
In this vibrant chivalric tale, a bustling court gathers under Emperor Charlemagne for a grand tournament that promises both glory and danger. Among the assembled knights and noble lords, a young warrior named Orlando is driven not by the clang of steel but by a consuming love that tests his courage and honor. As the festivities unfold, the reader hears rumors of distant eastern kingdoms and powerful adversaries that loom beyond the French fields.
The poem opens with a spirited call to listeners, urging them to stay attentive while the poet recounts Orlando’s daring deeds and the fierce contests that define his world. Through vivid descriptions of armored riders, dazzling banners, and the thunder of trumpets, the narrative builds a picture of medieval splendor while hinting at the personal stakes that lie at the heart of the young champion’s quest. Listeners will be drawn into a lively blend of courtly intrigue, heroic challenge, and the timeless pull of love’s impossible demands.
Language
it
Duration
~22 hours (1322K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2018-08-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1440–1494
A Renaissance poet at the court of Ferrara, he is best remembered for Orlando innamorato, the lively epic that helped revive chivalric romance by blending Arthurian adventure with the world of Charlemagne. His work opened the way for later Italian epic poets and still feels full of motion, wonder, and courtly intrigue.
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