Is The Song Of Roland A Hero

Whenever an ideal hero comes to mind, people tend to think more along the lines of superheros. Superman, Captain America, and Wonder Woman all have one thing in common, unrealistic powers that they use for good. When a picture of a “hero” is searched, images of men flying with capes will be the number one result. So that must be all there is to being a hero. The French epic poem The Song of Roland portrays the ideal hero, or knight, as Roland, one of the twelve peers under King Charlemagne’s rule. Roland is shown as the ideal knight with a tragic flaw, his pride and hotheadedness, through his heroic actions and loyalty, his heroic deeds are further exemplified through his stepfather’s jealousy and betrayal. Written by an unknown author, The
Marsilla, fearful of the Franks strength produces a plan to get rid of Charlemagne with false intentions of converting and offering riches. Tired of the war Charlemagne decides to accept and is asked who should be sent to Saragosa. Naimes, Roland, and Oliver offer to go but the king declines saying “the dozen peers are not to be appointed!” (line 263). After Roland volunteers his stepfather, Ganelon, he suspects that it is part of his plan to get rid of him. Ganelon conspires with Marsilla’s vassal, Blancandrin, to defeat Roland for
Roland is also shown as extremely prideful when he refuses to blow upon his oliphant horn twice while in battle, even when the Franks are obviously outnumbered. He is appalled at the idea and says, “Almighty God forbid my family should be reproved for me… Instead I’ll lay on so with Durendal,” (lines 1062-1065) relying on his strength and sword instead on his king. Roland’s confidence in his strength may ultimately be what caused his death in this