
In the glittering court of Charlemagne, a dazzling stranger named Angelica arrives, sparking a fierce rivalry between two of the realm’s greatest knights, Orlando and Rinaldo. Both are driven by honor and desire, chasing her through enchanted forests where mysterious waters twist the hearts of those who drink them, turning love into obsession and then indifference. Their pursuit leads them to a fortified castle teeming with exotic kings, a fearsome queen, and the looming threat of a pagan invasion that threatens France itself.
The epic weaves these personal duels with a larger tapestry of war and wonder. While Orlando and Rinaldo grapple with their tangled affections, other heroes—such as the brave Bradamante and the noble yet conflicted Ruggiero— pursue their own impossible loves across battlefields and enchanted realms. Magic, prophecy, and shifting loyalties swirl together, promising a tale as boundless as the imagination of its medieval creators.
Language
en
Duration
~29 hours (1698K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
1996-08-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1474–1533
Best known for the dazzling epic Orlando Furioso, this Renaissance poet mixed chivalric adventure, wit, and sharp observations about love and power. His writing helped shape Italian literature and still feels lively centuries later.
View all books