Orlando Furioso

Ariosto, Ludovico | 1474-1533
Ludovico Ariosto, an Italian Renaissance poet, is best known for his epic poem Orlando Furioso, which stands as a masterpiece of Italian chivalric romance. Written in the early sixteenth century, the poem builds upon the foundation laid by Matteo Maria Boiardo’s Orlando Innamorato and contributes significantly to the evolution of vernacular literature in Europe.
Here are some key points about Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso and its connections to Arthurian romance:
Structure and Themes Orlando Furioso is structured around three main narrative lines – the war between Christian and pagan forces, the love-driven pursuit of the elusive Angelica by the protagonist Orlando, and the celebration of the Este lineage through the marriage of Ruggiero and Bradmante. The poem consists of 46 cantos written in ottava rima (eight-line stanzas).
Blend of Traditions Ariosto skillfully blends various narrative traditions in Orlando Furioso, drawing from medieval Carolingian epic, matière de Bretagne, and Italian late Middle Ages cantari. He incorporates elements from Arthurian literature, such as the Vita di Merlino, Palamedes, Tristan, the Tavola Ritonda, and the Prose Lancelot, into the fabric of his work.
Focus on Love Much like Arthurian romances, the poem revolves around the theme of love. Orlando’s pursuit of Angelica is driven by love-induced madness, reminiscent of the lover of Iseult in the Prose Tristan. The motif of love serves as a metaphor for the complexities of human emotions and reflects the tension between chivalric ideals and the political instability of Ariosto’s contemporary Italy.
Personal Journeys The protagonist, including Orlando, Rinaldo, and Ruggiero, embark on quests that symbolize personal journeys of understanding, maturation, and, in Orlando’s case, disillusionment. These quests mirror the quests often found in Arthurian romances, showcasing a narrative tradition that explores the development of characters through their adventures.
Structural Techniques Ariosto adopts structural techniques from Arthurian tradition, such as interlace and a complex system of thematic cross-referencing. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines, creating a tapestry of interconnected plots that enrich the overall complexity of the work.
Enchantment and Magic The Arthurian tradition of enchantment and magic plays a significant role in Orlando Furioso. Ariosto uses magical elements to underscore the relativity and variable nature of the world within the poem. Episodes featuring magical occurrences and characters, including the Arthurian sage Merlin, contribute to the fantastical and imaginative nature of the work.
In summary, Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso represents a brilliant synthesis of various literary traditions, with a notable infusion of Arthurian elements. The poem not only explores the themes of love, chivalry, and personal growth but also showcases Ariosto’s mastery of structural and narrative techniques inherited from the rich tapestry of medieval literature.