The crusaders first sight of the Holy City, and an initial skirmish claiming the life of Dudon. Tancred falls in love with the Saracen knight Clorinda, and Armida the sorceress is sent to damage the crusaders from within.

In the first skirmish outside Jerusalem, Tancred meets the beautiful Clorinda and almost kills her before declaring his love. Armida tries to beguile Godfrey with a tale of woe.