THE SONG OF ROLAND Plot SummarySongs 201-213 Pagans army return as the Amiral visits Marsilion’s Palace. Bramimunde grieves over death of men. In the meantime, King Charles see Saint Gabriel in his dreams: he raises his hand and signs him with the Cross. King Charles goes back to the battle place, the field of Rencesvals .The King seeks out for the body of Roland and when he found his body he falls fainting in grief. Recovered, he continues to weep over his nephew’s death, and worries about the conquests’ rebellion due to the absence of the Captain. After the consult, Charles commands the funeral of Roland, Oliver, and Archbishop. (“…all those killed in battle, they bore at once into a common grave.”)Songs 214-240 Two messengers ride in and declare another war in the Amiral’s name. Charles establishes 10 large divisions conferring Count Rabel and Guineman the head. Pagans get ready for war as well with Malpramis , the son of the Amiral at the head. Before the second war, Charles prays fervently for God’s help.France vs. Araby Count Rabel – Torleu , the Persian King Guineman – Dapamort , the king of Leutice Duke Naimon – Malpramis King Charles – King Canabeus , the Amiral’s brother Prayer, God’s will, His true judgement Munjoie – Preciuse Christ – Apollin , Tervagant , and Mahumet Motivated by Avenge - RewardsSongs 241-266 War goes on for days and both sides suffer great losses : “…never, never a battle so great, before or since that time.” The Emir asks Jangleu who will win, and the reply comes , “You are dead! Those gods of yours will never protect you. “…The Amiral begins to see, somewhat, that he is wrong, that Charlemagne is right.”Finally Charles and Baligant confronts, (1:1 combat) Baligant , “Show me that you repent to challenge me for my own land. Become my man and I’ll give you the land.” Charles, “Receive the law that God holds out to us and have Christian faith. Serve the Almighty King!” “Charles hears the angel’s holy voice, he has no fear, he has no dread of death,” He kills the Emir and the pagans flee. The French pursue all the way to Saragossa.In the Palace, Bramimunde cries, “ Mahumet , help us all!”. But Charlemagne’s army takes the city with no difficulty. They break the mosques of Mahumet , the images, and shatter all idols. Have the pagans baptized: if they refuse, they hang or burn them. Lead Queen Bramimunde to France as a captive.Songs 267-278 Charles returns to Bordeaux, France, and here appears Aude , a fair maid who claims she was to be Roland’s wife. Charles delivers a tragic news and offers Louis, his own son in Roland’s place. Aude wails and “…falls at Charlemagne’s feet, already dead,” She is borne to a minster of nuns. Now begins the trial of Ganelon .Ganelon pleads, “…it was R oland who cheated me and he doomed me to die. I took revenge , but there’s no treason.” Council begins, Pinabel asserts Ganelon should be spared. Ganelon’s other kin, B avarians, Saxons, Normans all agree on it. They say since Roland is already dead and never to return, Ganelon could henceforth serve the king in love and loyalty. Only Tierri , Lord Gefrei’s brother, disagrees. He argued Ganelon betrayed Roland who was in king’s service. And that should be treated same as treason.Songs 279-291 A battle between Pinabel and Tierri takes place. The crowd stands on Tierri’s side. Tierri says he would make peace with the King for Pinabel’s sake if he gives up now. But Pinabel protests he would stand up for his kin. Pinabel dropped dead and Tierri wins. The decision is made: Ganelon should die along with all the kin who stood up for him in court. Thirty men are hanged and Ganelon is put to death by dismemberment.After the punishment, the Emperor summons his bishops and baptize the captivated Queen. Bramimunde is named Juliana. Later one night in peace, Charles meet Saint Gabriel in his dreams again. He commands, “Charles, go to the land of Bire … pagans have besieged it. Christians are calling you!” and the King wakes up in horror. Here ends the song ggggGENRE OF THE FATHER Celebrating the legendary deeds of a hero: Roland stands for the Righteous who fights against paganism. Charlemagne is described as the Great King and the best sovereign constantly throughout the song. “…songs are sung in his honor, all chronicles praise him, ” Jesus Christ is the main father whom they all worship and adore. Glamorization of the Crusades.{nameOfApplication=Show}