E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Fata.
Women introduced in mediæval romance not unlike witches, and under the sway of Demogorgon. In Orlando Innamora’to we meet with the “Fata Morga’na;” in Bojardo, with the “Fata Silvanella.” The Fates Nera and Bianca, the protectresses of Guido’ne and Aquilante; the “Fata della Fonti,” from whom Manricardo obtains the arms of Hector; and “Alci’na,” sister of Morga’na, who carries off Astolfo. In Tasso we have the three daughters of Morga’na, whose names are Morganetta, Nivetta, and Carvilia; we have also Dragonti’na, Monta’na, Argea (called the queen of the Fates), protectress of Floridante), Filidea (sister of Argea), and several others. In the Ado’ne of Mari’ni we have the Fata named “Falsire’na.”
