Il cavaliere inesistente - Italo Calvino (Riassunto)

Summary

In a captivating tale set during the reign of Charlemagne, the mysterious knight Agilulf, who claims to be both non-existent and perfect in his duties, becomes entangled in the lives of other knights, including the naive Rambaldo and the beautiful Bradamante. As Agilulf’s journey unfolds, his interactions with these characters challenge notions of identity, love, and glory. The narrative explores themes of existence, duty, and honor, as Rambaldo embarks on a quest for vengeance and identity, while Agilulf faces internal conflicts and unexpected adventures. The tale mixes humor, romance, and existential reflection in a medieval world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Agilulf, a knight in white armor, claims not to exist but serves through willpower and faith in his holy cause, creating an existential paradox about his true nature.
• 😀 Rambaldo, a young knight, seeks to avenge his father's death, only to discover that Agilulf, whom he admires, is a non-existent figure.
• 😀 Despite Agilulf's non-existence, Rambaldo finds him to be the most solid presence in a world full of uncertainty, showcasing Agilulf's symbolic importance.
• 😀 Gurdulu, a character who is often unaware of his own existence, becomes Agilulf's squire, adding a layer of absurdity and complexity to the narrative.
• 😀 The knights of Charlemagne's army, led by Agilulf, prepare for battle against the Saracens, but the actual conflict is sparked by seemingly trivial events like the knights' coughing.
• 😀 Rambaldo's quest for revenge leads him to mistakenly disrupt the mission to kill the Arga, Leaf Izoard, resulting in an ironic and tragic outcome.
• 😀 Rambaldo falls in love with Bradamante, but his love for her is complicated by her affection for Agilulf, creating a love triangle that reflects the tension between idealism and reality.
• 😀 Agilulf's role as a perfect knight is explored through his duties and actions, contrasting with the messy, human side of the other knights who are often driven by personal desires.
• 😀 Charlemagne’s leadership is questioned through various knights, including Torrisi Mondo, who challenges the system by claiming his illegitimacy, leading to a crisis of identity and authority.
• 😀 The story emphasizes the theme of existentialism, with characters constantly searching for meaning and identity, especially Agilulf, whose very existence is called into question by those around him.

Q & A

What is Agilulf's role in the story, and why is he disliked by others?

Agilulf is a knight who performs his duties perfectly but is disliked by others because of his lack of personality, his unwavering commitment to the holy cause, and his inability to relate to other people. He is also a knight who claims not to exist, adding to his detachment and coldness.

How does Rambaldo discover Agilulf's true nature?

Rambaldo discovers Agilulf's true nature when he talks to two commanders who reveal that Agilulf is not a living person but a pile of useless scrap metal, essentially an embodiment of willpower and faith rather than a physical being.

Why does Rambaldo want to avenge his father's death, and how does he go about it?

Rambaldo wants to avenge his father, the Marquis Gherardo di Rossiglione, who was killed by the Arga, Leaf Izoard. He tracks Izoard with the hope of confronting him, but in the end, his actions lead to Izoard's death indirectly after he breaks the squire's eyeglasses and causes Izoard's demise.

What is the significance of Gurdulu in Agilulf's journey?

Gurdulu is Agilulf's squire, an eccentric figure who often disappears and is not entirely aware of his presence in the world. He plays a comedic yet important role as Agilulf's companion, providing contrast to Agilulf's stoic and disciplined nature.

How does Agilulf demonstrate his superiority in battle during the meal scene?

During the meal scene at Charlemagne's banquet, Agilulf calmly and meticulously eats, contrasting the other knights who fight over food. His composure highlights his disciplined nature and his ability to maintain order in chaotic situations.

What is the relationship between Rambaldo and Bradamante?

Rambaldo falls in love with Bradamante, but she falls for Agilulf after witnessing his charm. Despite Rambaldo's feelings, he comes to terms with Bradamante's love for Agilulf, and their relationship becomes a source of emotional conflict for him throughout the story.

Why does Rambaldo want to become a paladin like Agilulf, and how does Agilulf react to this?

Rambaldo wants to become a paladin to gain glory and save the weak, inspired by Agilulf's noble stature. Agilulf, however, dispels this illusion by showing Rambaldo the true responsibilities of being a paladin, directing him to simple tasks like overseeing the kitchen.

What is the significance of Sofronia's virginity in the plot?

Sofronia's virginity is central to the concept of knightly honor, particularly in Agilulf's quest. Agilulf is tasked with finding Sofronia to restore his knightly honor after an accusation that he had ruined her virginity. This plot point underscores themes of purity, honor, and the complex expectations placed on knights.

How does Agilulf’s journey to Morocco relate to his personal quest?

Agilulf's journey to Morocco is a pivotal moment in his quest to restore Sofronia's virginity and his own sense of honor. During his journey, he faces numerous challenges, including a shipwreck and an encounter with a Sultan, showcasing the lengths he will go to fulfill his knightly duties.

What does Rambaldo do with Agilulf's armor at the end of the story?

At the end of the story, Rambaldo finds Agilulf's armor and decides to wear it, believing it will give him the power to continue Agilulf's mission. This act symbolizes Rambaldo's attempt to step into Agilulf’s shoes, embracing the ideal of knightly perfection while facing the challenges of his own identity.