Song Of Roland: Count Roland And His King Charlemagne
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 …show more content…
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 …show more content…
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
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 …show more content…
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 …show more content…
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