# Fate and Free Will in Orlando Furioso

> Theme guide for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

Characters frequently struggle against destiny and magical forces, such as enchanted fountains and prophetic oracles, while also making choices that determine their fates, highlighting the tension between predestination and personal agency.

## Where it surfaces

- [Canto I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-i): Angelica's flight and the characters' choices are shaped by fortune and chance encounters.
- [Canto III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-iii): Bradamant's destiny is foretold by Merlin, yet she must act to fulfill it by rescuing Rogero.
- [Canto VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-viii): Angelica's capture and impending sacrifice seem fated, while Rogero's escape demonstrates agency.
- [Canto XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xv): Andronica's prophecy foretells the destined unification of the world under Charles V, suggesting a predetermined historical course.
- [Canto XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xix): Medoro's fate and Angelica's choice to heal and wed him.
- [Canto XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxiii): Bradamant's wandering and Orlando's madness suggest a fateful inevitability, while characters like Rodomont assert their will through challenges.
- [Canto XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxiii): The prophetic paintings in Merlin's hall depict future events, suggesting a predetermined destiny for the French kings in Italy.
- [Canto XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxvi): The revelation of Rogero and Marphisa's sibling bond is a fateful twist that resolves the strife.
- [Canto XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xli): Rogero's conscience and fear of Christ's wrath, along with Agramant's choice to fight despite potential doom, explore fate versus choice.
- [Canto XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xliii): Rinaldo chooses not to drink from the magical cup, exercising free will to avoid knowledge that could bring misery.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/themes/fate_and_free_will
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/themes