The Song Of Roland Essay

Feudalism, according to A Short History of the Middle Ages written by Barbara H. Rosenwein, is defined as “the social and economic system created by the relationships among lords, vassals and fiefs.”. To me, this means a political system with different levels that create a type of power relationships between the king and the ranks below him. In the Song of Roland, the varying levels of order of power are an important theme of the story and is also used to understand the roles amongst the different characters. In the story we see the linking of lords and vassals through obligations and loyalty. And by these examples, the reader sees what it means to be a good or bad vassal, and how the characters fit into these duties. The biggest quality that defines what a good vassal is the loyalty that individual has to its higher ups. In the Song of Roland, this theme is ingrained throughout the whole text. “For one’s lord one ought to suffer great hardships and be able to endure excessive cold or heat - yea, one

We see this flaw in Roland when he recklessly hesitates when making the decision to blow his horn. But on the other hand we see Olivier, who says that a good vassal uses correct judgement and shows restraint. Roland has a boastful, heroic, overconfident side to him that almost causes him to almost allow all of his fellow comrades to be killed. During the battle, the Franks are so overwhelmed by the pagans that Olivier asks Roland to blow his oliphant. By doing this, it signals to Charlemagne to come aid them with his army. But Roland is too proud to ask for help saying “May it not please God that it should be said by any living man that I ever sounded my horn on account of the heathens.” By refusing to sound his horn, Roland allows his pride to consume him, rather than being wise and making the decision to call for the aid of his