is a fierce Saracen rival who challenges Rogero in combat and personal honor. How this plays out →
Mandricardo
rivalry · negative
Rogero
rivalry · negative
Rodomont is a fierce Saracen rival who challenges Rogero in combat and personal honor. How this plays out →
Mandricardo
rivalry · negative
Mandricardo
rivalry · negative

Rogero
Rodomont is a fierce Saracen rival who challenges Rogero in combat and personal honor.
Mandricardo
Mandricardo and Rodomont are rival Saracen kings who compete for supremacy and honor.
Rogero
Rodomont is a fierce Saracen rival who challenges Rogero in combat and personal honor.
Mandricardo
Mandricardo and Rodomont are rival Saracen kings who compete for supremacy and honor.
Mandricardo
Mandricardo and Rodomont are rival Saracen kings who compete for supremacy and honor.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Rodomont in canto i

In the story

Rodomont appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Canto XV
Survives the fiery ditch at Paris; curses heaven after his troops are destroyed.
Canto XVI
Inside Paris, slays the people and burns houses and temples, causing panic.
Canto XVII
Rampages through Paris, besieging the palace and causing widespread destruction.
Canto XVIII
Fights against King Charles and his knights, enduring multiple lance blows.
Canto XXIII
Seizes Frontino from Hippalca and boasts of his prowess, challenging Rogero.
Canto XXVI
Refuses Rogero's challenge to prioritize aiding King Agramant; previously took Frontino from Hippalca.
Canto XXVII
Quarrels with Sacripant over Frontino; vents against women and Agramant; departs for Africa.
Canto XXVIII
Listens to the landlord's tale and believes the frauds of women are endless.
Canto XXIX
Rodomont, initially enraged against women, is swayed by Isabella's beauty but later, deceived by her ruse, kills her; he then builds a bridge and tomb in remorse.
Canto XXXI
Defeats Brandimart in combat and takes him prisoner, but is moved by Flordelice's plea.
Canto XXXII
Refuses Agramant's offer of a bride and remains at his bridge.
Canto XXXV
The pagan king who guards the bridge; he agrees to Bradamant's pact but is defeated and forced to release his prisoners.
Endnotes
Mentioned alongside Mandricardo in the same context.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Rodomont in canto i

See Rodomont in Canto XV