The Song of Roland is one of the oldest examples of Western European non-Latin literature, written in the 11th century. This is an epic poem written in the “chansons de geste” or “song of deeds” genre, that is, inspired by historical events (Cook, 2019). Firstly, the work is a product of its time and realities. Secondly, the poem reflects the historical events associated with the activities of commander Roland at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 (Cook, 2019). Thus, The Song of Roland undoubtedly reflects the realities of French medieval society and can give an idea of that time’s historical context and setting.
The Song of Roland cannot be used as a source for the study of events and early medieval French society in the 8th century. Because chansons de geste usually combine historicism, the epic nature of actions, the mythologization of the past, and an ideological component (Cook, 2019). The author’s moral assessments and interpretation of events from a modern point of view reflect the realities of the society of the 11th century. This is reflected, for example, in the already formed and intensified Christian religiosity or chivalric traditions (Cook, 2019). Neither was relevant to 8th-century French society, which had many pagan and tribal echoes.
From the Song, one can trace the main elements of the formed foundations of a feudal military society with its knightly code. The relationship between the vassal and the overlord is symbolic in the text; for example, Ganelon, setting off on an embassy to Marsilius, receives a rod and a glove from Charles, which is an act of confirmation of homage and a promise to protect his vassal (Crosland 320). A ritual kiss is also mentioned, which denotes an oath of allegiance, and an oath on a sword: “On the relics, are in his sword Murgles, Treason he’s sworn, forsworn his faith away.” (Crosland 607). The poem describes vassal duties and the right to participate in legal proceedings and councils (Cook, 2019). In general, the entire medieval society is saturated with symbolism, reflecting the relations between the lord and vassals at the level of etiquette.
Another dominant element of medieval society, reflected in the poem, is the priority of the Christian worldview and its separation from the pagan and Moorish. In earlier periods of Christianity in Europe, the newly adopted Christianity was combined with the still-existent pagan worldview (Cook, 2019). Christian Europe is vague about Islam and other faiths but aggressively separates itself from everything non-Christian: “King Marsile, who does not love God, defends it, he serves Mohammed and prays to Apollo.” (Crosland 7-8). Marsile vehemently criticizes the Saracens for believing in another god, even though he is just as religious as they are (Crosland 610-611). Thus, one can trace the formed degree of intolerance and conflict in Christianity, which does not want to understand other faiths and immediately rejects everything differently.
The Song of Roland is a product of its time, reflecting the realities of the Christian, feudal, militarized society characteristic of early medieval France. The ideological message is powerful in the poem and corresponds to the views of the 11th century, not the 8th. This forced the author to write events with symbolism and ethical standards that conformed to his society. Therefore, The Song of Roland is a source from which you can tell much about the French Medieval Society.
Work Cited
Crosland, Jessie. The Song of Roland. Cooper Square Publishers, 1967.
Cook, R. F. (2019). The sense of the Song of Roland. Cornell University Press.