World Legend: Count Roland of France
Among the many knights who served the great emperor Charlemagne, none was more trusted or more celebrated than Count Roland. As Charlemagne's army made its way back toward France after a long campaign, the emperor needed a commander he could rely on absolutely to guard the army's rear as it passed through the narrow mountain passes of the Pyrenees — and without hesitation, he chose Roland.
Unknown to Roland, this appointment had been quietly arranged by his own stepfather, Ganelon, who secretly resented Roland and had made a treacherous bargain with the enemy. As Charlemagne's main army marched safely onward, a massive force lay in wait for Roland's much smaller rearguard within the tight, rocky pass of Roncevaux.
When the ambush finally struck, Roland's loyal companion Oliver urged him again and again to sound his great horn, Olifant, whose mighty call could summon Charlemagne's army back to their aid. But Roland, proud and unwilling to appear as though he needed rescue, refused each time, insisting that his men could hold the pass on their own strength and honour alone.
Roland's men fought with tremendous bravery against overwhelming numbers, but as the battle turned hopelessly against them, Roland at last raised the horn to his lips and blew with all the strength remaining in him — a blast so powerful, legend says, that it could be heard echoing for miles across the mountains, and that the effort of it cracked his very temples.
Charlemagne heard the distant call and turned his army back at once, but the mountain passes were long, and by the time his soldiers reached Roncevaux, Roland and his companions had already fallen. Charlemagne is said to have grieved deeply for his loyal knight, and swiftly brought the traitor Ganelon to justice for the betrayal that had cost Roland his life.
Who's Who in This Story
- Roland — Charlemagne's most trusted knight, who commanded the rearguard at Roncevaux
- Charlemagne — the great emperor of the Franks, whom Roland served faithfully
- Oliver — Roland's close companion and fellow knight, who urged him to sound the horn sooner
- Ganelon — Roland's stepfather, whose betrayal led the enemy to ambush Roland's forces
Did You Know?
- Roland's story is told in one of the earliest and most important works of French literature, the medieval epic poem The Song of Roland.
- The mountain pass of Roncevaux is a real location in the Pyrenees mountains, on the border between France and Spain.
- Roland's horn, Olifant, gave its name to a whole category of medieval ivory hunting horns still studied by historians today.
Roland's legend has been told for over a thousand years as a story of loyalty and courage, but also as a gentle warning: that even great pride, however noble its intentions, can come at a heavy cost.