Characters
Emperor Charlemagne
Emperor Charlemagne, also known as King Charles and Carlon, is depicted as a venerable yet vigorous ruler, despite being two hundred years old, with a distinguished white beard. He presides over his court under an orchard near Cordova, embodying both regal authority and democratic leadership. Charlemagne accepts the majority decision to pursue what ultimately becomes a disastrous peace treaty with the Saracens, illustrating his reliance on consensus. His fervent commitment to Christianizing pagan territories is counterbalanced by his poignant acceptance of fate when his cherished nephew Roland and his troops perish in the Pass of Roncevaux. Charlemagne's grief culminates in a merciless retaliation against the Moorish forces responsible, though he remains stoically indifferent to the pleas of the traitorous knight, Ganelon.
Roland
Roland, the Duke of the Marches of Brittany and nephew to Charlemagne, stands as the emperor's favored warrior. He leads the French rear guard during their retreat from Spain, epitomizing valor and fierce opposition to pagans. Roland’s antagonism toward his stepfather, Ganelon, culminates in his suggestion that Ganelon be sent to negotiate with the Saracens, a move perceived as a challenge to Ganelon's fidelity. Wielding the legendary sword Durendal and the horn Oliphant, endowed with supernatural power, Roland's bravery is marred by recklessness. In the crucial moment at Roncevaux, his resistance to summoning Charlemagne's main army with Oliphant until it is too late exemplifies his tragic flaw. He meets his end adhering to his chivalric ideals, performing outstanding feats of courage.
Oliver
Oliver, Roland’s close friend and a fellow Peer, serves as a prudent counterbalance to Roland's impulsiveness. When the Saracen forces threaten the outnumbered French at Roncevaux, Oliver urges Roland to use the horn, Oliphant, to call for Charlemagne's aid, recognizing the dire situation. Despite his sagacity, he cannot avert the impending disaster. Oliver fights valiantly, ultimately succumbing in noble combat, with a ring of enemy bodies encircling him.
Ganelon
Ganelon, also known as Guènes, emerges as a seminal traitor, driven by his resentment towards his stepson Roland. He colludes with Marsilion, the Saracen king of Saragossa, to betray the French rear guard. Upon hearing Roland's horn, Charlemagne is mocked by Ganelon, who is eventually captured and convicted of treason. His eventual execution, by way of being drawn and quartered by horses, serves as a grim testament to his betrayal. Ganelon’s duplicity, reminiscent of Judas Iscariot’s, leaves a legacy of infamy.
Archbishop Turpin
Archbishop Turpin, the martial churchman of Rheims, plays a dual role at Roncevaux, both as a spiritual leader and a warrior. Prior to the battle, he absolves the troops of their sins and exhorts them to die with Christian valor. Turpin's persuasion convinces Roland to finally sound Oliphant, though it proves fatal for Roland. In his final moments, Turpin arranges the bodies of the Twelve Peers to ensure Charlemagne will find and honor them. The emperor later orders Turpin’s heart, like those of Roland and Oliver, to be preserved.
Gerin
Gerin is one of Charlemagne’s loyal Peers who falls at Roncevaux alongside Roland and Oliver.
Gerier
Gerier, another of Charlemagne’s stalwart Peers, also meets his end at Roncevaux.
Ives
Ives is counted among the Peers of Charlemagne who are slain at the infamous battle of Roncevaux.
Ivor
Ivor is one of the Peers who die defending the rear guard at Roncevaux.
Othon
Othon is listed among the Peers of Charlemagne who perish at the Pass of Roncevaux.
Berenger
Berenger is another Peer of the emperor, who falls with Roland and the others at Roncevaux.
Anseis
Anseis is one of the valiant Peers who die in the defense of the rear guard under...
(This entire section contains 1268 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
Roland’s command.
Samson
Samson stands among Charlemagne’s Peers who are slain at Roncevaux.
Gérard of Roussillon
Gérard of Roussillon is one of the Peers who, alongside Roland and Oliver, perishes heroically at Roncevaux.
Engelier of Bordeaux
Engelier of Bordeaux is a Peer of Charlemagne who dies with distinction at Roncevaux.
Pinabel of Sorence
Pinabel of Sorence is Ganelon's staunch defender in the trial by combat, attempting to prove his relative's innocence.
Thierry
Thierry, despite his slight stature, bravely confronts Pinabel in the judicial combat to determine Ganelon's fate. Supported by divine intervention, Thierry secures a victory, affirming Ganelon's guilt.
Duke Naimon
Duke Naimon is one of Charlemagne's trusted vassals and advisors, involved in courtly deliberations.
Geoffrey
Geoffrey, Duke of Anjou, serves as a faithful vassal to Charlemagne, advising him through critical decisions.
Ogier the Dane
Ogier the Dane is recognized as one of Charlemagne's reliable vassals, contributing to the emperor’s counsel.
Count Jozeran of Provence
Count Jozeran of Provence stands among Charlemagne's loyal followers, providing advice and support.
Antelme of Mayence
Antelme of Mayence is a steadfast advisor to Charlemagne, assisting in military and strategic matters.
Walter de Hum
Walter de Hum is noted for his bravery, ultimately meeting his end at the battle of Roncevaux.
Marsilion
Marsilion, or Marsile, is the Saracen king of Saragossa, whose city remains unconquered after years of conflict with Charlemagne. Paralleling Charlemagne’s rule, Marsilion commands respect and consults with his own set of twelve advisors. His strategy involves deceit, pledging false peace and eventual betrayal, leading to his troops' destruction. The French victory is portrayed as divinely assisted, with Marsilion’s commitment to send his own son as a hostage underscoring his ruthlessness. Ultimately, Marsilion falls victim to Roland’s sword, retreating from battle before succumbing to his injuries in Saragossa.
Blancandrin
Blancandrin, Marsilion’s cunning advisor, is instrumental in orchestrating the duplicitous peace proposal to Charlemagne. His collaboration with Ganelon results in the deadly ambush of the French rear guard at Roncevaux.
Adelroth
Adelroth is the nephew of King Marsilion, one of the Saracen leaders engaged in the conflict.
Duke Falsaron
Duke Falsaron is a Saracen commander aligned with Marsilion in opposing the French forces.
King Corsablis
King Corsablis is another of Marsilion’s allies, contributing to the Saracen resistance.
Malprimis of Brigale
Malprimis of Brigale stands among Marsilion’s champions, engaged in the battle against the French.
the emir of Balaguet
The emir of Balaguet joins Marsilion in his campaign against Charlemagne's forces.
the lord of Moriana
The lord of Moriana is part of the Saracen leadership resisting the French incursion.
Turgis of Tortelosa
Turgis of Tortelosa serves under Marsilion, fighting against Charlemagne's army.
Escremiz of Valterne
Escremiz of Valterne is one of Marsilion’s warriors opposing the French troops.
Estorgan
Estorgan, a Saracen leader, participates in the battle against Charlemagne's forces.
Estramarin
Estramarin joins Marsilion’s ranks in the struggle against the invading French.
Margaris of Seville
Margaris of Seville, one of Marsilion’s champions, opposes Charlemagne at Roncevaux.
Chernubles of Munigre
Chernubles of Munigre is a Saracen champion whose life ends at the hands of the Twelve Peers in battle.
Baligant
Baligant, the emir of Babylon, allies with King Marsilion to confront Charlemagne. His army, arriving swiftly, fights valiantly against the French. Despite his noble disposition, Baligant is ultimately defeated in combat by Charlemagne, with divine aid tipping the scales in the emperor’s favor.
Aude
Aude, Roland’s fiancée and sister to his close friend Olivier, dies of grief upon learning of Roland's death. Rejecting Charlemagne’s offer of marriage to his son Louis, Aude chooses to follow Roland in death, displaying unwavering loyalty and love.
Bramimonde
Bramimonde, Marsilion’s widow, is a wise and capable queen who anticipates the downfall of the Saracen forces. Captured and brought to France, she converts to Christianity, taking the name Juliana, symbolizing her inherent nobility and wisdom in the eyes of the epic’s author.
