Roland

Roland is a character of French legend. There is an historical reference to Roland in the account of Charlemagne’s return from Spain, in his biography. The army was attacked by Basque warriors in the mountains separating Spain and France. Roland is said to have been killed in this battle.

The legend of Roland has grown into much more than a simple mountain pass battle. Roland’s legend has expanded to become a tale of a brave, last stand. Modern American readers would equate this tale to the Alamo or Custer’s last stand. Roland and a brave band of warriors defend the rest of the army to the death, in an honorable battle.

Song of Roland

The legend is also typical of other ancient and medieval epic hero stories. Roland is equipped with a sword that is matched by no other. The sword has a name, Durendal, much like King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur. Swords with names are very common in these epic tales. Sometimes the sword can represent many things, such as Christianity, or the hero’s might. When the sword breaks the hero loses his ability.

The legend of Roland has spread into many different cultures under slight variations. In Italy, Roland is known as Orlando. There are also Roland versions in Germany, Norway, and Catalan.

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