What is The Song of Roland summary?

Written at the time of the First Crusade to the Holy Lands at the end of the 11th century, The Song of Roland reflects the fight between Christianity and Islam, or good and evil. The poem glorifies Christianity and its defeat over Islam, with the intention of encouraging Christians during the Crusades.

Who are the characters of the story The Song of Roland summary?

Characters in The Song of Roland Aude: Roland’s fiancé and Oliver’s sister. Baligant: The Emir of Babylon or Cairo. Blancandrin: Advisor to Marsile. Bramimonde: Queen and wife to Marsile.

What is the climax of The Song of Roland?

The climax is when the Saracen army descends upon Roland’s small force. Even though Roland kills many of the Saracens, they suffer heavy losses throughout the battle.

Why is it called Song of Roland?

The Song of Roland (French: La Chanson de Roland) is an 11th-century epic poem (chanson de geste) based on the Frankish military leader Roland at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778, during the reign of Charlemagne. It is the oldest surviving major work of French literature.

What does The Song of Roland teach us about loyalty?

By portraying Roland as a flawed yet unfailingly loyal and beloved figure, the poet suggests that although a chivalrous knight may be susceptible to rashness and pride, his character is most truly revealed by his loyalty unto death.

What is the conflict in The Song of Roland?

Ganelon plots with King Marsile to kill Roland, decimate the cream of Charlemagne’s army, and ensure a peaceful Spain forever. This treachery sets the conflict in motion by putting Roland in the wrong place (a narrow mountain pass) at the wrong time (just ahead of more than 100,000 Saracens on the warpath).

Who is the hero in The Song of Roland?

Roland
Roland, nephew of the emperor Charlemagne and leader of the rearguard in his army, is the most renowned hero of the tradition of epic in the Romance languages. He is the hero, of course, of the Song of Roland , which has survived in seven substantial versions.

What leads to Roland’s death in The Song of Roland?

Roland himself dies, not from a wound inflicted by the enemy, but rather from the force of blowing the olifant , which causes his temple to burst (ll. 1764, 1786). This is not a suicidal act but a manifestation of the hero’s strength, which is prodigious to the point of causing him mortal injury.