This is when we get to witness the work of Orlando, the great destroyer of monsters, armed knight of the archangel Michael in person, defender of the Christian faith and the noble customs of the world. At an opportune moment, he leaped into the air and cut off one of the monster's wings. From inside the cave the strange beast's piercing cry was heard all around, while it still attempted to grab the paladin with its horrendous tail. But he stabbed it in the gut, and soon the war with the monster was over. The count grabbed it and with all his great might threw it off of the cliff; and never again has there been any talk of the sphinx of Circassia.
Only now was Orlando reminded of the little book that the old pilgrim had given him as a gift, the book that explained any enigma and doubt of the mind. And having opened it, he read the response to the talking beast's riddle: the human creature was the animal who begins to walk on all fours as an infant, then walks on two feet, and finally on three in old age, counting the walking stick.
Having descended from the tall cliff, Orlando resumed his voyage, this count of Blava and of Anglante, the most famous warrior in the world, and even Roman senator elected by the pope. With this journey began his new life as a paladin in love: a thing that had never happened to him before, he having been up until now loyal husband to the beautiful Alda, with whom he had lived in chastity thinking only about the Christian faith.
It is a change that will make him appear in a different light, and at certain times even a bit of an idiot in his mad love, besides being irresponsible in anger, a madman in pride and inhuman in fighting. But this way we will see more clearly that Orlando, like the other wandering knights of our poem, is someone who always runs after his fantasies.
Be they Christian or Pagan, these knights are all men who cannot stay still, in constant pursuit of their dreams. So they cross continents, wander around in deserted lands, endure many trials, wrestle with giants and dragons and monsters all through their odd, vagabond lives.
