#6257
Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Song of Roland
Book • 1040
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.
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.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 3 episodes
Mentioned by 
Dominic Sandbrook as a contemporary work of literature from France during the same period as "The Tale of Genji."
Dominic Sandbrook as a contemporary work of literature from France during the same period as "The Tale of Genji."
240 snips
560. The Golden Age of Japan: Lady Murasaki and the Shining Prince (Part 1)
Mentioned by Laura Ashe as an early masterpiece of French poetry from the 12th century, recounting Charlemagne's wars in Spain and Roland's heroic choice.
The Song of Roland
Mentioned by Joshua Gibbs as a storybook suitable for an eighth-grade literature class, where students can listen attentively without needing to follow along in their books.
Questions from Listeners
Mentioned by 
Chuck Bryan as a possible earlier source for the name California, predating Montalvo's works.
Chuck Bryan as a possible earlier source for the name California, predating Montalvo's works.
Short Stuff: How California Got Its Name
