Orlando Furioso · Question
How does Orlando Furioso develop the theme of Magic and the Supernatural?
Answer
Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto develops Magic and the Supernatural across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Enchanted objects, flying horses, wizards, and demons shape the plot, creating obstacles and solutions for characters, and symbolizing the unpredictable forces that influence human affairs beyond rational control.
The winged rider and the steel castle built by sorcery introduce supernatural elements.
Merlin's prophetic cave, Melissa's enchantments, and Atlantes' magical castle dominate the chapter.
Atlantes' enchanted castle, the hippogryph, and the magical ring are central to the chapter's events.
Evidence in the book
- Canto II
The winged rider and the steel castle built by sorcery introduce supernatural elements.
- Canto III
Merlin's prophetic cave, Melissa's enchantments, and Atlantes' magical castle dominate the chapter.
- Canto IV
Atlantes' enchanted castle, the hippogryph, and the magical ring are central to the chapter's events.
- Canto VI
Alcina's magic that transforms humans into plants, the hippogryph as a magical steed, and the enchanted island.
- Canto VII
Central to the chapter: Alcina's enchantments, Melissa's counter-magic, the ring's power to reveal truth, and the hippogryph.
- Canto VIII
Rogero uses Atlantes' magic shield; Melissa restores transformed knights; the orc and Proteus myth underscore supernatural elements.
- Canto X
Logistilla's magical realm, the hippogryph, and the enchanted gems that reveal the soul all underscore the supernatural elements in this canto.
- Canto XI
Angelica's magic ring grants invisibility; the griffin-horse and the orc are supernatural elements.
