Song of Roland Essay Example for Free

nisus of Roland EssayThe Song of Roland, or La Chanson de Roland, is an anonymously written poem about Count Roland and his King Charlemagne. The story takes cast in the eighth century A. D in Spain and France, but the poem was not composed until one-time(prenominal) during the eleventh century A. D. According to tradition, Roland was the nephew of Charlemagne and possessed the sword Durandel and the horn Oliphant. This epic French poem tells a story of betrayal and revenge with poetic imagery. The Song of Roland serves as the foundation of French literature, giving sophisticated readers insight into the cultural life of France.In the Song of Roland, loss leadership and power were extremely important. A leader was meant to be robust, well-spoken and charismatic. Charlemagne was fond of his family, pleasant to foreigners, lively and athletic. However, Charlemagnes sole purpose as a ruler was to defend the Christian religion. Christianity played a major role throughout the Mi ddle Ages in society and politics. The Middle Ages, classified from 600 AD to 1350 AD, was significantly affected by Christianity because of the impact it had on the periodical lives of people of the time. Charlemagne made sure that all of his people were a part of his religion.Charlemagne forced conversion upon the captured people. He needed all his participants to abide his rules No pagan was left within the city who has not been hit or made a Christian. (32) Charlemagne is a Christian and he wanted his people to live the similar faithful life that he did. While Charlemagne reigned over the Roman People, originally, the kings of the Germanic tribes of late antiquity had tether main jobs to act as the highest judge, to act as the highest priest, and to act as the supreme phalanx commander. later(prenominal) on, Kings became Christian and relegated religious authority to the Church. Charlemagne has achieved an actual and symbolic victory over paganism.With his conviction of t he truth of Christianity, feudal, Christian and poetic values were united (26). Kings tried to improve the well being of their countries and their subjects. Charlemagne improved and shaped numerous things in the empire, like presidency, education, and culture. The quality of a leader was able to improve and control the empire and be able to sustain it. Charlemagne noticed how the Franks were not as educated as other civilizations so he set up a school in his palace as well as edifice schools throughout the empire.Charlemagne was determined to reinforce his kingdom and to bring order to Europe. In 772 he launched a 30-year military campaign to accomplish this objective. By 800 Charlemagne was the recognized ruler of Western Europe. By instituting a central government over Western Europe, Charlemagne restored much of the unity of the old Roman Empire and paved the way for the education of modern Europe. The Count Roland was portrayed as a prominent leader. Roland never loved a cow ard, or arrogant men or those of evil character, nor knight, unless he was a good vassal.Roland was a unique person. He showed loyalty, devotion and determination to be a good vassal. (45) It is out of a sense of duty that Roland fought to the termination at Rencesvals. Duty causes Charlemagne to avenge Rolands death. Charlemagne arrives on the field of the battle after Rolands death and is plunged into his bitterest grief. In the poem, duty is often linked to love. Charlemagne and Roland were both leaders yet, they respected each other. The bonds mingled with Charlemagne and Roland, or between Roland and his men, were marked by deep respect and affection.Roland died by trying to protect his people Rolands have got death, preceded by his attempt to prevent the Oliphant from falling into enemy hands. He fought for what he wanted and what he believed in. In the Song of Roland, being a good leader, a Christian, and fighting for something meaningful was what made a good leader. After Roland died, Charlemagne grieved for his beloved companion, Charles mourns him in faith and love Beloved Roland, may God tail your soul amidst the flowers of paradise, amongst the glorious ones. (121) Charlemagne was a good king a good leader and a unfeignedly good person who wanted he well being of his people.