Jerusalem Delivered

Jerusalem Delivered Summary | Book 1 Summary

This epic poem tells the story of a Christian attempt to free the holy city of Jerusalem from Muslim control. The individual stories of several heroes from both sides are interwoven with the main plot, all developing the theme of Christian moral, military, and spiritual superiority.

The poet introduces his story, the freeing of Jerusalem by Christians. He invokes the help of the poetic muses, and briefly relates the history of Christian crusades against the "tyrants" (interpreted to be Muslims). He then begins his story by saying God looked down at several Christian heroes and sent the Angel Gabriel to the most holy, a man named Godfrey. Gabriel tells him the time has come for him to gather the Christian lords of Europe and free Jerusalem. Godfrey sends messengers to his allies, who gather and agree to join him. After the poem describes the election of Godfrey as the army's leader, the army of each ally is described at detailed length, with particular attention being paid to Tancredi and Rinaldo. The combined armies raise Christian flags, then Godfrey makes a speech of inspiration, and the following day at sunrise the Crusaders depart.

Meanwhile, the Muslim ruler of Jerusalem, Aladine hears of the Crusaders' coming and considers slaughtering all the Christians currently living in the city. Cowardice prevents him from doing so out of fear of the revenge he believes the Christians will take on HIS people. He does, however, destroy the Christians' homes and blocks their wells. He then fortifies Jerusalem with three mighty walls.