Roland comes to a sticky end during the epic battle between the Franks and the enormous army of Marsile. Roland is in the rearguard of his uncle Charlemagne's army, along with his best friend, Oliver. When Oliver sees Marsile's men bearing down on them in droves, he realizes to his horror that the rearguard of Charlemagne's army is about to be cornered like rats in a trap.

Oliver begs Roland to blow the horn to summon Charlemagne, whose immediate assistance is so desperately needed at this critical juncture. But Roland initially refuses, choosing to stand and fight like a good Christian knight. Inevitably, the rearguard of the Frankish army is massacred, though not before the Franks manage to slaughter a substantial number of Marsile's soldiers.

It's only then that Roland blows the horn, but it'll be his last act upon this earth—Roland blows on the horn with such intensity that his brains start seeping out of his head. So when the Franks respond to Roland's call, they find him dead.