THE RING of BRADAMANTE
by Unknown · from The Red Romance Book
Adapted Version
Roger and Bree were with each other. They were very happy. They liked to be near. But a magic horse came. Atlantes was a bad wizard. He did not like Roger. He wanted Roger for himself. He did not want Roger with Bree. He had a bad plan.
The Winged Horse flew near. It was a big horse. Roger saw the horse. He went to the horse. He jumped on its back. The horse flew up. It flew high. It flew far away. Roger could not stop it. Bree watched. She saw Roger go. She was very sad. Roger was gone. She missed him.
The horse landed on an island. The island was very pretty. It had many sweet flowers. The flowers smelled good. It had tasty fruits. Roger ate the fruits. Roger felt happy there. He did not know why. Atlantes made it this way. It was a trick. A bad trick.
Roger tied the horse to a tree. The tree was a myrtle tree. It looked like a normal tree. But then the tree spoke. "I am Sto," it said. "Al made me a tree. She is a tricky lady. She lives on this island. You must watch out. She is very bad. She tricks people."
Roger saw two maidens. They were very pretty girls. They had nice smiles. They smiled at Roger. "Come with us," they said. "Come to our home." They took Roger. They went to Al's home. It was a big home.
Al was there. She was very pretty. She had a kind smile. She smiled at Roger. Roger liked Al. He liked her smile. He forgot Bree. He forgot his true love. He forgot his friend.
A man came to the island. It was Mel. She looked like Atlantes. She was a good friend. She came to help Roger. She saw Roger. Roger did not see her yet.
Mel gave Roger a ring. It was a magic ring. The ring was special. "Wear this," she said. "Look at Al with it. See her true self."
Roger put on the ring. He looked at Al. She was old. She was not pretty. Her face was not nice. Roger was surprised. He knew Bree. He knew his true love. He knew his friend.
Roger wanted to go. He wanted to leave Al. He found his armor. He put it on. He was ready to go. He saw a black horse. He got on the horse. He did not take the magic horse. He chose the black horse.
Roger rode away fast. He rode very fast. He left the island. He was free. He was safe from Al. He rode far from her home.
Al was very mad. She was very angry. She could not catch him. Roger was safe. He was free. He would find Bree. He would find his true love.
It is good to know your friends. True love helps you.
Original Story
THE RING OF BRADAMANTE
When Bradamante had freed Roger and his companions from the enchanted castle, she thought that henceforth they would never more be parted. But she forgot that she had to deal with a wizard, and that wizards are not easily outwitted.
On a little plain beneath the mountain the winged horse was grazing, and when the knights and ladies came gaily down the path Bradamante left the rest and went up to take it by the bridle. Atlantes, however, had laid other plans, and had thrown a spell over the horse, so that directly Bradamante was close to it the creature moved away to a little distance. At this the knights, thinking to help her, gave chase, but the horse led them up and down the mountain, over rocks and through streams, till one by one they dropped behind, and in front there remained only Roger.
As it had been taught by Atlantes, the horse stood still, while Roger, with a cry of delight, seized the bridle and jumped upon its back. With a bound it sprang into the air, and, though Roger tried to guide it downwards to the earth, it was all in vain, for so the enchanter had willed it. Below stood Bradamante gazing up; her joy turned quickly to despair, and when the traces of Roger had vanished she rode sadly away, taking with her the horse Roger had left behind.
Meanwhile Roger was flying through the air swifter than an arrow or the lightning. Since he could not make the horse swerve an hair’s breadth to the right or left, he ceased his useless efforts, and let himself be carried this way or that. Suddenly he felt that, instead of going forward they were gradually dropping down, down, down; and soon the horse stopped on a lovely island.
Where the island might be Roger did not know, nor could he tell how long he had been on his journey thither. In truth, he was content to feel himself on solid ground once more, and to smell sweet flowers and eat delicious fruits, for how could he guess that this also was devised by Atlantes—that these sights and sounds might lull his senses, and keep him safe from war? Atlantes was a great wizard and wise beyond most, but he had never learned that it was a better thing to die in battle than to live only for pleasure.
On reaching the ground Roger was careful to hold fast the bridle, having no mind that the horse should fly up into the air and leave him helpless on the island. Then, looking round, he saw a strong myrtle, and he tied the reins tightly to it, so that he himself could roam about as he would.
At length he grew tired of wandering and returned to the place where he had left his horse, which he found champing and struggling to shake itself free. As he drew near a voice cried in melancholy tones:
‘If, as I think, you are a knight, and bound by the rules of chivalry, release me, I pray you, from this monster, who only adds to the pains which I myself endure.’
Startled at the sound, Roger looked around, but nought could he see save the myrtle to which the horse was fastened.
‘I crave your pardon,’ answered he, ‘for having unwittingly done you wrong; but tell me who you are, and what has caused your present plight?’
Roger borne away from Bradamante
‘I am Astolfo, peer of France,’ replied the tree, ‘and I was enchanted by the fairy Alcina, who thus rids herself of her friends and her servants when they have ceased to please her. Even this island is not hers by right, but was stolen from her sister Logistilla, who is as wise and kind as Alcina is wicked. But so beautiful is Alcina, that none can withstand her if once she looks on them, therefore fly while you may and ask counsel of Logistilla if there is aught that you would know.’
‘Oh, tell me, good tree, how I can escape without crossing the path of the cruel Alcina?’ cried Roger.
‘There is a way,’ answered the tree, ‘but it is rough to the feet, and beset by fierce and ill-tongued men, placed there by the fairy. He who would quit Alcina’s isle needs open eyes and deaf ears.’
‘I will have both,’ said Roger.
But, alas! he boasted overmuch, as young men are wont to do. He was indeed in no wise affrighted at the strange shapes that met him and sought to bar his progress. Some had heads of apes and feet of goats; some rode eagles or bestrode cranes; while the captain of all was mounted on a tortoise. They swarmed on him like a crowd of flies, and Roger was so sore bested that he gave no thought to his magic shield, which perchance might have saved him.
For into the mêlée came two maidens of such wondrous beauty that Roger dropped his lance and stood without defence to gaze his fill. Two snow-white unicorns bore them from the city gates, and, at their coming, the noisy rabble vanished as if they had never been. Then the ladies stretched out their hands, and prayed the knight to follow them into the city.
‘We have need of your brave heart and mighty arm,’ they said, ‘to vanquish a giantess who guards a bridge which none can pass’; and well they knew that, if Roger was to be ensnared by them, it must be by slow degrees, for not all at once would he drop into the idle life of the dwellers on the island.
So, nothing loth, Roger gladly did their behest, and went forth to meet the giantess.
The fight did not last long, and soon the monstrous creature lay stretched on the ground at Roger’s feet; but her life was spared at the request of the damsels, and at their bidding he followed them over the bridge and up a hill. On the top was a large meadow full of flowers, in which maidens were playing at ball or singing sweet songs on the lute, while others were dancing.
In their midst was a damsel so fair that the rest, even the guides of Roger, looked swarthy beside her, and she came forth from among them, and held out her hand for him to kiss.
Vain it were to seek to tell Alcina’s charms, but even as his eyes fell on her Roger felt that everything said by Astolfo in her despite was false. Even Bradamante was forgotten, as if she had never lived at all; yet for this Roger was hardly to blame, for how should he stand against Alcina’s magic!
It was here that Melissa, clad in the form of Atlantes, found him after many months had gone by, during which Bradamante had sought him vainly. At last fate brought Melissa again across her path, and from her the forsaken damsel learnt who it was that kept him from her.
‘Be comforted,’ said Melissa, when she beheld Bradamante’s tears. ‘You yourself have the ring which can free him from those evil spells, and bring him back to your side. So lend it me, I pray, and by to-morrow’s dawn I will be with him.’
Roger was lying on a bed of soft moss, when Atlantes, for so he took her to be, stood before him.
He lifted his head lazily, and smiled, but the face of his old master was grave as he said sternly:
THE TWO DAMSELS RESCUE ROGER FROM THE RABBLE
‘And is it you, Roger, whom I find thus, your hair curled and scented, your neck circled with jewelled chains? Was it for this you passed your boyhood in waging war against fierce beasts, fearing neither hunger nor thirst as you tracked them to their lair? But, as I loved you once, I will give you a chance to shake off this shameful life, and to become once more worthy of Bradamante. Take this ring, and when next Alcina comes this way mark well the change that is wrought in the queen of this fair land.’
With shame and repentance burning at his heart, Roger slowly drew the ring upon his finger; and by its virtue he beheld not Atlantes but Melissa.
‘Yes, it is I,’ she said, ‘and it is Bradamante who sent me hither, to save you by means of the ring which she took from the hand of Brunello. It will break the strongest spells that wizard ever wove, and open wide the eyes that have been longest blinded.’
With that she vanished, and Roger rose and followed the path which led to the palace.
On the marble steps he saw, as he went, a troop of ladies standing. Their clothes were rich and made of shining stuffs, and well became their golden hair or curly raven locks; but who was she in their midst whose form was unknown to him? Her back was bowed with age, and scarce a hair remained upon her head, while all her skin was shrivelled and yellow. Roger gazed in horror, expecting, as he looked, the lean body to crumble into dust before him. Yet something, what he knew not, seemed not wholly strange in that pale and shrunken figure—something that, in spite of all, spoke to him of Alcina. A thrill of horror ran through him, but he remembered in time the counsel of Melissa, and, trembling though he was, he greeted her with fair words.
Dreading lest he should again fall under the fairy’s enchantments, Roger never parted from the ring, and kept guard over himself, lest perchance Alcina should guess what was passing within him. To gain possession of his armour, long laid aside, he feigned a wish to prove if his life of idleness had unfitted him to bear the weight of it, or if his chest had grown too broad for the clasps of his breast-plate to meet. Then, laughing still, he strolled carelessly to the stables, calling back as he went that perhaps his horse might have become as fat and lazy as himself. But when he reached the stables he passed by the winged steed which had borne him to the island, for he bethought himself once more of Melissa’s words: ‘Beware of the hippogryph,’ she had said, ‘you will never wed Bradamante if you mount that.’ So he left the great creature flapping its wings with longing to soar once more into the sky, and led out a strong black horse. Vaulting on his back, he touched him with his spurs, and dashed through the guards at the gate before Alcina knew that her captive had won his freedom.
When the fairy found that the knight did not return, she sent a messenger for tidings of him, and so great was her wrath when she learned that he had passed the gate, and was far on the road to her sister, the good Logistilla, that she ordered all the guards to be put to death. Then she commanded her ships to be got ready, and put to sea herself, thinking by that means she might bring him back. But all was vain, and at last she was forced to believe that Roger had shaken off her yoke for ever.
[From Orlando Furioso.]
Story DNA
Moral
True love and loyalty can overcome even the strongest enchantments and temptations.
Plot Summary
After being separated from Bradamante by Atlantes' enchanted winged horse, Roger lands on Alcina's magical island. He is warned by the transformed knight Astolfo about Alcina's deceptive nature but soon falls under her spell, forgetting his love. Bradamante, seeking him, sends Melissa with a magic ring. When Roger uses the ring, Alcina's beautiful facade crumbles, revealing her true, hideous form, breaking her enchantment. Roger then escapes the island, leaving the enraged Alcina behind, and sets off to find Logistilla and eventually reunite with Bradamante.
Themes
Emotional Arc
separation and despair to reunion and triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is an episode from Ludovico Ariosto's epic poem *Orlando Furioso*, a major work of the Italian Renaissance, which reimagines Charlemagne's paladins and their adventures.
Plot Beats (12)
- Bradamante frees Roger and his companions from an enchanted castle, but Atlantes intervenes.
- Atlantes' enchanted winged horse lures Roger away from Bradamante and his companions, flying him to a distant island.
- Roger lands on a beautiful, seemingly idyllic island, unaware it's another of Atlantes' deceptions.
- Roger ties his winged horse to a myrtle tree, which reveals itself to be the enchanted knight Astolfo, warning Roger about the wicked fairy Alcina.
- Roger encounters two beautiful maidens who lead him to Alcina's city, where he defeats a giantess for them.
- Roger meets Alcina, falls under her powerful enchantment, and completely forgets Bradamante.
- Melissa, disguised as Atlantes, finds Roger on Alcina's island after Bradamante has sought him in vain.
- Melissa gives Roger Bradamante's magic ring, instructing him to use it to see Alcina's true form.
- Roger puts on the ring and sees Alcina as a shriveled, ancient hag, breaking her spell over him.
- Roger feigns a desire to test his strength, retrieves his armor, and chooses a black horse over the hippogryph, remembering Melissa's warning.
- Roger escapes Alcina's island, dashing past her guards.
- Alcina, enraged by Roger's escape, orders her guards killed and attempts to pursue him by sea, but fails.
Characters
Bradamante
A knightly woman of strong build, agile and capable in combat, yet possessing a graceful demeanor. Her features are likely sharp and determined, reflecting her warrior spirit.
Attire: She wears practical, yet noble, knight's armor suitable for a female warrior of the medieval European period. This would include a fitted breastplate, gauntlets, greaves, and a helmet, possibly adorned with a distinctive crest or plume. Underneath, she would wear a sturdy tunic and breeches. The armor itself might be polished steel, perhaps with subtle engravings.
Wants: To be reunited with Roger and ensure his safety and freedom.
Flaw: Her deep love for Roger makes her vulnerable to despair and distraction.
She begins in joy, falls into despair when Roger is taken, but then actively seeks a solution and uses her resources (the ring, Melissa) to rescue him, demonstrating her agency and resilience.
Determined, loyal, brave, loving, and prone to despair when separated from her beloved.
Roger
A handsome and valiant knight, initially strong and accustomed to hardship, but later softened by luxury. He possesses a noble bearing.
Attire: Initially, likely practical knight's attire or simple traveling clothes. On Alcina's island, he is described with 'jewelled chains' around his neck, implying luxurious, perhaps silken, garments that are more decorative than practical, possibly in rich, vibrant colors and fine fabrics, befitting a pampered captive.
Wants: Initially, to be with Bradamante. Later, to escape Alcina's enchantment and reclaim his knightly honor.
Flaw: Susceptible to enchantment, easily distracted by beauty and pleasure, and initially forgets his duties and loved ones.
He is enchanted and falls into a life of idleness, forgetting Bradamante. He then experiences shame and repentance, breaks free from the enchantment with Melissa's help, and reclaims his knightly identity, escaping Alcina's island.
Valiant, easily swayed by beauty and pleasure, somewhat naive, remorseful, and ultimately determined to regain his honor.
Atlantes
A powerful and wise wizard, likely appearing ancient and perhaps gaunt, with an aura of immense magical power. When disguised as Melissa, he takes on her form.
Attire: When appearing as himself, he would wear the traditional robes of a powerful wizard, perhaps dark, flowing garments of rich, heavy fabric, possibly embroidered with arcane symbols. When disguised as Melissa, he would wear her specific attire.
Wants: To protect Roger from the dangers of war and ensure his safety, even if it means keeping him enchanted and away from his true love.
Flaw: His belief that a life of pleasure is superior to a life of honor and battle; his inability to truly outwit the power of Bradamante's ring.
He continues his efforts to keep Roger safe through enchantment, but is ultimately outwitted by Melissa using Bradamante's ring, leading to the failure of his plans.
Cunning, manipulative, protective (in his own misguided way), wise, and persistent.
Astolfo
As a myrtle tree, he is a strong, living plant. Before his enchantment, he would have been a knight, likely of noble bearing.
Attire: Not applicable as a tree. As a knight, he would have worn armor or noble attire.
Wants: To be freed from his enchantment and to warn others about Alcina's treachery.
Flaw: Powerless in his enchanted form.
He serves as a guide and informant to Roger, providing crucial information about Alcina and the path to Logistilla, but remains enchanted at the end of this excerpt.
Melancholy, wise, helpful, and experienced in the ways of magic and deceit.
Alcina
Initially appears as a woman of wondrous, irresistible beauty, making all others seem 'swarthy' beside her. Her true form, revealed by the ring, is an ancient, shrivelled, yellow-skinned hag with a bowed back and scarce hair.
Attire: In her enchanted form: Exquisitely rich and shining garments, likely of silk and fine brocade, in vibrant colors, designed to enhance her beauty and allure. These would be fashionable court attire of the European Renaissance, perhaps with low necklines and elaborate sleeves. In her true form: Her clothes, though still rich, would hang loosely on her shrunken frame, revealing her true age.
Wants: To ensnare knights and others for her pleasure, to maintain her power and beauty (through illusion), and to punish those who displease her.
Flaw: Her true, hideous form, which is revealed by Bradamante's ring, and her reliance on enchantment.
She successfully ensnares Roger with her beauty and magic, but her enchantment is broken by Bradamante's ring, revealing her true, hideous form. She is ultimately thwarted and enraged by Roger's escape.
Wicked, manipulative, vain, cruel, enchanting, and easily enraged when thwarted.
Melissa
A powerful sorceress capable of disguising herself as others. Her true appearance is not explicitly described, but she is wise and capable.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but as a sorceress, she would likely wear practical yet elegant robes, perhaps in dark, rich colors, suitable for travel and magic. When disguised as Atlantes, she wears his specific attire.
Wants: To help Bradamante rescue Roger from enchantment and restore him to his true self.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but relies on the power of Bradamante's ring to break the strongest spells.
She acts as the catalyst for Roger's rescue, using her wisdom and Bradamante's ring to break Alcina's enchantment and guide Roger to freedom.
Wise, compassionate, resourceful, determined, and loyal to Bradamante.
Winged Horse
A magnificent creature with the body of a horse and large, powerful wings, capable of swift flight. Its coat is likely a striking color, perhaps white or golden, with feathers that shimmer.
Attire: None, but may have a bridle or saddle.
Wants: To follow its magical programming and to fly.
Flaw: Controlled by Atlantes's magic.
It serves as a tool for Atlantes to separate Roger from Bradamante, then remains on Alcina's island, longing for flight, but is ultimately left behind by Roger.
Enchanted to follow Atlantes's will, but also possesses a natural longing for freedom and flight.
Locations
Little Plain Beneath the Mountain
A small, open area at the base of a mountain, with a path leading down to it. The ground is suitable for a winged horse to graze.
Mood: initially joyful, then despairing
Roger is carried away by the enchanted winged horse, leaving Bradamante behind.
Alcina's Enchanted Island
A lovely island with sweet flowers and delicious fruits, designed to lull the senses. It features a strong myrtle tree, a rough path beset by strange creatures, and a large meadow full of maidens playing and dancing.
Mood: deceptively idyllic, luxurious, enchanting, later revealed as a prison
Roger lands here, is enchanted by Alcina, and later freed by Melissa.
Alcina's Palace and Grounds
A grand palace with marble steps, surrounded by grounds that include stables. The palace itself is opulent, housing Alcina and her ladies.
Mood: luxurious, deceptive, later revealed as a place of decay
Roger confronts the true form of Alcina here and escapes her enchantment.