Books 17 and 18 Summary

Book 17 - The poet gives a brief history of the Egyptian empire, and then recounts how the Caliph (king) assembled armies from all over Africa and Asia with the goal of marching to defend Jerusalem from the Crusaders. Armida brings her own army, telling the Caliph that her personal mission and intention is to take revenge on Renaldo for his betrayal. The generals of several of the other armies vow to kill him on her behalf.

Meanwhile, Renaldo, Guelpho and Ubaldo arrive at the home of the Hermit, who welcomes them and urges Renaldo to forgive himself for falling under Armida's spell. Using a mystical shield as a kind of mirror of history, he shows Renaldo all his mighty ancestors, saying that he has a long and noble history to live up to. Renaldo takes courage from this lesson and eagerly...