Abstract

The first three "novelle" of "Inamoramento de Orlando" are told to Rinaldo during two days. They narrate tragic stories: the characters, driven by absolute love, carry out deeds (both positive and negative), that lead them to their death or to contemplate suicide. In the first book of the poem, Agricane, the powerful tartar king, also has to confront the tragedy of love. He besiges Angelica in Albracà with a large army when she refuses to marry him. Agricane, not accepting that someone else could love her, faces Orlando in a mortal duel. The article shows how Boiardo in these episodes analyses the risks and the dangers of a blind and immoderate love.