Rodelinda, Regina de' Longobardi (1719)

Synopsis of Rodelinda

The royal family of Lombardy is in an uproar. Grimoaldo has attacked Bertarido, King of Lombardy and Milan, and usurped the throne. Bertarido has vanished, leaving behind his wife, Rodelinda, and his young son, Flavio. Grimoaldo was an ally of Bertarido’s estranged brother, Gundeberto who died in battle. Gunderberto’s wife, Eduige, now widowed, has been given to Grimoaldo for marriage. She keeps refusing and postponing the marriage, though she does love him, and he her, so that she can properly mourn the loss of her previous husband and missing brother-in-law. Bertarido, still alive, has sent news of his own death to the palace. He plans to return in disguise to rescue his wife and son, and take them to land that is far away from the politics and drama of the kingdom. Grimoaldo decides to break off his engagement with Eduige and instead marry Rodelinda. Meanwhile, Bertarido returns to Milan in disguise with the help of his friend, Unulfo. Unfortunately, Bertarido is captured and matters are further complicated by the machinations of Garibaldo, who also loves Eduige and desires to become king himself. With the assistance of Unolfo, Bertarido escapes from prison, kills Garibaldo, pardons Grimoaldo and is restored to the throne.