Part 1 Summary

This epic French poem tells the story of Roland, a warrior in the service of medieval King Charles, known to history as Charlemagne. This story of betrayal and revenge contains violently poetic and poetically violent imagery, all told within the context of a profoundly pro-Christian agenda.

Stanza 1 - This stanza introduces the French King Charles, known to history as Charlemagne. At the time the poem begins, he has been at war with Spain for seven years. The only city that remains outside his control is Saragossa, ruled by Marsile, who is a Saracen (Muslim.) The final line of the stanza predicts his eventual defeat.

Part 1 Analysis

This brief stanza explains the situation and defines the conflicts to come, both physical and spiritual. In terms of the former, the stanza predicts physical battle, with aspects and descriptions and consequences of that battle making up...