How Was Feudalism Reflected In The Song Of Roland

Some medieval literature used feudalism as a way to motivate medieval people. Feudalism is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “a social system that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages in which people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and the use of land in return” (Merrian-Webster). Feudalism was a Christian system that was sanctioned by God and took place between 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D. in medieval Europe. A reciprocal relationship existed between the nobility, the peasants and the clergy where land was given in return for service or labor, and each group had its own set of expectations and obligations. For example, a lord was responsible for providing safety to the serfs and the serfs had an obligation to …show more content…
A vassal was a person who was granted land by a king in return for the vassal’s promise to provide military service and protection to the king. The king inherits all his lands and is a representative of God, therefore by obeying and following the king, the vassal was honoring God. The king was responsible for giving his vassals land but he also rewarded his vassals by sharing in any riches gained during war. The vassal and king relationship was one of loyalty and mutual respect with the vassal swearing to protect the king with his life. “The most honorable role for any man was to be a vassal and serve a worthy lord and since one would get the impression that Charlemagne was chosen by God, that means these vassals were serving both tiers of the hierarch” (Smith). Charlemagne was a Christian king waging war against the pagans lead by King Marsilion because the pagans did not want to be converted to Christianity. Roland was not only King Charlemagne’s nephew but he was also one of king’s most loyal vassal. Roland took an oath of fealty, knowing that one day he might die in battle. An example of a vassal’s loyalty to the king is when Roland agrees to go as a ambassador to King Marsilion. Marsilion had previously lied about his intent to convert to Christianity and when King Charlemagne had sent messangers to discuss conversion, Marsilion had them executed. Roland knew that King …show more content…
Right after 9/11, many people joined the military to fight against the al-Qaeda. Patriotism was at an all-time high and unfortunately all Muslims were seen as pagans and if they could be not be converted then they needed to be killed. Religion has also become an issue of content where some radicals will fight to the death for God. The Muslims and the Christians are still fighting the holy war they started centuries ago. Some militant Christians use God as a shield while they spew hate for a person’s right to choice a faith, a right to life or even a right to bear arms. Radical Muslims are promising their followers that if they become a suicide bomber and take as many non-believers with them, they will go straight to heaven and be surrounded by maidens. This holy war might take us to World War Three, where instead of finding ourselves winners on earth, we may annihilate everybody on