# Rodomont — Orlando Furioso character guide

> Rodomont in Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

**Role:** major

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

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

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Rogero](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/characters/rogero)

_rivalry_

Rodomont is a fierce Saracen rival who challenges Rogero in combat and personal honor.

### [Mandricardo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/characters/mandricardo)

_rivalry_

Mandricardo and Rodomont are rival Saracen kings who compete for supremacy and honor.

### [Rogero](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/characters/rogero)

_rivalry_

Rodomont is a fierce Saracen rival who challenges Rogero in combat and personal honor.

### [Mandricardo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/characters/mandricardo)

_rivalry_

Mandricardo and Rodomont are rival Saracen kings who compete for supremacy and honor.

### [Mandricardo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/characters/mandricardo)

_rivalry_

Mandricardo and Rodomont are rival Saracen kings who compete for supremacy and honor.

## In the story

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

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

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

Inside Paris, slays the people and burns houses and temples, causing panic.

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

Rampages through Paris, besieging the palace and causing widespread destruction.

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

Fights against King Charles and his knights, enduring multiple lance blows.

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

Seizes Frontino from Hippalca and boasts of his prowess, challenging Rogero.

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

Refuses Rogero's challenge to prioritize aiding King Agramant; previously took Frontino from Hippalca.

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

Quarrels with Sacripant over Frontino; vents against women and Agramant; departs for Africa.

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

Listens to the landlord's tale and believes the frauds of women are endless.

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

Defeats Brandimart in combat and takes him prisoner, but is moved by Flordelice's plea.

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

Refuses Agramant's offer of a bride and remains at his bridge.

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

Mentioned alongside Mandricardo in the same context.

## Links

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