Orlando Furioso, Canto 41 summary
Canto 41 of 46 · 26 min to read the canto
In Canto 41, Ruggiero survives a shipwreck, vows to become Christian, and receives baptism from a hermit, while Orlando recovers his sword and prepares for battle. Brandimarte fails to persuade Agramante to accept peace and conversion, then falls beneath Gradasso’s sword during the fighting, turning Orlando’s attention from combat to furious grief.
What happens
- Ruggiero spares Dudon and secures seven kings’ freedom, then sails toward Africa before a storm wrecks his escape.
- The abandoned ship reaches Africa, where Orlando claims Balisarda and gives Ruggiero’s armor to Oliviero and Frontino to Brandimarte.
- The three companions reach the battlefield, and Agramante rejects Brandimarte’s offer of restored lands in return for conversion.
- Ruggiero survives the sea, promises Christian allegiance, and receives instruction and baptism from a hermit who knows his destiny.
- The six warriors exchange opponents; Orlando wounds Gradasso, while Sobrino traps Oliviero beneath his fallen horse.
- Gradasso stuns Orlando, then strikes Brandimarte as he threatens Agramante; Orlando recovers and responds to his companion’s fall with rage.
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In this canto
What to notice
The narrator contrasts the abandoned ship’s survival with the passengers’ deaths. Their attempt to choose safety proves disastrously mistaken.
Quick check
Why does Gradasso stop pursuing Orlando?
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