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The Song of Roland

The Song of Roland. French Literature. Believed to be the beginnings of French literature Manuscript dates to 1100 AD, original poem is much older No known author. Medieval Epic. Focus on loyalty and valor (chivalry) Expressed character of a people Historically based

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The Song of Roland

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  1. The Song of Roland

  2. French Literature • Believed to be the beginnings of French literature • Manuscript dates to 1100 AD, original poem is much older • No known author

  3. Medieval Epic • Focus on loyalty and valor (chivalry) • Expressed character of a people • Historically based • Prized adventure over accuracy • Performed long before it was written

  4. Historical Facts with a Twist • King Charlemagne ruled the Franks (768-814) • The Song of Roland is a poem which took a minor event from his rule and embellished

  5. Historical Truth • Dispute between the Moors in Spain • A 36 year old Charlemagne intervened • On the return to France Charlemagne’s nephew and leader of the rear guard, Roland, was attacked • The entire rear guard perished

  6. Poetic License • A 200 year old (yes, 200 year old) King Charlemagne is leading the Franks into battle • The Saraceans (Spanish Muslims) attack the rear guard • The attack is due to a betrayal of Roland by his step-father

  7. Characters • Roland- courageous knight • Veillantif= his horse • Durendal= his sword • Olifant= his battle crier • King Charlemagne- 200 year old King of France • King Marsile- King of Spain • Ganelon- betrayer; step-father of Roland • Oliver & Archbishop Turpin- trusted friends of Roland

  8. Code of Chivalry • Display of nobility, loyalty, protection of women www.middle-ages.org.uk/knights-code-of-chivalry.htm

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