Song of Roland
Oldest surviving major work of French literature.
The *Song of Roland* is an 11th-century epic poem in Old French, the oldest surviving major work of French literature and the first known example of the *chanson de geste*, a literary form popular in medieval Europe from the 11th through the 16th centuries. It recounts the legendary deeds of the Frankish military leader Roland at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778, during the reign of Charlemagne. Although set in the Carolingian era, the poem was composed centuries later, with scholars estimating its creation between approximately 1040 and 1115, possibly by a poet named Turold. The final version contains about 4,000 lines. The poem’s enormous and enduring popularity is attested by its existence in multiple manuscript versions from the 12th to the 16th centuries. The sole surviving complete manuscript is held at the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, dating between 1129 and 1165 and written in Anglo-Norman; eight additional manuscripts and three fragments of related poems also survive. The poem’s dating is debated: some scholars argue an earlier composition, influenced by Castilian campaigns of the 1030s and potentially impacting the First Crusade (1096–1099), while others point to the term *oltre mer* (oversea) used in the text, which became common after the Crusade to refer to the Latin Levant. Scholarly consensus holds that the *Song of Roland* was initially performed orally in many varying versions, later fixed and harmonized into textual form. The poem’s plot diverges from historical accounts; the actual attackers at Roncevaux were Basques, not the Arab Muslims depicted in the epic. In the poem, Charlemagne’s army fights in Spain for seven years, and the Frankish hero Roland is betrayed by his stepfather Ganelon, leading to the ambush of the rear guard. Certain lines in the Oxford manuscript end with the mysterious annotation “AOI,” whose meaning remains unclear, though it may have guided oral performance.
- field
- Epic poetry, chanson de geste
- nationality
- French (Old French)
- known_for
- Oldest surviving major work of French literature; first chanson de geste
- lines
- about 4,000
Lore & Background
The Song of Roland is an epic poem written in Old French, set in the Carolingian era but composed centuries later. The final poem contains about 4,000 lines. Eight additional manuscripts and three fragments of other poems on the subject of Roland also survive. The poem's account of the Battle of Roncesvalles is not supported by history; according to Einhard's Vita Karoli Magni, the attackers were Basques. In the poem, Charlemagne's army fights Arab Muslims in Spain. The protagonist Roland, Charlemagne's nephew, is betrayed by his stepfather Ganelon, leading to an ambush at Roncesvalles. Roland dies a martyr's death after blowing his oliphant horn. Charlemagne avenges him, and Ganelon is executed by being torn apart by horses. The poem is written in stanzas of irregular length known as laisses, with decasyllabic lines and assonal rhyme. Certain lines of the Oxford manuscript end with the letters 'AOI', whose meaning is unclear.
Reader's Guide
The Song of Roland holds a foundational place in French literature as the oldest surviving major work and the first chanson de geste. Its enduring popularity from the 12th to the 16th centuries is evidenced by multiple manuscript versions. Scholarly consensus holds that the poem was first performed orally in many different versions, which were later fixed and harmonized in textual form. Early 19th-century editors, influenced by patriotic desires, may have overstated the textual cohesiveness of the Roland tradition. The poem's dating remains debated: some favor an earlier date linking it to Castilian campaigns of the 1030s and influence on the First Crusade, while others point to passages alluding to events of the First Crusade, such as the term 'oltre mer' referring to the Latin Levant. The poem focuses on action rather than introspection, presenting characters through their deeds.
Did You Know?
- The Song of Roland is the oldest surviving major work of French literature.
- There are at least eight additional manuscripts and three fragments of the Song of Roland, with the most famous one held at the Bodleian Library in Oxford.
- The poem's account of the Battle of Roncesvalles is not historically accurate; the attackers were actually Basques.
- Certain lines of the Oxford manuscript end with the letters 'AOI', whose meaning is still unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Song of Roland?
It is an Old French epic poem recounting the ambush of Charlemagne's rearguard at Roncevaux Pass. It is widely recognized as the oldest surviving major work of French literature.
Who wrote the Song of Roland?
The original author is unknown, and no manuscript names the poet. The text has come down to us through numerous copies made between the 12th and 16th centuries, all of which preserve slight variations.
What is the Song of Roland about?
The poem follows the knight Roland and his companions as they defend the rear of Charlemagne's army against a far larger Saracen force. Roland stubbornly refuses to blow his horn for reinforcements until the battle is lost, and he ultimately dies holding the pass.
Why is the Song of Roland important in literary history?
It is the earliest surviving example of the chanson de geste, the heroic-epic tradition that dominated medieval European poetry from the 11th through the 16th centuries. Its many surviving manuscripts show how deeply it was cherished across several centuries of French culture.
How long is the Song of Roland?
The poem runs to roughly 4,000 lines of Old French verse. It is organized in short assonant stanzas rather than in the longer rhymed structures that became standard in later French poetry.
More in Literary Works 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record