The names of the Sicilian puppets: heroes, villains and spectacular duels

Regardless of the season, of the special atmosphere of Christmas or of the bright colours of spring and summer, only one thing matters: the opera dei pupi is one of the most magical and unique traditions of Sicily. And, to enjoy the skills of the puppeteers and the charm of the stories, you have to know the names of the most important and famous Sicilian puppets.

1. Orlando. It is the paladin par excellence, without blemish and without fear, who does not hesitate to risk his own life to save a damsel or to fight against a cruel villain.
2. Angelica. The damsel protagonist of most of the stories of the Sicilian puppets. She is the great love of Orlando.
3. Rinaldo. A brave paladin. Cousin of Orlando, Rinaldo hates Angelica but then falls in love with her. The two cousins, so, become love rivals and do not hesitate to fight in duels.
4. Dama Rovenza. To avenge Mambrino, killed by Rinaldo, Rovenza, with her terrible hammer, besieged Paris. Only Rinaldo will defeat the cruel woman warrior.
5. Medoro. He is a Saracen army infantryman. However, he falls in love with Angelica, and the two write their names on trees and walls of the caves where their love was consummated. This will cause the fury of Orlando.

The origins of stories and characters are epic poems such as The song of Roland, Jerusalem Delivered and Orlando furioso. Poems that the ancient puppeteers, despite being nearly illiterate, knew by heart.

Image source: Flickr.com/photos/30485819@N04