Song of Roland: Chanson de Roland - Softcover

The Song of Roland is a medieval Epic poem based on the Battle of Roncevaux in 778 AD. It is the Greatest of the early known French writings. The poem tells the tale of a great knight who fought hard for his king. He volunteered for a dangerous mission, to be the rear guard and protect King Charlemagne's army as they crossed the Pyrenees mountains. He was attacked because of treacherous things his uncle did in an attempt to get him killed. This is a tale of the events leading up to that fateful battle and describes the details of how the battle unfolded. Containing 291 stanzas this epic poem is must read!

This poem is the most well known of the early French writings. Written by an unknown author, it was probably written in order to inspire men to go fight in the crusades almost two centuries after the famous battle took place, but without this poem we would likely not remember much about that battle.