Men and beards, two terms that are used synonymously throughout much of history, either through Medieval literature or Contemporary literature. In the epic poem of Old French literature, The Song of Roland, there is much deeper importance behind hairy objects presented in scenes of war with the Saracens, emotional moments of characters, and Thierry’s appraisal in the trial of Ganelon’s fate. The anonymous poet has ascribed various heroic attributes to the men who possess beards: wisdom, experience, masculinity, and high social status. However, some may dispute that alongside these attributes there is irony that stems from the romantic background of the epic as the poet makes both Charlemagne and Thierry display instances of femininity through
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Although femininity may skew these attributes, we can trace a connection from the repetition of beards to the fur coat given to Thierry at the very end of the poem, and correlate beards, fur, and ultimately hair as indications of power and status. Furthermore, the poet expresses Charlemagne’s white beard to rationalize how bearded men represent the ideal image followers of Christendom.
We will first examine the actions of both Charlemagne and Thierry in different emotional scenes to reveal the hidden feminine aspects tied to the masculine symbolism of beards. Looking first at Line 3712, Charlemagne is asked about the whereabouts of the departed Roland, and stricken with emotion he “feels the weight and grief of this, tears fill his eyes, he weeps, pulls his white beard” (268: 3712-13). The masculine beard and its attributes, associated with a king who represents the ideal strong-hearted man, is fragile. Charlemagne …show more content…
The messengers of the Saracens are in awe when white beard is first witnessed as they meet with Charlemagne and his council. Line 117 says, “His beard is white, his hair flowering white. That lordly body! The proud fierce look of him!” (8: 117-18). The description presented by the poet paints Charlemagne as angelic or holy-like individual in order to mesmerize outsiders with what men of Christian faith look like. The “flowering white” imagery of the beard is then traced when Baligant, the incredibly powerful emir of Babylon, is introduced “like a true knight: He has a beard that is white as a flower” (229: 3172-73). Charlemagne’s image with the white beard depicts him as the ideal Christian, similar to that of Jesus, who desires to spread the richness and wisdom of Christendom to outsiders. This connection between the “flowering” white beards of Charlemagne and Baligant suggests that the Saracen looks good enough to be a Christian. Therefore, from the facial hair similarity of white beards Charlemagne feels the opposing men are symmetric counterparts that are ancient, and alike in bravery, nobility, and
Although femininity may skew these attributes, we can trace a connection from the repetition of beards to the fur coat given to Thierry at the very end of the poem, and correlate beards, fur, and ultimately hair as indications of power and status. Furthermore, the poet expresses Charlemagne’s white beard to rationalize how bearded men represent the ideal image followers of Christendom.
We will first examine the actions of both Charlemagne and Thierry in different emotional scenes to reveal the hidden feminine aspects tied to the masculine symbolism of beards. Looking first at Line 3712, Charlemagne is asked about the whereabouts of the departed Roland, and stricken with emotion he “feels the weight and grief of this, tears fill his eyes, he weeps, pulls his white beard” (268: 3712-13). The masculine beard and its attributes, associated with a king who represents the ideal strong-hearted man, is fragile. Charlemagne …show more content…
The messengers of the Saracens are in awe when white beard is first witnessed as they meet with Charlemagne and his council. Line 117 says, “His beard is white, his hair flowering white. That lordly body! The proud fierce look of him!” (8: 117-18). The description presented by the poet paints Charlemagne as angelic or holy-like individual in order to mesmerize outsiders with what men of Christian faith look like. The “flowering white” imagery of the beard is then traced when Baligant, the incredibly powerful emir of Babylon, is introduced “like a true knight: He has a beard that is white as a flower” (229: 3172-73). Charlemagne’s image with the white beard depicts him as the ideal Christian, similar to that of Jesus, who desires to spread the richness and wisdom of Christendom to outsiders. This connection between the “flowering” white beards of Charlemagne and Baligant suggests that the Saracen looks good enough to be a Christian. Therefore, from the facial hair similarity of white beards Charlemagne feels the opposing men are symmetric counterparts that are ancient, and alike in bravery, nobility, and