The ' The Song Of Roland '

Ideas that have been taught in many societies since the first civilizations of Mesopotamia to the world now are duty, loyalty and bravery. No period relied on these ideas more than the Middle Ages time of Europe. The European societies were based on the nature of feudalism. Feudalism worked if everyone in the society did their duty and gave loyalty to everyone above the on the social latter. The knight was the backbone of the feudal society. He was the protector of the heavenly Lord, their lady and the earthly lord. The roles and duties of the knight are quotes as, “the most noble knight under Christ, And the loveliest lades that lived on earth ever, and he the comeliest king, that the court holds.” (P. 26) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight gives a perspective to view life from the courtly aspect of the European feudal

Several fictional works set in Arthurian times contain numerous similar elements, whether that be in the structure of its plot or encounters with mythical beings; however, one particular element of these tales stands out among the rest, that being the knights in the stories. Both chivalrous and virtuous, knights are the very embodiment of Arthurian mythology, and are a staple in many Arthurian legends. Their courageous acts of selflessness and loyalty to their lords only add to their reputation, inspiring many authors throughout the ages to capture their likeness in various texts; however, only one author has been able to truly capture what it means to be a knight, that author being the “Gawain Poet.” Also known as the “Pearl Poet,” the “Gawain Poet” is most known for his chivalric romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The story revolves around a central conflict in which the protagonist, Sir Gawain, must fulfill an agreement with a mysterious knight. Gawain’s “debt” must be repaid exactly one year after their agreement, and if Gawain should fail to do so, his honor and reputation would be tarnished. It is through his struggles that Gawain not only grows as a character, but also shows what it means to truly be a knight. Sir Gawain is the epitome of a knight because he is not only chivalrous and virtuous, but also stays true to his word in the face of danger.

Literature of the Middle Ages can not be discussed without acknowledging the undeniable importance of chivalry. Chivalry in relation to the middle ages is defined as “the code of conduct adhered to by Medieval knights with gallant knightly values including honor, bravery, courteousness and honesty.” This key characteristic is essential in defining an ideal knight as well as his expectations. A knight must live by a chivalric code in which he becomes indebted to the people, his fellow knights, and most importantly, his lord. No other knight displayed more of a devotion to upholding the code then Lanval of Marie de France’s lai “Lanval.” Lanval demonstrates his chivalric nature in essential every action from maintaining comitatus amongst the

At this point in history the men who fought the wars were lead by their leaders with a code of chivalry. Chivalry can be explained as “the Anglo-Saxon code on steroids.” (McGee) Which is, explained further, a moral system for a good way to conduct fighting. The knights in Arthurian time went even further with that code to say that it was a way to conduct oneself not only in battle, but at all times. Knights, by being chivalrous, were kind to all people, fought well and true, kept faith and believed in the Christian God, and fought for their kings. Chivalry can be found across the Arthurian texts, The Song of Roland is one of the texts that has multiple examples of chivalry.

It is the responsibility of both the vassal and the lord to provide, among other things, this defense and revenge for one another.

This conclusion is immediately further confirmed just a few lines later: “The most chivalrous and courteous knights known to Christendom” (Line 51). Now more information is being handed out, these are knights who are courteous, chivalrous, and Christian. The Oxford English Dictionary defines chivalry as “ The knightly system of feudal times with its attendant religious, moral, and social code, usages, and practices”. What are these practices

Of all his chivalric qualities, Roland’s honor through his loyalty is the most redeeming. Though his jealous scheming stepfather claims that “you [Charlemagne] have no lord of such great vassalage” (page 76) with deceitful intent (to set Roland up to die), the statement rings true. Roland’s loyalty to both his earthly lord, Charlemagne, and his heavenly Lord leads him to constantly strive to please them in life and in death. When he hears that he has been assigned to the rear guard at his stepfather’s recommendation, he is eager for his chance to make Charlemagne proud, though he suspects his uncle has ulterior motives (76). Later, at the battle’s tragic end, Roland still desires Charlemagne’s

In Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem, The Knight’s Tale, the author encapsulates chivalrous characteristics in his telling of a battle for love. In its fundamental form, chivalry idealizes a knight’s conduct, both on and off the battlefield (Gregory-Abbott). Chaucer employs this “heroic code [of] bravery, loyalty, and service to one's lord” to illustrate the idillic knight throughout the narrative (Rossignol). Chaucer’s poem, The Knight’s Tale, exhibits the ideals of chivalry in the form of two knights, desperately in love with the same woman, and a wise Duke who embodies the voice of reason. Each knight upholds honor through compassion, troths, and heroism on the battlefield, despite their afflictions with each other.

Chivalrous conduct can be described as, "qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women,” (Ramsay) In the many stories surrounding King Arthur, his own story included, all contain this chivalrous conduct in the text. In the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain shows his courage and honesty. The Song of Roland is the story of a chivalrous man that is humbled and courageous through his experiences. The tale of Perceval, one of Arthur’s knights, is one that displays a whole new level of dedication and loyalty, The story of King Arthur himself also contains several elements of chivalry that he depicts to his followers. The theme of chivalry resonates within the four texts, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Song of Roland, Perceval: The Story of the Grail, and Morte D’Arthur, leaving the readers with a new hope for the future.

Honor; honor is something that all will strive to achieve in life. Honor shapes people and without it, the world would be very contradistinct. But the concept of honor has changed over time. Today, honor is telling the truth, putting others before oneself, being kind, and protecting people no matter the cost. However, in the French epic, The Song of Roland honor is a very incommensurable thing. Honor is idealized by characters like Roland, Ganelon, and Marsilion as bravery to the point of stupidity and ultimately even death. Honor was not defending others, but safeguarding one’s own reputation and legacy. And a multitudinous amount of characters in this epic put honor above all else, and it’s not always smart.

The Song of Roland is a poem that exemplifies the devotion of Charlemagne’s knights and soldiers for Charlemagne’s conquest and to spread Christianity in pagan lands. There are several themes relating to good versus evil along with themes of loyalty and bravery. This poem can be read to encourage men to fight for God and country and that it is the righteous and noble choice to make. This poem is undoubtedly fiction, but its purpose is important to medieval society’s chivalric spirit.

The Song of Roland is a heroic epic that depicts the tragic defeat of Roland, the courageous leader of Charlemagne’s army. Within the epic Roland is not depicted as a hero in every way. I believe that Roland’s pride eventually becomes the root cause of his failure to himself and to others. It is this pride that Roland carries that sheds light upon the culture out of which the poem emerges. In this culture during the late 700’s, pride in one’s religion is expected and upheld to great extents such as sacrifice.

In Song of Roland, the ideas of chivalry and loyalty to one’s king are central. Throughout the text, the author uses the concepts of good versus evil, shown by the Christians versus Muslims, as well as loyalty versus treason, shown by Roland versus Ganelon, to highlight and exemplify the ideals of the code of knighthood. The main character, Roland, is often presented as being an exemplary knight; he personifies the conventional chivalric values of the time such as bravery and loyalty, but he also struggles to balance these values in order to be a responsible leader. Roland is in stark contrast to his stepfather, Ganelon, as well as being in slight contrast to his close friend, Oliver. These contrasts of character come to a climax as the battle against the Muslim army at Roncesvalles begins; Oliver and Roland debate over whether they should call the king to help them, leading to the eventual demise of the French army. This specific scene brings to light the ideological dilemma of bravery versus wisdom and logic, by utilizing Roland as an example of the former, and Oliver of the latter. Roland, as evidenced by this situation, displays perfect loyalty to one’s king and God by being incredibly brave in the face of danger, making sacrifices that he sees are necessary, and fought valiantly until his death, all the while keeping the utmost faith in his God and king.

During the Early Middle Ages, a common practice of feudalism began. Knights formed a relationship with a local king in order to receive protection, fief, and justice. In return, knights had the duty to stay true and serve their lord unconditionally, whether on the battlefield, in a council, or wherever the king goes. Likewise, the knights under a lord were called to fight alongside one another unto death. If death grasped ahold of one of their fellow companions, the vassals were called to avenge their comrade’s bloodshed (Stowell). Portrayed as a brave, noble knight, Roland exhibits the ideal characteristics that a king in the Middle Ages would have desired to have under his service. However, Roland suffers from a key internal flaw: pride. A flaw that ultimately brings death and destruction upon thousands of French troops. Yet, Roland is still pictured as a hero by the end of the Song of Roland. Why does he receive so much praise? Because Roland realizes his prideful judgment and responds in a heroic way. Even with his pride, Roland still represents a heroic vassal because of his utmost determination in the face of death, his display of honor to the fallen vassals, and his faithfulness to his heavenly Lord in the end.

Knights are one of the most mistaken figures of the medieval era due to fairytales and over exaggerated fiction novels. When medieval knights roamed the earth, it was known that they were only human and, like humans, had faults. These knights did not always live up to the standards designated by society. However, in The Canterbury Tales, the knight is revealed as a character that would now be considered a knight in shining armor, a perfect role model in how he acts and what he does. Modern day people see them as chivalrous figures instead of their actual role as mounted cavalry soldiers. As time passes, the idea of what a knight is changes from a simple cavalry soldier to a specific type of behavior.