This medieval French epic poem tells of Roland, nephew of Charlemagne, who leads the rear guard of the emperor's army as it returns from Spain. Betrayed by his stepfather Ganelon, Roland's force is ambushed by Saracens at the pass of Roncevaux. Roland refuses to blow his horn, Olifant, to call for help until too late, and he dies after a last stand with his companion Oliver and Archbishop Turpin. Charlemagne then avenges him and Ganelon is tried and executed.
It is for readers who want a foundation of chivalric literature and French national legend. It shows ideals of loyalty, pride and faith, and is short enough to read in an afternoon. Reading it also helps explain the many later retellings in Italian and English chivalric poetry that borrowed its characters and episodes.
Outward-looking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Systems Thinker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2011
- Publisher
- Books LLC, Classics Series
- ISBN
- 9781232558439
- Language
- FR
