They are stopped as a herald arrives, announcing the arrival of a mighty knight to save Isabella. Manfred offers to spare Jerome's life in return for Isabella's freedom, and Jerome pleads for his son's life. Theodore is the son of Jerome, the count of Falconara before his home was destroyed and he went to Christianity. Jerome notices the symbol below Theodore's shoulder and recognizes him as his own son, who has been missing for years. Theodore is sentenced to death by Manfred. When Father Jerome returns from the monastery, he tells Manfred that Isabella is secure, but he adds that Manfred's desire to divorce his wife and marry the young woman offends Lord. Matilda overhears Theodore's weeping and chats briefly with him, appreciating his devotion, and wonders whether she might assist him. Manfred's pride and wrath remain despite Theodore's claim that he knows nothing about Isabella. Manfred encounters Theodore in the castle vault as the search for Isabella proceeds.

She encounters Theodore, who has recently escaped the helmet, and he assists her in fleeing to a neighboring convent. Isabella is frightened when Manfred tells her this, and she runs down a corridor beneath the castle. Manfred schemes to divorce Hippolita for failing to bear him a legitimate heir (he also says they are related) and marries Isabella instead.ĭespite the weird events that occur in the castle, Manfred remains undeterred.

Manfred is terrified that a prophecy that the castle would pass down through their line is gradually coming true with his son's death. Even though he has no cause to accuse Theodore of Conrad's death, Manfred makes a great deal out of it and incarcerates him under the helmet. An attractive young peasant called Theodore stands among the crowd, remarking that the helmet looks like the one on the monument of Otranto's founder, Alfonso. On the wedding day of Manfred's son, Conrad, and Princess Isabella, the narrative begins.Ĭonrad is crushed to death by a gigantic helmet minutes before the wedding, therefore the wedding does not take place. The narrative of Prince Manfred and his family, which includes his wife (Hippolita) and children (Conrad and Matilda), is told in The Castle of Otranto.

The castle of horace walpole