The epic poem ‘The Song of Roland’ demonstrates chivalry in many scenes. 1This type of chivalry antecedes the earlier ideas of a code of conduct that is highly conventionalized for lovers in the middle age. Subsequently, these ideas have influenced people’s perspective on the term chivalry. 2The poem dies not explore relationships (i.e. romantic relationships) between middle-aged men and women. The poet barely mentions his wife in the poem. He only reveals her name and hardly gives further information about Aude who is his wife. The principles of chivalry in this concept present an error that appears warlike.
Evidently, ‘The Song of Roland’ documents the code of chivalry presented in the middle ages, particularly during the Era of Emperor William who conquered England. The poem describes the knights as well as battles of the 8th century, which Emperor William fought. Often, people refer to this kind of chivalry as Charlemagne’s Code of Chivalry. The concepts of this form of chivalry are emphasized further through swearing oaths during Knighthood ceremonies. Apparently, these oaths were sacred and aligned with the codes and ideals of chivalry that emphasized o conduct and etiquette.
The relationship between Ronald and Oliver seems to be more important than that with his wife. Equality plus companionship is portrayed among men only. It is easy to infer that Aude and Roland hardly spent time together.
2The Code of Chivalry as described in The Song of Roland, include fearing God while maintaining His Church as holy as possible. Besides, it highlights the need to protect those who are perceived as weak or defenseless.
- Baldwin, James, and R B Birch. The Story of Roland. Yesterday’s Classics, 2006.
- Song of Roland. n.d.
1The poem emphasizes on courageous honor against cowardice and betrayal. For instance, Saracen issues a fair warning to Charlemagne contrary to the cowardly treachery on both Massillon as well as Ganelon. From these revelations, the Knights were influenced to be courageous on the battlefield (Song of Roland n.d.).
2This poem has a vibrant punch and significant influence to people. Its simplicity and style revolve around the powerful historical background. ‘The Song of Roland’ demonstrates that people often pervert the knight’s chivalry code whey they try to describe various concepts that make it right. From this song, the Knights began to believe that the rightness of a thing is determined by its strength. Besides, they believed that God sides with individuals who were physically strong during a fight. These barbaric practices were ‘worshipped’ by the knights especially during the times of war. 3However, it is clear that this form of chivalric ideas emphasizes on the notion that the might of a thing determines its rightfulness. People began to view God simplistically as the primary Supreme Being that could settle disputes during martial encounters. For instance, it was only God who would decide whether a particular combatant would die on the battlefield or live. Even though this code of chivalry appears as an abdication that is misguided, it still values ethical morals that do not justify the causes of hacking up enemies.
- Brault, Gerard J. Song of Roland: An Analytical Edition: Interaction and Commentary. Penn State Press, 2010.
- Song of Roland. n.d.
- Harrison, Robert. The Song of Roland. 2002.
Although the Christians believed they were fighting for God, this poem reveals that the notion was purely unspiritual. 1The Knights began to expect reverence during French Crusades. They began to use God as a platform for swearing oaths and directing their laments. Additionally, they started to pray to God for help and victory during battles. Emperor Charlemagne, while fighting is Spain, prays to God only for success and victory. One will agree that the knits were influenced by the Emperor’s cause as revealed in the poem. It is needless to say that the allegiance of the poem is Christian. The theology of this poem influences the knights to treat Christianity with sanity and respect. The characters in this song do not engage in worships or Saint invocations. People became as pervasive as Charlemagne’s peers who could be compared to the Apostles of Christ.
2Given the sensitivity of the knights towards the Chivalry code, one cannot ignore the genocidal practices of the army alongside their questionable morality during a war. The Knights refer to this type as ‘Holy War.’ They began to convert pagans and non-Christians using death threats. This poem influences the ill-treatments plus demonization practices that the Knights endorsed on Muslims. Slowly, it has developed to unabashed xenophobia, which is evident even in the attitude of people. Few are people remained thoughtful about their democratic cultures. The pervasiveness shown in these attitudes helps to identify and explain the inconsistency that has never been resolved between the knights and the chanson author.
- Brault, Gerard J. Song of Roland: An Analytical Edition: Interaction and Commentary. Penn State Press, 2010.
- Song of Roland. n.d.
1The poem also influenced the Knights to decry particular prejudices while celebrating other forms of prejudice. The followers of the Medieval French became disgusted at the Knights for murdering innocent people at the battlefield. 2With their prodding culture, they selected vices they could tolerate while hating others. The entertainment purveyors in this song insisted on frosting cakes with guilty pleasures. 3Some people who could not excuse certain vices in this poem chose to look past the vices and emphasize on virtues. Other people do not understand the background of the poem. However, they continued to value adrenalized power through narration and actions revealed in the song.