Orlando Furioso

Orlando Furioso, first published in 1516, is a monumental Italian epic poem by Ludovico Ariosto. It continues the story of Charlemagne’s paladins, particularly the knight Orlando, who is driven mad by unrequited love. Combining romance, chivalry, fantasy, and political allegory, Ariosto’s sprawling narrative features dragons, enchanted islands, and heroic quests. The poem’s rich imagery, humor, and philosophical undertones influenced Renaissance literature and beyond. It is a masterpiece of Italian verse and a landmark in European epic tradition.