Orlando Furioso, Canto 7 summary
Canto 7 of 46 · 21 min to read the canto
In Canto 7, Ruggiero defeats Erifilla and falls under Alcina’s enchantment, forgetting Bradamante amid feasts, love, and leisure until Melissa intervenes with Bradamante’s magic ring. Disguised as Atlante, Melissa shames him into recognizing his neglected duties, breaks the spell, exposes Alcina’s true appearance, and helps him escape toward Logistilla.
What happens
- Ruggiero defeats Erifilla, spares her at the ladies’ request, and enters Alcina’s welcoming court.
- Alcina’s magic makes Ruggiero dismiss Astolfo’s warning, forget his former love, and devote himself to pleasure.
- Bradamante searches desperately for Ruggiero, then gives Melissa the ring that defeats enchantments.
- Melissa reaches Alcina’s island, assumes Atlante’s appearance, and rebukes Ruggiero for abandoning honor and his promised descendants.
- The ring restores Ruggiero’s judgment and reveals Alcina as an aged woman whose beauty depends on magic.
- Following Melissa’s advice, Ruggiero secretly arms himself, mounts Rabican, attacks the gate guards, and escapes toward Logistilla.
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In this canto
What to notice
The ring exposes the deception that sustains Ruggiero’s attachment. His changed sight accompanies his release from magically forced love.
Quick check
Why does Ruggiero choose Rabican rather than the hippogriff for his escape?
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