Song of Roland
Image details
Contributor:
Ivy Close Images / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
B4GN6PFile size:
53.8 MB (10.1 MB Compressed download)Releases:
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3690 x 5100 px | 31.2 x 43.2 cm | 12.3 x 17 inches | 300dpiMore information:
The Song of Roland is the oldest surviving major piece of French literature. Scholars usually date it to between 1140 and 1170. The epic of France, it focuses on the theme of Charlemagne, the leader of the Franks (the early French), fighting the Saracens (Muslims/Moors) in Spain. Fearful of the Franks, the Saracens offer to convert to Christianity if the Franks will return home. Roland is chosen as the messenger but he gives the duty to his father-in-law Ganelon, who betrays him by suggesting to the Saracens that they ambush the rear of Charlemagne's army, which Roland has volunteered to lead. That is exactly what occurs at Roncesvalles. At first, Roland does not blow his horn to signal to the main army that help is needed as he and his men bravely fight the enemy, but as the numbers of Saracens overwhelm his small force, he does so so loudly that his temples burst. In this 1916 drawing, Roland is pictured blowing his horn as the Saracen arrows fall about his head and his men.