Chanson De Roland Summary
Song of Roland The Song of Roland, or La Chanson de Roland, is an anonymously written poem about Count Roland and his King Charlemagne. The story takes place in the eighth century A. D in Spain and France, but the poem was not composed until sometime during the eleventh century A. D. According to tradition, Roland was the nephew of Charlemagne and possessed the sword Durandel and the horn Oliphant. This epic French poem tells a story of betrayal and revenge with poetic imagery. The Song of Roland serves as the foundation of French literature, giving modern readers insight into the cultural life of France.
In the Song of Roland, leadership and power were extremely important. A leader was meant to be robust, well-spoken and charismatic. Charlemagne was fond of his family, pleasant to foreigners, lively and athletic. However, Charlemagne’s sole purpose as a ruler was to defend the Christian religion. Christianity played a major role throughout the Middle Ages in society and politics. The Middle Ages, classified from 600 AD to 1350 AD, was significantly affected by Christianity because of the impact it had on the daily lives of people of the time. Charlemagne made sure that all of his people were a part of his religion.
Charlemagne forced conversion upon the captured people. He needed all his participants to abide his rules “No pagan was left within the city who has not been slain or made a Christian. ” (32) Charlemagne is a Christian and he wanted his people to live the same faithful life that he did. While Charlemagne reigned over the Roman People, originally, the kings of the Germanic tribes of late antiquity had three main jobs: to act as the highest judge, to act as the highest priest, and to act as the supreme military commander. Later on, Kings became Christian and relegated religious authority to the Church. Charlemagne has achieved an actual and symbolic victory over paganism. With his conviction of the truth of Christianity, feudal, Christian and poetic values were united” (26). Kings tried to improve the well being of their countries and their subjects. Charlemagne improved and shaped many things in the empire, like government, education, and culture. The quality of a leader was able to improve and control the empire and be able to sustain it. Charlemagne noticed how the Franks were not as educated as other civilizations so he set up a school in his palace as well as building schools throughout the empire.
Charlemagne was determined to reinforce his kingdom and to bring order to Europe. In 772 he launched a 30-year military campaign to accomplish this objective. By 800 Charlemagne was the recognized ruler of Western Europe. By instituting a central government over Western Europe, Charlemagne restored much of the unity of the old Roman Empire and paved the way for the development of modern Europe. The Count Roland was portrayed as a prominent leader. Roland “never loved a coward, or arrogant men or those of evil character, nor knight, unless he was a good vassal.
Roland was a unique person. He showed loyalty, devotion and determination to be a good vassal. ”(45) It is out of a sense of duty that Roland fought to the death at Rencesvals. Duty causes Charlemagne to avenge Roland’s death. “Charlemagne arrives on the field of the battle after Roland’s death and is plunged into his bitterest grief. In the poem, duty is often linked to love. Charlemagne and Roland were both leaders yet, they respected each other. The bonds between Charlemagne and Roland, or between Roland and his men, were marked by deep respect and affection.
Roland died by trying to protect his people “Roland’s own death, preceded by his attempt to prevent the Oliphant from falling into enemy hands”. He fought for what he wanted and what he believed in. In the Song of Roland, being a good leader, a Christian, and fighting for something meaningful was what made a good leader. After Roland died, Charlemagne grieved for his beloved companion, “Charles mourns him in faith and love: Beloved Roland, may God place your soul amidst the flowers of paradise, amongst the glorious ones. ”(121) Charlemagne was a good king a good leader and a genuinely good person who wanted he well being of his people.