He appears in Orlando Furioso, the 16th-century Italian romantic epic by Ludovico Ariosto.
He is the son of the King of Scotland, Duke of Ross, and brother of Ginevra.
Zerbino is betrayed by Gabrina, and is about to be executed when he is rescued by Orlando and Isabella.
Zerbino finds Orlando's arms and armour, which he has discarded in his madness.
Mandricardo does battle with Zerbino and wins the sword Durendal from him.