The Song of Roland (Introduction-Laisses 65)

           The Song of Roland is based off a true story from August 778 in Spain. It involved the Franks and the Spaniards focusing on a war between Christians and Pagans. The historical event has been used as an example of crusading but in reality there was no oppression that needed saving. The version of today, called the Oxford Roland, has mysterious origins. There is a break of 300 years that are unknown. Characters that were created in this time frame can be seen in the manuscript but

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their conception is a mystery. There are many contradictions between historical facts and the Song of Roland. "The Song of Roland is often held to be a kind of propaganda, a defense and glorification of royal power..." (pg.6) The poem needs to be read as a whole piece that views the epic as a larger story. Even though there are missing historical facts the ideas and truths seen in the poem stand-out. "The Song of Roland is...an Old French epic poem about the exploits...of a great vassal in the service of his lord" (pg.9) The vassal being Roland and the Lord being Charlemagne. "The close relation between the epic genre of this poem, the feudal society it depicts, and the religious war that comprises nearly all of its action is the principle of its unity, and many errors of interpretation occur when one forgets what holds the poem together" (pg. 9) The two sides (Christians and Pagans) have all the same qualities and yet by worshiping different entities one is seen as being right and the other being wrong when looked at through the eyes of Charlemagne. "The immanent justice of God is the ground upon which the entire poem is constructed" (pg.10) The Song of Roland holds literary significance in the academia world. The mysterious origins coupled with historical ideas gives readers a better understanding when looking at the piece through an outsiders perspective. If you would like further background information follow this link.
        Charles the King, Charlemagne, has taken over much of the land in Spain over a time span of seven years. All expect Saragossa, which is ruled by King Marsilion. This city is the last standing in this pagan country. The pagan King calls together his council in order to discuss how to stop this destruction. He worries that the city will not be able to hold out much longer. The council comes up with a scheme to trick Charlemagne into believing that they have converted therefore giving them the opportunity to go home. They plan to entice the leader with gifts and potential servants.
        The French men are described as being frivolous and arrogant. The King is so magnificent that when a stranger walks into the room there is no need for an introduction, the leader is readily known. The pagan messenger arrives and Charlemagne is suspicious of his enemies good-will and ask how they can be trusted. The Spaniards offer up hostages and ask how many are wanted. The man speaking even offers up his son as a hostage. This ruse helps Charlemagne bring his guard down.
       The next morning after mass the French leader calls together a council. Included in this council is Roland and Ganelon, two key characters. He explains what King Marsilion's messengers decreed and states that he is uneasy about what lies in the heart of his former enemy. Count Roland approaches Charles the King and rebukes the notion that Marsilion could have reformed so quickly. Ganelon

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tries to appease the idea that there is honesty in the words and wants the council to believe the pagans. Other members of the council agree with Ganelon and Charlemagne tries to find who will go speak with the pagan king. Different members volunteer but the leader does not want them to risk their lives. Count Roland offers to go, but the council believes that not to be wise, considering he opposed the idea. The name Ganelon is then proposed by Roland. The French leader agrees with this decision and only after Ganelon berates Roland for volunteering him, does he agree to the task. Foreshadowing is seen during this spat, because Ganelon threatens Roland while the count laughs in his face. Ganelon is furious but contains his anger long enough to gather his necessities for the trip and catch up to the pagan messengers.
     On the trip back to Saragossa, Ganelon deceives the Blancandrin, the messenger, into believing that Count Roland is an evil man who needs to be stopped. By the end of their travels the two have come to a resolve that in some way Roland must die. Blancandrin introduces Ganelon to King Marsilion. The deceiver, Ganelon, plays on the King's anger. He tells the king that either he converts and will be given half of Spain or he will become overthrown and become a prisoner. Ganelon knows that by using his words he will be able to take revenge on Count Roland. The King becomes angry by the thought and tries to harm Ganelon who takes on the persona of wounded prey. Marsilion, is jaded by this performance and tries to make amends with Ganelon.
      They get into topic of Charlemagne. The pagan is amazed at how war-focused the leader is at his old age. Ganelon creates a ruse around the notion that Charlemagne's strength lies in Roland, Oliver, and the Twelve Peers. If Marsilion were to rid Charlemagne of his strength he would not be able to continue. Ganelon also advises the King to appease Charles the King with a multitude of gifts in order to ensure their departure. When the army starts to go home the rear-guard will be left unprotected. With the death of Roland and Oliver, who will be in the rear-guard, Charlemagne will not have a will to go on. Because of his willingness to betray his army, Ganelon is given many gifts from the pagans, including pieces of armor. Marsilion's parting words clarify that if Ganelon follows through with his betrayal that the pagan will reward him greatly.
       Ganelon arrives at the Christian camp the next morning in order to deceive Charlemagne, Roland, and the others. Ganelon spins a tale for Charles the King that shows the pagan's drowning in the sea after trying to escape Christian beliefs and King Marsilion committing to follow Charlemagne toward this new faith. The French pack up their belongings and begin their long journey home. The pagans places themselves in the forest ready for the attack and Charles the King has two dreams that warn him of the danger to come and he sleeps through them. The next morning Ganelon nominates Roland to lead the rear-guard. Emperor Charles is appalled by the notion that his "second in command" would take on such a dangerous position. The ego of Roland takes into effect and he take on the position with pride. Many leaders choose to serve under him and they choose twenty-thousand men to help in their rank. The section closes with eerie words of the bitter battle to come.

Note: Frederick Goldin's translation was used for reference.