War and Religion: Blog Question Three

The Song of Roland is an excellent example of literature from the Middle Ages in France. Religion is beautifully woven into the text much in the way that religion was intertwined in daily medieval life. Roland’s world revolves around religious beliefs, symbols and iconography, most evident in his occupation as a knight fighting for the Church. These daily encounters with religion would have been familiar to crusading knights hearing the story of Roland’s exploits and rewards. Roland’s duty as Charlemagne’s nephew and warrior is to fight against Islam, a serious threat to Catholicism in the South of France during the Middle Ages because of its prevalence in Spain. Therefore, Roland is a Christian knight whose sole purpose is to fight in the defense of territory held by Catholic rulers.

Roland’s code as a warrior would have been similar to the oath that crusading knights would have taken. This code included swearing an oath to a lord, who would have sworn an allegiance with the pope. When a knight received his weapon, he would swear to use it only in the defense of Christianity. Roland’s weapon is a perfect example of the intermixing of religion and knightly duties. Durendal, the name of Roland’s sword, is a reliquary. “‘Ah! Durendal, most holy, fair indeed! Relics enough thy golden hilt conceals: Saint Peter’s Tooth, the Blood of Saint Basile, Some of the Hairs of my Lord, Saint Denise, Some of the Robe, was worn by Saint Mary.’” (lines 2344-2348). Therefore, Roland is reminded of his religion in his occupation. Furthermore, his sword is a reminder of the salvation he will receive by fighting in defense of Christianity. The text states, “‘Ah! Durendal, white are thou, clear of stain! Beneath the sun reflecting back his rays! In Moriane was Charles, in the vale, When from heaven God by His angel bade Him give tee to a count and capitain; Girt thee on me that noble King and great.” (lines 2316-2321). Although Ronald’s sword has seen much battle, it is “white” and “clear of stain.” Roland has also seen a great deal of war, but like his sword, he is unstained because he fights for a holy cause.

Roland’s innocence is reaffirmed by the lengthy death scene, in which archangels bring him to heaven. Knights who were contemplating going on crusade might feel that fighting for the Church was a path to salvation. Furthermore, the audience understands that God favors Roland and believes that they too may be favored for their service. Thus, Roland, and crusading knights are reminded of their religious affiliations and duties in their daily tasks.