Jerusalem Delivered
“Jerusalem Delivered” is an epic poem written by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso in the 16th century. Set against the backdrop of the First Crusade, this masterpiece weaves together tales of chivalry, romance, and warfare with elements of mythology and history. The central narrative revolves around the Christian knights’ efforts to liberate Jerusalem while also exploring personal conflicts and supernatural occurrences.
About This Ebook
“Jerusalem Delivered” is a cornerstone of European literature that captures the complexity of medieval religious conflicts and human nature. Divided into twenty cantos, each composed in ottava rima (eight-line stanzas), the poem narrates the story of the Christian army’s siege of Jerusalem during the First Crusade. However, it transcends mere historical recounting by incorporating romantic subplots and fantastical elements. For instance, the enchantress Armida attempts to bewitch the Christian knights but ultimately falls in love herself, while Rinaldo grapples with his loyalty to faith versus his personal desires. These interwoven narratives highlight themes of heroism, betrayal, redemption, and the struggle between divine duty and earthly passion. Tasso’s ability to blend devout spirituality with worldly emotions makes “Jerusalem Delivered” a timeless classic of Renaissance literature.