Morgante

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Morgante is an Italian romantic epic by Luigi Pulci which appeared in its final form in 1483. The poem tells the story of Orlando, the most famous of Charlemagne's paladins, in a frequently burlesque fashion. The title character is a giant who becomes Orlando's loyal follower after the knight stops him from attacking the monastery of Chiaromonte and converts him to Christianity. After many adventures, Morgante is killed by a bite from a crab. Other characters include Morgante's friend, the gluttonous Margutte, and the philosophically inclined demon Astarotte. The poem ends with an account of Orlando's defeat and death at the Battle of Roncesvalles. Lord Byron translated the first canto of Morgante in 1822.

[edit] References

• Morgante ed. Franca Ageno (Mondadori, 1994)

[edit] Bibliography

• Morgante: The Epic Adventures of Orlando and His Giant Friend a complete English translation by Joseph Tusiani (Indiana University Press, 2000)