The Nonexistent Knight

The story begins by introducing Agilulfo, a non-existent knight animated through willpower, and Rambaldo, an eager young knight-in-training seeking revenge for his father's death. They are both paladins of Charlemagne, each driven by their own ideals and motivations. Their relationship sets the stage for the adventures and philosophical themes that follow.

During Charlemagne's march to battle the Moors, the group encounters Gurdulù, a vagabond who acts purely on instinct and without reflection. Gurdulù is assigned as Agilulfo’s squire, despite lacking conscious individuality. This encounter highlights the novel's exploration of identity and the nature of consciousness.

As the army approaches the battlefield, Rambaldo seeks to confront the man who killed his father, the Argalif. Despite his determination, Rambaldo's duel is hindered by the Argalif’s nearsightedness and broken glasses, leading to the Argalif’s self-inflicted death. This event marks Rambaldo’s early efforts at heroism and revenge.

Rambaldo is ambushed but saved by a knight in a periwinkle breastplate, who later reveals herself as the beautiful woman Bradamante. Rambaldo falls in love with her, unaware of her true feelings and her obsession with Agilulfo as the perfect knight. This introduces a romantic subplot and themes of idealism.

At a banquet, Torrismondo claims that Sofronia, a woman Agilulfo saved, is his mother. This challenges Agilulfo's knighthood, prompting him to seek proof of Sofronia’s virginity to validate his honor. Torrismondo’s revelation introduces familial and identity conflicts.

Torrismondo departs to find his father and prove his lineage, eventually seeking out the mystical Knights of the Grail. Meanwhile, Agilulfo pursues Sofronia to verify her virginity, setting both on separate journeys of discovery and self-examination.

Torrismondo finds Sofronia, and both are revealed not to be related as initially thought. Sofronia is of peasant origin, and Torrismondo is the son of the Queen of Scotland. Their love is thus validated, and Agilulfo’s honor remains intact, though he begins to lose his sense of perfection.

Agilulfo dissolves, losing his sense of perfection, and leaves his armor to Rambaldo. However, Rambaldo, as an imperfect knight, tarnishes the once-immaculate armor, symbolizing the erosion of idealism and perfection. This marks a shift from spiritual to more human, flawed realities.

A Moorish army lands on the coast, leading to a fierce battle between Christians and Saracens. During the victory, Bradamante mistakenly embraces Rambaldo, thinking he is Agilulfo. She then opens her eyes, realizes the mistake, and flees in disappointment, highlighting themes of love, idealism, and disillusion.

Sofronia and Torrismondo marry, and the villagers, having defended themselves against the Templars, refuse to recognize Torrismondo’s knightly title. Gurdulù and Sofronia settle in a village, emphasizing the novel’s critique of aristocratic and religious authority.

It’s revealed that Sister Teodora, the narrator, and Bradamante are the same person. When Rambaldo finds her at the monastery, he confesses his love. Bradamante accepts him, and they depart together into an uncertain future, closing the story on themes of love and identity.