Kurzinfo
Blies sein Horn zu spät bei Roncesvalles. Karls des Großen Paladin wurde Frankreichs epischer Held.
Gesprächseinstiege
Lebensweg
Roland was born to a Frankish noble family, possibly in the Breton march. Legend says he was nephew to Charlemagne through his sister Bertha.
Young Roland began his martial training in the Frankish military tradition, learning horsemanship, swordsmanship, and the arts of war.
Roland joined the personal guard of King Charlemagne, becoming one of the Twelve Peers, the greatest knights of the Frankish realm.
Charlemagne appointed Roland as prefect of the Breton March, responsible for defending the frontier against hostile Bretons.
According to legend, Charlemagne gave Roland the legendary sword Durendal, said to contain holy relics in its golden hilt.
Roland was given the great ivory horn Olifant, with which he could summon help from Charlemagne across vast distances.
Roland accompanied Charlemagne on his expedition into Moorish Spain, crossing the Pyrenees to aid Muslim rulers against the Emir of Córdoba.
Charlemagne besieged Zaragoza but was forced to withdraw when Saxon revolt threatened his northern borders and the city refused to surrender.
As the army retreated through the Pyrenees, Roland was given command of the rearguard protecting the baggage train and rear of the army.
Roland's rearguard was ambushed in the Pass of Roncevaux. Historical accounts blame Basques, but legend transformed the attackers into Moors.
Despite being vastly outnumbered, Roland's pride refused to summon Charlemagne with Olifant. His friend Oliver begged him to call for aid.
Roland and the Twelve Peers fought desperately against the enemy horde, performing legendary feats of valor as their numbers dwindled.
When all was lost, Roland finally blew Olifant with such force that his temples burst. Charlemagne heard but was too far to save them.
To prevent the holy sword from falling into enemy hands, Roland struck it against a rock. The rock split, but Durendal remained unbroken.
Roland died facing his enemies, his sword beneath him, having fought to the last. He became the eternal symbol of chivalric courage and loyalty.
