# Orlando Furioso

> epic Italian poem by Ludovico Ariosto

**Wikidata**: [Q48922](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48922)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Furioso)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orlando-furioso

## Summary
Orlando Furioso is an epic Italian poem written by Ludovico Ariosto, first published in 1516. It is a satirical and romantic retelling of Matteo Maria Boiardo's earlier work, blending classical epic traditions with Renaissance themes.

## Key Facts
- Written by: Ludovico Ariosto (1474–1533), Italian poet
- First published: 1516 (with later revisions in 1532)
- Genre: Chivalric romance, epic poetry
- Country of origin: Italy
- Language: Italian
- Based on: Orlando Furioso by Matteo Maria Boiardo
- Notable for: Blending satire and romance in Renaissance epic poetry
- Associated with: University of Ferrara, Biblioteca comunale Ariostea
- Wikidata item: Q7725634
- Wikipedia title: Orlando Furioso
- Sitelink count: 43
- Publication date: +1516-00-00T00:00:00Z, +1532-00-00T00:00:00Z
- Country of origin: Q38 (Italy)

## FAQs
**What is Orlando Furioso about?**
Orlando Furioso is an epic poem that follows the adventures of Orlando (Roland) and other knights during Charlemagne's wars against the Saracens. It blends romance, fantasy, and satire, featuring themes of love, war, and chivalry.

**Who wrote Orlando Furioso and when was it published?**
Ludovico Ariosto wrote Orlando Furioso, with the first edition published in 1516 and a revised version in 1532.

**How does Orlando Furioso relate to Matteo Maria Boiardo's work?**
Orlando Furioso is a continuation and reimagining of Boiardo's Orlando Furioso, expanding on the original story with Ariosto's distinctive satirical and romantic style.

**What literary genre does Orlando Furioso belong to?**
It is classified as a chivalric romance and epic poem, combining elements of classical epic traditions with Renaissance innovation.

**Why is Orlando Furioso significant in Italian literature?**
Orlando Furioso is considered one of the greatest works of Italian Renaissance literature, influencing later poets and setting new standards for epic poetry with its intricate storytelling and vivid characters.

## Why It Matters
Orlando Furioso is a cornerstone of Italian Renaissance literature, bridging classical epic traditions with the innovative spirit of the Renaissance. Its blend of satire, romance, and fantasy created a new model for epic poetry, influencing generations of writers. The work's complex narrative structure and rich character development set it apart from earlier epics, making it a pivotal text in the evolution of European literature. Its themes of love, war, and chivalry resonate across cultures, ensuring its enduring relevance. The poem's association with the University of Ferrara and the Biblioteca comunale Ariostea underscores its cultural and academic significance, preserving its legacy for future generations.

## Notable For
- Being a landmark Renaissance epic that reimagined Boiardo's Orlando Furioso
- Blending satire and romance in a way that influenced later Italian literature
- Its intricate storytelling and vivid character development
- Association with the University of Ferrara, a center of Renaissance learning
- Preservation in the Biblioteca comunale Ariostea, named after Ludovico Ariosto
- Setting new standards for epic poetry in the Italian literary tradition
- Its enduring influence on European literature and culture

## Body

### Origins and Authorship
Orlando Furioso was written by Ludovico Ariosto, an Italian poet born in 1474 in Ferrara. Ariosto studied at the University of Ferrara, where he was exposed to the literary and intellectual traditions of the Renaissance. His work on Orlando Furioso began in the early 16th century, with the first edition published in 1516. A revised version was released in 1532, reflecting Ariosto's ongoing refinement of the text.

### Literary Context and Influences
The poem is a continuation and reimagining of Matteo Maria Boiardo's Orlando Furioso, which Ariosto sought to expand and elevate. Drawing on classical epic traditions, particularly those of Virgil, Ariosto infused his work with Renaissance themes and a distinctive satirical tone. This blend of classical and contemporary elements set Orlando Furioso apart from earlier epics, making it a defining work of Italian Renaissance literature.

### Structure and Themes
Orlando Furioso is structured as a chivalric romance, featuring a complex narrative that interweaves multiple storylines. The poem follows the adventures of Orlando (Roland) and other knights during Charlemagne's wars against the Saracens, but it also explores themes of love, war, and chivalry through a satirical lens. Its rich character development and intricate storytelling have made it a model for epic poetry.

### Cultural and Academic Legacy
The poem's significance is reflected in its association with the University of Ferrara, where Ariosto was affiliated, and the Biblioteca comunale Ariostea, a public library in Ferrara named in his honor. Established in 1750, the library preserves Ariosto's works and contributes to the cultural legacy of Italian literature. Orlando Furioso remains a key text in the study of Renaissance literature, influencing later poets and writers.

### Digital and Cataloging Presence
Orlando Furioso is extensively documented in academic and library systems, with identifiers such as Wikidata Q7725634 and Wikipedia title "Orlando Furioso." It is cataloged in numerous databases, including the Biblioteca comunale Ariostea and the University of Ferrara's collections. The poem's digital presence ensures its accessibility to scholars and readers worldwide.

### Related Works and Connections
The poem is closely tied to Boiardo's Orlando Furioso, which it reimagines and expands. Ariosto's work also reflects influences from classical figures like Virgil, whose epic traditions he adapted. The poem's satire and romance genres are further connected to broader literary movements of the Renaissance, making it a pivotal text in the evolution of European literature.

### Preservation and Accessibility
Orlando Furioso is preserved in major libraries and archives, including the Biblioteca comunale Ariostea and the University of Ferrara. Its digital presence ensures its accessibility to scholars and readers worldwide, with extensive cataloging in systems like Wikidata and Wikipedia. The poem's enduring relevance is reflected in its continued study and adaptation in academic and cultural contexts.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://wolnelektury.pl/katalog/lektura/orland-szalony/)
4. Quora
5. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute