"The Song of Roland" (Anonymous) and the New Testament

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the epic "The Song of Roland", written in France in the 12th century, is about a legendary 8th-century hero and member of the court of Charlemagne, who is the champion of the Roman Church in Europe. This paper discusses that the Christian identity of "The Song of Roland" can be distinguished from the Christian identity of the Apostolic Period. The author points out that the Church's affiliation with military objectives is reflected in the epic.

From the Paper:

"The relevance of Charlemagne's history to the history of Christianity and to The Song of Roland is the fact that, under Charlemagne, Christianity was identified with the institution of the Church. And, just as at its origin, Christianity was in significant part to be understood as a fulfillment of Jewish law, so was Charlemagne's activity meant to be understood as a fulfillment of the mission of Christianity in the shape of the Church. This dynamic is in the background of The Song of Roland, though the focus of the epic poem is on Roland's adventures, betrayal, and death in the context of France's battles with the "Paynim [pagan, Saracen] King of Spain.""

More papers on "The Song of Roland" (Anonymous) and the New Testament:

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• Analytical Essay # 133391 : "Violence in "The Song of Roland" and Greek Mythology"

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