Song Of Roland sets the stage for crusading forces in medieval France. The notion of going on holy war as a sacramental act or pilgrimage is well documented. In an attempt to claim the holy land, Pope Urban II at the Council of Clermont promised Christians who waged war against the Turks immediate and total remission of their sins. This became an undercurrent of the ensuing military campaigns, and it is no surprise that literature reflecting these ideals would be popular, especially considering the Franks’ participation in these campaigns.
The text Song of Roland was probably written to provide an example for young men embarking on crusade. The crucial elements of this text illustrate how Christians were presumed to be preferred by God, since he assists Charlemagne, the great Christian ruler, and his men in avenging Roland’s death (lines 2458-2459). Roland’s death is another essential component of the example this poem sets. The text clearly describes Roland’s ascension directly into heaven; he is even honored by God when archangels descend to bring Roland’s soul up (lines 2393-2396). However, we are also given lengthy and graphic description of Roland’s butchery of pagan men. It is clear that we are told of his exploits to illustrate that God forgives Roland, and soldiers like Roland, because these deeds were committed to better the kingdom of Charlemagne and ultimately the Christian God. In this sense, the text explains the role of a crusading knight and the rewards that he stands to gain in fulfilling this Christian duty
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Excellent coverage of all essential elements. What parts of the poem do you think fulfilled the role of entertainment for the audience? Was the entertainment factor important?
ReplyDeleteI think that the medieval audience would probably have been entertained by the action and fighting scenes. It seems to me that it would be important to keep the audience interested by including captivating scenes such as these. The helps to keep the interest of the audience, so that they take away the deeper message of the poem.
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