The Song of Roland

The Song of Roland is an 11th-century chanson de geste that tells the story of the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in AD 778.

The poem centers around Roland, the nephew of Charlemagne, who is betrayed by his stepfather Ganelon and led into an ambush by the Saracens.

Despite being vastly outnumbered, Roland and his men fight valiantly, but ultimately, Roland dies after blowing his oliphant to call for help, though it comes too late.

The poem explores themes of honor, feudal duty, and religious belief, and it is structured around four great scenes that balance each other, culminating in Charlemagne's vengeance for Roland's death and the punishment of Ganelon for his treachery.