One of the oldest French epics, known as “The Song of Roland” was written by an unknown author during the first crusades. In 778 A.D, during Charlemagne reign, the battle between the Franks and Basque evolved into “The song of Roland” that we know today. The main characters of the poem were Charlemagne, his nephew Roland, Ganelon —Roland’s step father— , and Oliver —Roland’s brother in law—. Charlemagne became known as a christian King who excelled when in power. Roland was a fearless knight who became a hero of faith, when sacrificing his life for God and his king. The famous epic, also known as “Chansons de getse”—meaning songs of great deed— morphed into one of the most important medieval French epics. Illuminating the importance of loyalty,
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Those who did not ascribe to the Christian faith were looked at as evil, because of their improper use of free will. It is assumed that the poem was also a source of propaganda for Christians, influencing them to take up arms against those of a different faith. Written durning the crusades period, the poem reveals what it means to be French, it meant being a Christian. The religious symbolism in the poem becomes visible when Roland’s life is coming to an end as he shouts a prayer to God, “True father, which is no lie, You raised Saint Lazarus from the dead, And protected Daniel from the lions, Protect my soul from all dangers From the sins that in my life I have committed!”(Dominik 5) . Roland prayer expresses just how strong his faith by calling God his father and asking for protection over his soul. Because the poem dates back to the crusades, religion was essential in medieval times, knights were also expected to not only be loyal to the king but to the church as …show more content…
Model knights were loyal, fearless, courages and ready to sacrifice their life to protect the mass. They lived by a chivalry code that included: Fear God and his church, respect and honor women, protect the weak, and live by honor and glory. The relationship with the lord and feudal vassals was key to being an exemplary ruler. The lord was to treat his vassals with respect and honor because he used their advice when considering problems and settling disputes. The responsibility of every feudal vassals was to present himself when the lord called for assembly, proving their loyalty and respect. The commitment of a loyal vassal was conveyed in the
Those who did not ascribe to the Christian faith were looked at as evil, because of their improper use of free will. It is assumed that the poem was also a source of propaganda for Christians, influencing them to take up arms against those of a different faith. Written durning the crusades period, the poem reveals what it means to be French, it meant being a Christian. The religious symbolism in the poem becomes visible when Roland’s life is coming to an end as he shouts a prayer to God, “True father, which is no lie, You raised Saint Lazarus from the dead, And protected Daniel from the lions, Protect my soul from all dangers From the sins that in my life I have committed!”(Dominik 5) . Roland prayer expresses just how strong his faith by calling God his father and asking for protection over his soul. Because the poem dates back to the crusades, religion was essential in medieval times, knights were also expected to not only be loyal to the king but to the church as …show more content…
Model knights were loyal, fearless, courages and ready to sacrifice their life to protect the mass. They lived by a chivalry code that included: Fear God and his church, respect and honor women, protect the weak, and live by honor and glory. The relationship with the lord and feudal vassals was key to being an exemplary ruler. The lord was to treat his vassals with respect and honor because he used their advice when considering problems and settling disputes. The responsibility of every feudal vassals was to present himself when the lord called for assembly, proving their loyalty and respect. The commitment of a loyal vassal was conveyed in the