The narrator’s introduction is about love and jealousy, giving the example of poor Bradamant.

The narrator focuses on Rinaldo and his group of knights. On their way to Paris, Richardet is challenged by a knight who bests everyone and ties with Rinaldo. At night, Rinaldo invites the knight to his tent, and the knight is revealed to be Guidone. Everyone is happy to see Guidone, and they head to Paris in the morning.

On their way to Paris, they meet Grifon and Aquilant with Brandimart’s beloved, Fiordiligi. Fiordiligi tells Rinaldo about Orlando’s madness. Rinaldo wants to help, but needs to go to Paris first. That night, his knights take out Agramant’s outpost. Rinaldo’s fighting causes Africans and Spaniards to run away. Rinaldo’s retainers finally reach Charlemagne. Brandimart is reunited with his love Fiordiligi; they go off to search for Orlando.

At Rodomont’s bridge, Rodomont challenges Brandimart; they fight and end up in the water. As Brandimart and his horse start to drown, Fiordiligi asks Rodomont to save them, and he grants her request. He then imprisons Brandimart in the tower, and takes his sword and helmet. Fiordiligi cries and heads off to find another knight to help her.