Orlando Furioso, Canto 36 summary
Canto 36 of 46 · 22 min to read the canto
In Canto 36, Bradamante attacks Marfisa out of jealousy, but Atlante’s spirit stops Ruggiero from killing Marfisa by revealing that they are twins. The discovery reconciles the women and prompts Marfisa to demand revenge for their parents, while Ruggiero insists on leaving Agramante’s service without betraying his honor.
What happens
- The narrator condemns the killing of captive Cantelmo and contrasts such cruelty with Bradamante’s courtesy toward defeated opponents.
- Bradamante repeatedly unhorses Marfisa, and their contest sparks fighting between the armies, which Bradamante wins with her enchanted lance.
- Ruggiero follows Bradamante into a secluded grove, but Marfisa interrupts them and renews the fighting.
- Ruggiero intervenes, fights Marfisa, and nearly kills her before Atlante’s spirit announces that they are twins.
- The siblings embrace, Bradamante reconciles with Marfisa, and Ruggiero explains their ancestry and their parents’ betrayal.
- Marfisa vows revenge, Ruggiero prepares to return to Agramante until he can honorably leave, and a woman’s lament interrupts them.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Der rasende Roland, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Starten Sie 90 Tage kostenlosNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this canto
What to notice
The revelation stops a potentially fatal fight and removes the basis of Bradamante’s jealousy.
Quick check
Why does Ruggiero refuse to kill Agramante?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Der rasende Roland, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Starten Sie 90 Tage kostenlosNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
