# War and Conflict in Orlando Furioso

> Theme guide for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto.

The epic is set against the backdrop of the Christian-Saracen wars, with battles, sieges, and single combats driving the narrative, while also critiquing the futility and destruction of endless military campaigns.

## Where it surfaces

- [Orlando Furioso](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/orlando-furioso): The overarching war between Charlemagne's Christians and Agramant's Saracens provides the epic backdrop, with numerous battles and sieges shaping the plot.
- [Canto XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xiv): The chapter details the muster of armies, the aftermath of battle, and the ongoing siege of Paris, emphasizing the brutality and cost of war.
- [Canto XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xv): The siege of Paris continues with heavy Saracen losses; Rodomont's reckless assault leads to a massacre in the fiery ditch.
- [Canto XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xvi): The brutal battle outside Paris, with thousands slain, and Rodomont's destruction inside the city highlight the chaos and violence of war.
- [Canto XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xvii): Rodomont's siege of Paris and Charlemagne's counterattack highlight the ongoing war between Christians and Saracens.
- [Canto XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xviii): The canto is dominated by battles, skirmishes, and the chaos of war, with multiple characters engaging in combat.
- [Canto XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xx): Astolpho's violent actions with his horn and the martial confrontations between Marphisa and Zerbino highlight ongoing conflict.
- [Canto XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxiv): The duel between Zerbino and Mandricardo exemplifies the violent conflicts among knights.
- [Canto XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxvi): The overarching siege of King Agramant by Charlemagne frames the characters' decisions and alliances.
- [Canto XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxvii): Internal strife among the Saracen leaders threatens their unity after defeating Charlemagne.
- [Canto XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxx): The duel between Rogero and Mandricardo, as well as Orlando's destructive rampage, underscore the central role of combat and violence.
- [Canto XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxi): The battle between Rinaldo's forces and Agramant's host, and the duel between Brandimart and Rodomont.
- [Canto XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxiii): The chapter is filled with depictions of battles, duels, and military campaigns, both in the paintings and in the ongoing fight between Rinaldo and Gradasso.
- [Canto XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxviii): The decision to settle the war by single combat reflects the broader conflict between Christian and Paynim forces.
- [Canto XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xxxix): The battle between Christian and Saracen forces escalates after the truce is broken, with widespread slaughter.
- [Canto XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xl): The canto depicts the brutal assault on Biserta, naval combat, and the chaos of battle.
- [Canto XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xli): The battle between Orlando, Brandimart, Olivier and the pagan kings Agramant, Gradasso, and Sobrino dominates the canto.

## Links

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