The Song of Roland

Original title: La Chanson de Roland

Anonymous (fl. 11th century)

Translation en 32321 words First published 1100 France

The oldest great epic of French literature, taking shape in the late eleventh century out of a real episode in Charlemagne's Spanish campaign. Count Roland, commanding the rear-guard in the pass of Roncevaux, refuses again and again to sound his horn for aid — out of pride — until his twenty thousand men are wiped out and the last blast is finally blown. A poem that pushes loyalty, honour and feudal valor to their utmost, and the wellspring of the European chanson de geste tradition.

Text sourced from Project Gutenberg (public domain in the United States); the Project Gutenberg trademark and license text have been removed on import. Public-domain status determined by the author's death year + 50 years rule.

The Song of Roland

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