ipl-logo

Song Of Roland

1027 Words5 Pages

The Song of Roland contains themes which the author uses to show the ideals of feudal society. The focus of this paper will be on loyalty, 2 of the seven deadly sins: pride and wrath and religion. All three are intricately intertwined in such a way that it shows some of the ideals in Medieval feudal society.
A lord gains the loyalty and service of his knights by an oath. The oath benefits both parties. The lord gains a fighter, someone who will go to war with him, someone who will protect his lands, pay taxes to him and give him counsel- if the knight becomes part of the lord’s vassal. In return the knight is under the lord’s protection this included the knight’s lands and family and vengeance of the knight’s death. The oath lasted a lifetime. …show more content…

I think even if Ganelon did not consciously believe he was betraying Charlemagne, he knew subconsciously, wanted a degree of loyalty from Charlemagne. It was know Marsilla killed the last two messengers who went in peace; Roland had highlighted the deaths earlier to prove to Charlemagne why the king of the Saracens should not be trusted. For Ganelon to be nominated by Roland-his stepson and the nomination be enforced by Charlemagne was an act of disloyalty in the eyes of Ganelon disloyalty on Roland’s part but also on Charlemagne’s. This act of disloyalty pushed Ganelon to disregard his duty and loyalty to the Franks and make plans with Marsilla to rid Charlemagne of his right hand, his will to fight and Ganelon’s enemy: Roland. The fact Ganelon thought Charlemagne would lose his will to fight if Roland were dead means that Ganelon knew on some level he was betraying his …show more content…

“‘May God forbid, flung Roland back at him,/ ‘that it be any man alive/ I ever blew my horn because of Pagans!” (laisse 85) Roland’s confidence that he can beat the pagan army without calling back Charlemagne comes from his faith that the Christian God is far greater and mightier than Muhammad. The belief that the Christian God was above all else was common and ideal in feudalism society, even more so in the fighting class. Each battle that was won was a testament that the Christian God was better than the pagan God(s). Even in the face of defeat the faith of the Christian knights were not shaken, unlike their Muslim counterparts. The author’s juxtaposition of how the French react to defeat by continue fighting to the death in the belief they will become martyrs; compared to how the Saracens destroyed the images of their Gods, I believe shows that during feudal times Christians thought the Christian religion was full of faithful followers who would not abandon the one their God but though other religions abandon their God(s) easily, further justifying the war on

Show More
Related
936 Words | 4 Pages

In 777 the Muslim governor of Barcelona by the name of Suleiman convinced Charlemagne to campaign against the Omayyad ruled Spain. Perhaps Charlemagne’s pride forced him to follow in his ancestor Charles Martel’s steps, who previously defeated the Saracens. Whatever his motives were, Charlemagne’s “great crusade” came to an embarrassing end. While the catastrophic loss at the Basque ambush was recorded by Einhard the obvious omission made by him was done in all likelihood because this was Charlemagne’s only war that was “completely

Read More
922 Words | 4 Pages

Primary Source Paper 2 The Life of Charlemagne was written by Einhard a little after Charlemagne death in 814. Einhard wrote the biography to make sure that Charlemagne’s legacy would not be forgotten. He would list many points in this biography, but I’ve decided to only point out three of them. These three chapters are his deeds, his family life, and his life with the Christian religion.

Read More
1389 Words | 6 Pages

Despite this, he repeatedly commends Louis for his bravery and “his zealous care for the churches of God and his wonderful valor in administering the affairs of the kingdom” (Suger 23). By his reverent and admiring tone, Suger portrays Louis as a hero of France whose violent but forceful deeds were morally acceptable and even necessary for bringing order to his kingdom. For example, after laying siege to Corbeil and restoring a new count, Suger expresses that “by the gift of God, [Louis] gained an excellent victory and made the beginnings of his noble rule” (Suger 68). Suger’s tone remains consistent with each one of Louis’ acts, deeming them as appropriate and just responses to the various treachery that he had to face as the King of France. Not all of Louis’ deeds were violent, however; Suger supports Louis when he used discretion and peace when the situation called for it.

Read More
1894 Words | 8 Pages

The journalist argues that even though the entire society wasn’t satisfied by his religious ruling, people should still appreciate the peace and resources that he provided to the needy people. With so much knowledge about Christianity and being devoted, Jacob provides a strong perspective about Charles’ religious life because he is very religious himself as he explains praying to the Holy Rosary has made him appreciate the kind acts that Charles has shown as the Count of Flanders. Moreover, White provides a lot of evidences by using quotes in the Holy Rosary that supports why Charles refers to Holy Scriptures while ruling Flanders. Throughout this article, I found White’s analysis of Count Charles’ religious life really useful because he provides good examples of why religion has made a big impact to governing a society and how religion can change people’s perspective into believing certain

Read More
686 Words | 3 Pages

Gawain’s values as a knight are in conflict, because he needs to be polite to the Lady, but he is also loyal to the Lord. Gawain ultimately fails

Read More
775 Words | 4 Pages

In the lines above it is seen that the Green Knight’s head had completely been severed yet he remains unshaved, it is clear now that Gawain has been deceived. Gawain continues to keep his word even though his journey is lonely and dangerous. “ […] Sir Gawain, Gods servant, on his grim quest, passing long dark nights unloved and alone […] With no friends

Read More
1052 Words | 5 Pages

During the Medieval times chivalry was one of the most important characteristics a knight could display. Chivalry was viewed as a moral obligation that involved bravery, honor, respect, and gallantry. Knights were expected to uphold this code or face social consequences for any infractions, with punishments ranging from humiliation to termination of their knighthood. “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” presents the struggles knights faced with honoring the chivalrous code at all times. Sir Gawain, while imperfect, exhibits qualities expected of knights and embodies the internal struggle between honoring the chivalrous code and giving into selfish desires.

Read More
699 Words | 3 Pages

He respectfully refuses the advances of the Lord's wife showing loyalty and respect for ladies. He owns up to his mistake, confesses, and apologizes. Why is Gawain

Read More
322 Words | 2 Pages

A desire for vengeance brings about many of the conflicts that drive the plot in Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur. Sir Gawain in particular stirs up a lot of drama with his endless quarrel with Sir Launcelot. The knights of the round table are seemingly infatuated with the concept of seeking revenge on behalf of their brothers and comrades, but could this infatuation be more harmful than honorable? Perhaps the knights would have been better off without such vengeful inclinations behind their actions.

Read More
688 Words | 3 Pages

Gawain cannot redeem himself by blaming others, but does it anyways. He was supposed to be the epitome of chivalry and purity, but blames a single woman, the lady of the manor, on everything that he started. Gawain was the one to agree to the Green Knight’s challenge, not a woman who told him to. He took on the lord’s bets, without the ladies saying anything to him. Gawain’s pride and misogyny showed that he could not complete, or even start a path to redemption.

Read More
1722 Words | 7 Pages

Surprisingly there are many times when Gawain follows the code and avoids shame. One example is when on a quest with a lady he lets her choose who she wants to go with herself instead of choosing for her. He refuses to help Aggravain and Mordred expose Sir Lancelot to King Arthur (this is possibly one of the only times when chivalry overcomes loyalty to kin). He also refuses to attend the burning of Queen Guinevere, and in a way shows a sense of right and wrong as well as power to refuse Arthur’s orders. This is a big deal in Le Morte because it shows that he must be important and a highly esteemed knight to be able to stand up to King Arthur (Bedwell 17-18).

Read More
639 Words | 3 Pages

Prometheus Bound has many interpretations and has been viewed by many different people. The play by Aeschylus is about the relationship between the gods, and the determination of one Titan, and that is Prometheus. Prometheus had one goal, and that was to make human lives better, and help them progress through life. This play shows many the archetypes in the characters in this play, like Zeus Prometheus, and Hephaestus. Zeus is known for being the lightning god, and the ruler of the gods.

Read More
163 Words | 1 Pages

He writes an account of Clovis’ conversion to Christianity. This passage is influential in stabilising the Franks’ position as it shows that everything they did after Clovis’ conversion was done

Read More
252 Words | 2 Pages

Ganelon said “Trust a fool and you will regret it”. Why is Ganelon angry with Roland? Roland selected him to carry Charles' message Marsile. Why does Ganelon not want to go as emissary to Marsile? Whoever goes there cannot hope to come back.

Read More
1444 Words | 6 Pages

In the medieval period of 1050-1300, the Kingdom of France progressed and developed along many lines. A new culture developed, a central government emerged and new lines of thought began to come into fruition. With these developments, many problems began to emerge. The issue of violence in general emerged as a problem that needed to be addressed by the government. In addition, greed and corruption ravaged the church questioning its moral integrity, and thus, its authority.

Read More

More about Song Of Roland

Related Topics

Open Document