The Song of Roland French medieval epic
pp. 598 – 609
Roland was the nephew to Charlemagne.
The epic centers on the defeat (and courage) of Roland in a military ambush at Roncesvalles.
The author changed the nationality of the Basques to the Muslim Moors.
Roland is betrayed by his step-father.
p. 599 – Medieval Epics and the Epic Hero
Epic
· Defined and expressed the character of a people
· Were based on historical events but prized adventure more than accuracy
· Were performed long before they were written down
Hero
· Person of extraordinary abilities who represents a culture’s highest values
· Heroic flaw – a defect that leads to his suffering
Song of Roland
Roland Ganelon
Oliver King Marsile
Archbishop Turpin The Saracens
Twelve Peers
110
Roland has charged into battle without calling for the king’s aid.
Characterize the French forces from the description in this stanza.
130 - 131
Oliver accuses Roland of leading the men into danger and not protecting him (a value of feudalism)
132
Archbishop Turpin asks them to stop quarreling and says Roland should sound the horn, olifant. He acknowledges that they all will die, but Charlemagne’s men will provide Christian burials for their bodies.
133
Charlemagne hears the horn. How does Ganelon react?
134
How is Ganelon disrespectful to his king, Charlemagne?
What negative qualities does he attribute toward Roland?
135 – 138
What feudal values does Naimon exhibit?
What do you learn about the character of the French soldiers?
156 - 161
Knowing that Charlemagne will aid Roland, the Saracens flee after killing almost all the French soldiers. Who does Roland wish to search for?
169 - 170
When the wounded and exhausted Roland faints, what happens?
What weapon does Roland use to kill the Saracen?
171 – 173
What does Roland try to break and why?
176
Which feudal values does Roland express in his final thoughts?
p. 609
2. a. Roland says that he will sound the olifant to call King Charles.
b. Roland sees that the battle is hopeless and that he and his men will die if King Charles does not come to their aid.
3. a. Oliver says that a good vassal uses good judgment and shows restraint.
b. Roland entered into battle out of pride in his own military prowess; he did not use good judgment or consider the lives of his men.
4. a. Roland describes himself as a good vassal who has served his king and country well.
b. He believes that he has served Charlemagne well by fighting for him and gaining new lands for his realm.
c. Roland seems to be coming to grips with his heroic flaw. He probably realizes that he has been too proud, and consequently, has not been the best vassal, but he stifles his realization by boasting.
5. Roland asks the Lord to forgive his sins, so Roland realizes he has not lived a perfect life.
“How Siegfried Was Slain” from The Nibelungenlied, German medieval epic
Pp. 610 – 618
Background:
Who is Kriemhild?
Who is King Gunther?
Who is Brunhild?
Who is Hagen?
2. a. Kriemhild dreams that two boars kill Siegfried and that two mountains fall on him.
b. Kriemhild fears that Siegfried will die during the hunt.
c. Siegfried dismisses the dreams, believing that he is invincible. Kriemhild, knowing that she had divulged too much information to Hagen, recognizes Siegfried’s vulnerability.
3. a. Siegfried takes a sword, a bow and arrows, hand his spear.
b. Siegfried wears a sable hat, his quiver is covered with panther skin and his hunting suit is made of otter skin and other furs.
4. a. Siegfried kills more game than the other knights, catches and kills the bear when no other knight can, and outraces Hagen to the brook.
b. Siegfried feels superior to the other knights.
c. Siegfried’s arrogance may have dissuaded the other knights from coming to his aid.