# Zerbino — Orlando Furioso character guide

> Zerbino in Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** young Zerbino, prince Zerbino, Valiant Zerbino, Youthful Zerbino

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

## Snapshot

Prince of Scotland whose pity for a wounded enemy and fury at a churlish follower reveal a knight governed by conscience rather than conquest.

## Who they are

Zerbino leads a Scottish band through the chaotic aftermath of battle, where he grants Medoro's plea for burial of his lord and is enraged when one of his own men strikes the suppliant down. His instinct to protect the helpless and avenge treachery marks him as one of the poem's more honorable warriors. His path crosses Angelica's at the moment she begins her unlikely turn toward love, tying his fate to the poem's central romance.

## Relationships

### [Orlando](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/characters/orlando)

_friendship_

Orlando is a close friend and ally to Zerbino, the Scottish prince.

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

_friendship_

Rogero and Zerbino become loyal friends and allies during their adventures.

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

_friendship_

Rogero and Zerbino become loyal friends and allies during their adventures.

### [Orlando](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/characters/orlando)

_friendship_

Orlando is a close friend and ally to Zerbino, the Scottish prince.

## In the story

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

Isabella's beloved, the Scottish prince who planned to elope with her.

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

Left alone and afoot amid the Africans; saved by Rinaldo's timely intervention.

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

Leads the horsemen who capture Medoro.

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

Suffers Marphisa's wrath and is forced to become guardian of Gabrina, from whom he learns news of Isabella.

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

Discovers Pinnabel's body and, fearing accusation, leaves with Gabrina; later hears the mourning in Altaripa.

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

Prince of Scotland; confronts Odoric and is mortally wounded by Mandricardo.

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

Zerbino is invoked by Isabella's severed head, which speaks his name as she dies, affirming her fidelity to him.

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

Discussed in relation to his soul's destination and his traditional association with dandyism.

## Links

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