Term Paper on "Song of Roland," Translated by Patricia Terry"

Term Paper 4 pages (1430 words) Sources: 1

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Song of Roland," translated by Patricia Terry. Specifically, it will contain a critical analysis of Roland, the principal character in the work. Roland is a brave knight who epitomizes chivalry and Christianity of the time, and how the two were intricately intertwined.

The Song of Roland" is an epic poem that tells the story of how King Charlemagne's French forces were eliminated by Muslim forces during the Crusades in Spain, after seven long years of fighting. Count Roland is Charlemagne's nephew, and a brave and gallant knight who serves Charlemagne well. He is the embodiment of chivalry and knighthood in early medieval times, such as when the Crusades took place. Throughout the poem, the unknown author illustrates Roland as a brave hero who supports his uncle well and conquers many lands for his king. Epic poems were written during medieval times to inspire and to pass on legends and stories. Roland's story is meant to inspire Christians to take up the fight against Islam, and to inspire chivalry and devotedness in the knights of the time. Epic poems were very popular at the time they were written, and this poem is the oldest known epic poem in existence. It was probably written around the year 1100, but no one really knows for sure. During the Crusades, the Catholic Church wanted to spread its influence into the Holy Land, and good Christians were urged to fight the "pagan" Muslims, and thus spread Christianity. Many knights of the time joined the Crusades, and this poem is the story of one group of French knights, under the rule of French King Charlemagne, who were fighting in just such a Crusade.

When Roland is first introduced in the poem, he stands up for his uncle against the other barons, and speaks out against the treachery of the Muslims. He does not trust them, and this is wise, but the other barons do not support him. In his speech he says, "You can't believe Marsile! / It's seven years since first we came to Spain; / For you I've conquered Nople and Commiblea, / I took Val-Terre and all the land of Pine, / And Balaguer, Tudela, Sedile. / There King Marsile displayed his treachery'" (Terry 10). Thus, the reader immediately understands that Roland is a brave and loyal soldier, who has successful completed numerous campaigns for his king. He is also bright, because he understands the trickery of the Muslims, and knows enough not to trust them, especially after trusting them once already. He is bold and brave, but he is also impetuous, and this makes him a weaker leader than he could be. When he chooses not to blow the oliphant horn, his decision ultimately leads to the deaths of 20,000 of his men, many of them his closest companions. In addition, he refuses additional help from Charlemagne's army, and this rash decision also contributes to the deaths of the rear guard. Because Roland is impetuous and rash, he believes he is stronger than he really is, and while he is extremely brave, his rash decisions lead to death, even his own, in the end.

Roland is clearly Charlemagne's favorite, he says of him "God! If I lose him, no one can take his place'" (35). Yet, even though he has an ominous dream, he sends Roland off to command the rear guard as Ganelon has suggested, and so, he seals Roland's fate. Yet, even though Ganelon is a traitor, Roland will not listen to anything bad about his stepfather. He admonishes Oliver when he calls him "false-hearted" (42), and is true to his family, even though they are not true to him. This intense loyalty extends to his king, to his men, and to his conviction that Christianity must spread throughout the world. This loyalty is an important part of chivalry, and Roland is an excellent example of what people of the time felt chivalry should represent.

Roland's bravery is legendary, and that is another important quality of a good knight. The Muslims know of Roland, and many of them are eager to kill him in battle. Roland's bravery has created a name and a legend about him, and enemies know they should fear him. They also know it will take a great many to… READ MORE

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