Betrayal and Deception

Where it surfaces

• Canto I

  Ferraù breaks his oath to Argalìa, and Angelica deceives Sacripant to secure his aid.

• Canto II

  Pinabel's treacherous intent to abandon Bradamant highlights the theme of betrayal.

• Canto III

  Pinabel's treacherous act of pushing Bradamant into the cave exemplifies betrayal.

• Canto IV

  Bradamant feigns trust in Brunello while using the ring to deceive him; Atlantes' deceptive magic is also featured.

• Canto V

  Polinesso's elaborate deception of Dalinda and his plot to frame Geneura for infidelity drive the canto's conflict, highlighting the destructive power of falsehood.

• Canto VI

  Alcina's false love and transformation of her lovers, Polinesso's treachery against Geneura, and the theme of hidden truths revealed.

• Canto VII

  Alcina's false beauty deceives Rogero; Melissa's guidance helps him see through the illusion.

• Canto VIII

  Alcina's enchantments and the false friar's attempted assault on Angelica highlight themes of deceit.

• Canto IX

  Olympia's story is filled with betrayal: King Cymosco's treachery against her family, her own feigned willingness to marry his son, and the fear that Cymosco will not honor the exchange for Bireno.

• Canto X

  Bireno's treacherous abandonment of Olympia exemplifies the theme of betrayal, as he feigns love while plotting to leave her.

• Canto XI

  Angelica deceives Rogero by vanishing with the ring; Bireno's betrayal of Olympia is recounted.

• Canto XII

  The deceptive appearances in the enchanted palace lead knights to chase illusions.

• Canto XIII

  Atlantes uses illusions to deceive knights, trapping them in his palace, while Isabella's trust in Odoric is betrayed.

• Canto XVI

  Origille's cunning deception of Gryphon, feigning joy and weeping, exemplifies the theme of betrayal and false appearances.

• Canto XVII

  Martano and Origille deceive Gryphon, stealing his identity and arms, leading to his public humiliation.

• Canto XIX

  Cloridan's ambush and the treachery of the sea.

• Canto XX

  The story of the Greek women betraying their husbands and the subsequent abandonment of the Cretan women by Phalantus and his men underscores themes of betrayal.

• Canto XXI

  Gabrina's false accusations and manipulation lead to the tragic downfall of Philander and Argaeus.

• Canto XXII

  Pinnabel's treachery against Bradamant is revealed; the weeping woman's story involves a youth who deceived the king by disguising himself to visit his lover.

• Canto XXIII

  Pinnabel's treachery against Bradamant is punished by her hand; Angelica's faithlessness drives Orlando to madness.

• Canto XXIV

  Odoric's treachery against Isabella and Zerbino's struggle to decide his punishment highlight themes of betrayal and justice.

• Canto XXVII

  Malagigi's ill-advised plan leads to unintended consequences, and Rodomont feels betrayed by Doralice and Agramant.

• Canto XXVIII

  The landlord's tale centers on the betrayal of husbands by their wives, and the deception that pervades relationships.

• Canto XXIX

  Isabella deceives Rodomont with a false promise of invulnerability to protect her chastity, while Rodomont initially plans to betray his oath to her.

• Canto XXXII

  Bradamant feels betrayed by Rogero's rumored infidelity and by the false hopes given by Merlin and Melissa.

• Canto XXXIV

  Lydia's betrayal of Alcestes' trust and her manipulative words highlight themes of deception.

• Canto XXXV

  Bradamant's belief that Rogero is faithless, and the ironic situation where she unknowingly seeks to fight him, highlight themes of perceived betrayal.

• Canto XXXVI

  Bradamant suspects Rogero of infidelity with Marphisa, leading to her fury and the conflict.

• Canto XXXVII

  Tanacro betrays Olindro's hospitality, and Drusilla feigns love to deceive and poison Tanacro.

• Canto XXXIX

  Melissa's disguise as Rodomont tricks Agramant into breaking the truce, leading to chaos.

• Canto XL

  The broken pact between Agramant and Charlemagne is investigated; Rogero learns Agramant broke faith first.

• Canto XLII

  Bradamant feels betrayed by Rogero's broken oath; the magical cup tests marital fidelity.

• Canto XLIII

  The host's wife is seduced by gold, betraying her husband; Melissa's deceptive counsel leads to the tragedy.

• Canto XLIV

  Aymon's promise to Constantine for Leo, despite Rinaldo's earlier pledge to Rogero, creates a sense of betrayal and broken faith.

• Canto XLV

  Rogero's disguise as Leo and the hidden identity in the combat underscore themes of deception, even as Rogero remains true to his word.

• Canto XLVI

  Rogero's initial intent to kill Leo is reversed by Leo's kindness, highlighting the theme of deception overcome by truth.