Renaud

Synopsis

Act I

The stage represents the Saracen camp. In the centre is a richly decorated square, in which the kings and knights, in a semicircle, are holding counsel with Hidraot.

Renaud goes to the camp of King Hidraot (Armide’s father) to propose peace to the Muslim people provided they will agree to free Jerusalem. The agreement is about to be concluded when Armide appears with her retinue and prevents its proclamation. She promises her hand to whoever kills Renaud, thereby obtaining her revenge. They all solemnly pay tribute to her. Antiope, queen of the Amazons, arrives with her warriors to assist the princess in her fight.

Act II

The stage represents a large tent.

Armide’s feelings soften and she admits that she cannot help loving Renaud. The latter, captured by the Amazons, is brought before her. Her passion revives and, in confessing her love, she goes so far as to tell Renaud of his rivals’ plans in order to ensure his victory. While Renaud is hastening to in front, Hidraot reproaches his daughter for this betrayal. Realising her mistake, Armide joins her father in invoking the Furies with the aim of requesting their help. But even Hell refuses to obey a traitress. Vowing to kill Renaud, Hidraot goes to join in the fighting, leaving Armide in despair.

Act III

In the foreground, a dense forest, beyond which is visible, in the lightning flashes of a storm, a vast battlefield, strewn with the bodies of the dead and the dying, men and horses, and with chariots and broken weapons. In the distance, a mountain, to which the Saracens are seen fleeing. 

On the battlefield, the last glimmers of daylight are dwindling. The Muslim army has been decimated, routed. Armide, trembling with terror, is looking for the bodies of Renaud and her father, Hidraot. The survivors on her side blame her for the massacre; they tell her Hidraot, in the hands of the enemy, is chained to Renaud’s chariot. Feeling remorse, shame and pique, she is about to kill herself, when Renaud appears and snatches the dagger from her hand. Out of love for her, he has spared her father’s life. Then, with the king’s blessing and amidst the rejoicing of the two nations, now at peace, Armide and Renaud sing of their love.