The Story of Roland | Themes and Characters
Fundamental to Baldwin's Story of Roland is the chivalric ethic, a code of knightly behavior emphasizing such virtues as courtesy, honesty, generosity, and mercy. The chivalric hero is expected to exhibit great courage, valor, and physical prowess, like his earlier counterparts in heroic literaturesuch as Beowulf, for examplebut he is also expected to exhibit refinement and courtliness. It is not unusual for the chivalric hero to be well-versed in foreign languages or the arts. He is often skilled in music, poetry, and such activities as hunting, falconry, and playing chess....
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