Roland and Tristan are considered to be the perfect examples of a good vassal but their definition of loyalty and how they express it is completely different.
Feudalism was used by kings in order to loan out their kingdoms when they became too large to control on their own. This loan created lords who then figured out that they could not control their countries on their own so they loaned out property to their vassal. This created the term, feudalization of love. Two characters were introduced that showed they were loyal and shared the feudalization of love for their lords; Roland and Tristan. However, this essay will compare and contrast the two men.
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a vassal is defined as a person under the protection …show more content…
No matter how skewed their definition of loyalty is. Both men could be described as being generous by the other members of the court. For example, Roland would often shower others in gifts because he was one of the best knights within Charlemagne’s court. “They love him so much they will not fail him. So much gold and silver does he bestow on them. Mules and war horses, silks and arms” (Song of Roland, trans. Burgess, I. 30. 397-399). I believe that Roland had enough gifts from being a great knight that he did not mind sharing or giving away his gifts. The same can be said about Tristan. For example, in Chapter 7, Tristan and Rual spend a month finding clothing and equipment because Tristan wish es to sponsor them as his new comrades. This is a prime example on how generous Tristan can …show more content…
For example, “His arrogance ought to be his downfall; For every day he takes risks with his life” ( Song of Roland, trans. Burgess, I. 29. 389-390). In my opinion, I would consider this quote to be a foreshadowing of what is to happen to Roland in the future. Roland often is described as being cocky and stubborn by his friend, Oliver. Roland’s unattractive characteristics are seen several times when he refuses to call upon Charlemagne for help. “Franks are dead because of your recklessness; Charles will never again receive our service. If you had heeded me, my lord would now be here; We should have fought this battle and won it”(Song of Roland, trans. Burgess, I. 131.1724). This sets Roland apart from Tristan because Tristan was seen as humble within the court even though the other knights did not like
Feudalism was used by kings in order to loan out their kingdoms when they became too large to control on their own. This loan created lords who then figured out that they could not control their countries on their own so they loaned out property to their vassal. This created the term, feudalization of love. Two characters were introduced that showed they were loyal and shared the feudalization of love for their lords; Roland and Tristan. However, this essay will compare and contrast the two men.
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a vassal is defined as a person under the protection …show more content…
No matter how skewed their definition of loyalty is. Both men could be described as being generous by the other members of the court. For example, Roland would often shower others in gifts because he was one of the best knights within Charlemagne’s court. “They love him so much they will not fail him. So much gold and silver does he bestow on them. Mules and war horses, silks and arms” (Song of Roland, trans. Burgess, I. 30. 397-399). I believe that Roland had enough gifts from being a great knight that he did not mind sharing or giving away his gifts. The same can be said about Tristan. For example, in Chapter 7, Tristan and Rual spend a month finding clothing and equipment because Tristan wish es to sponsor them as his new comrades. This is a prime example on how generous Tristan can …show more content…
For example, “His arrogance ought to be his downfall; For every day he takes risks with his life” ( Song of Roland, trans. Burgess, I. 29. 389-390). In my opinion, I would consider this quote to be a foreshadowing of what is to happen to Roland in the future. Roland often is described as being cocky and stubborn by his friend, Oliver. Roland’s unattractive characteristics are seen several times when he refuses to call upon Charlemagne for help. “Franks are dead because of your recklessness; Charles will never again receive our service. If you had heeded me, my lord would now be here; We should have fought this battle and won it”(Song of Roland, trans. Burgess, I. 131.1724). This sets Roland apart from Tristan because Tristan was seen as humble within the court even though the other knights did not like