Article #391-2 | Gutenberg Articles

Excerpt

Excerpt from The Song of Roland, by Unknown Author

Blancandrins was a pagan very wise,
In vassalage he was a gallant knight,
First in prowess, he stood his lord beside.
And thus he spoke: "Do not yourself affright!
Yield to Carlun, that is so big with pride,
Faithful service, his friend and his ally;
Lions and bears and hounds for him provide,
Thousand mewed hawks, sev'n hundred camelry;
Silver and gold, four hundred mules load high;
Fifty wagons his wrights will need supply,
Till with that wealth he pays his soldiery.
War hath he waged in Spain too long a time,
To Aix, in France, homeward he will him hie.
Follow him there before Saint Michael's tide,
You shall receive and hold the Christian rite;
Stand honour bound, and do him fealty.
Send hostages, should he demand surety,
Ten or a score, our loyal oath to bind;
Send him our sons, the first-born of our wives;--
An he be slain, I'll surely furnish mine.
Better by far they go, though doomed to die,
Than that we lose honour and dignity,
And be ourselves brought down to beggary."
AOI.

Says Blancandrins: "By my right hand, I say,
And by this beard, that in the wind doth sway,
The Frankish host you'll see them all away;
Franks will retire to France their own terrain.
When they are gone, to each his fair domain,
In his Chapelle at Aix will Charles stay,
High festival will hold for Saint Michael.
Time will go by, and pass the appointed day;
Tidings of us no Frank will hear or say.
Proud is that King, and cruel his courage;
From th' hostage he'll slice their heads away.
Better by far their heads be shorn away,
Than that ourselves lose this clear land of Spain,
Than that ourselves do suffer grief and pain."
"That is well said. So be it." the pagans say.

Explanation

Detailed Explanation of the Excerpt from The Song of Roland

Context of The Song of Roland

The Song of Roland (La Chanson de Roland) is an 11th-century Old French epic poem (chanson de geste) that recounts the Battle of Roncevaux Pass (778 AD), where Charlemagne’s rear guard, led by his nephew Roland, was ambushed by Basque forces (depicted in the poem as Saracens, or Muslim pagans). The poem is a foundational work of medieval European literature, blending history, legend, and Christian propaganda. It reflects the feudal values of loyalty, honor, and religious conflict between Christianity and Islam during the Crusades.

This excerpt occurs early in the poem, where the Saracen king Marsile (Marsilius) and his advisors, including Blancandrins, debate how to deal with Charlemagne’s prolonged invasion of Spain. Blancandrins proposes a deceptive peace treaty to trick Charlemagne into withdrawing, allowing the Saracens to later betray him.

Line-by-Line Analysis & Themes

Stanza III: Blancandrins’ Proposal of False Surrender

"Blancandrins was a pagan very wise, / In vassalage he was a gallant knight, / First in prowess, he stood his lord beside."
- Character Introduction: Blancandrins is introduced as a wise, noble, and loyal pagan warrior, embodying the medieval ideal of a vassal (a feudal lord’s subordinate). His wisdom and prowess make his counsel authoritative.
- Contrast with Christian Knights: Though a "pagan," he exhibits chivalric virtues, complicating the poem’s black-and-white moral divide between Christians and Saracens.
"Do not yourself affright! / Yield to Carlun [Charlemagne], that is so big with pride,"
- Persuasion & Flattery: Blancandrins urges Marsile not to fear but to feign submission to Charlemagne, whom he describes as proud—a key flaw in medieval morality (pride being a deadly sin).
- Strategic Deception: The plan relies on exploiting Charlemagne’s pride by offering him tribute, making him believe he has won without further bloodshed.
"Faithful service, his friend and his ally; / Lions and bears and hounds for him provide, / Thousand mewed hawks, sev'n hundred camelry; / Silver and gold, four hundred mules load high; / Fifty wagons his wrights will need supply,"
- Extravagant Bribes: Blancandrins lists luxurious gifts (exotic animals, gold, silver) to appeal to Charlemagne’s greed and desire for prestige. These items symbolize wealth and power, reinforcing the idea that Marsile is surrendering from a position of strength.
- Feudal Economics: The mention of "wrights" (craftsmen) and "soldiery" (mercenaries) highlights the logistical realities of medieval warfare—kings needed resources to pay armies.
"War hath he waged in Spain too long a time, / To Aix, in France, homeward he will him hie."
- Charlemagne’s Weariness: Blancandrins notes that Charlemagne has been campaigning in Spain for too long and will want to return to Aix (Aachen), his capital, for Saint Michael’s tide (September 29, a major feast day).
- Psychological Insight: He exploits Charlemagne’s desire for rest and celebration, suggesting the Franks are eager to leave.
"Follow him there before Saint Michael's tide, / You shall receive and hold the Christian rite; / Stand honour bound, and do him fealty."
- False Conversion: Blancandrins proposes that Marsile pretend to convert to Christianity and swear fealty (loyalty) to Charlemagne.
- Religious & Political Submission: In medieval Europe, conversion and vassalage were intertwined—accepting Christianity meant submitting to Christian rule. This is a deceptive oath, as the Saracens have no intention of keeping it.
"Send hostages, should he demand surety, / Ten or a score, our loyal oath to bind; / Send him our sons, the first-born of our wives;-- / An he be slain, I'll surely furnish mine."
- Hostages as Guarantees: Blancandrins suggests sending hostages (including noble sons) to secure the treaty. This was a common medieval practice to ensure trust.
- Sacrifice for Honor: He argues that even if the hostages are killed, it is better than losing honor and land. This reflects the feudal code, where dignity and territory were more valuable than individual lives.
- "First-born of our wives": Emphasizes the personal sacrifice—sending heirs is a grave risk, but Blancandrins is willing to offer his own son, reinforcing his loyalty to Marsile.
"Better by far they go, though doomed to die, / Than that we lose honour and dignity, / And be ourselves brought down to beggary."
- Honor Over Life: The central theme of the poem—honor is more important than survival. This mirrors Roland’s later refusal to blow his horn for help, choosing glory over pragmatic survival.
- Fear of Shame: The alternative—beggary and dishonor—is worse than death, a key medieval value.

Stanza IV: Blancandrins’ Prediction of Betrayal

"Says Blancandrins: 'By my right hand, I say, / And by this beard, that in the wind doth sway,'"
- Oath-Taking: Blancandrins swears by his right hand (symbol of honor) and beard (masculinity and wisdom), reinforcing his credibility.
- Dramatic Gesture: The beard swaying in the wind adds a vivid, almost theatrical image, emphasizing his passion.
"The Frankish host you'll see them all away; / Franks will retire to France their own terrain."
- Prophecy of Withdrawal: He predicts Charlemagne will leave Spain, taking his army back to France, leaving the Saracens free to act.
"When they are gone, to each his fair domain, / In his Chapelle at Aix will Charles stay, / High festival will hold for Saint Michael."
- Charlemagne’s Distraction: Blancandrins foresees Charlemagne celebrating at his palace chapel in Aix, distracted by feasting and religious observance.
- Irony: The festival of Saint Michael (archangel of justice) is where Charlemagne will be deceived, adding dramatic irony.
"Time will go by, and pass the appointed day; / Tidings of us no Frank will hear or say."
- Delay as Strategy: The Saracens will stall until the Franks forget about them, then break their oath.
"Proud is that King, and cruel his courage; / From th' hostage he'll slice their heads away."
- Charlemagne’s Brutality: Blancandrins warns that if the Saracens don’t act first, Charlemagne will execute the hostages—portraying him as ruthless.
- Justification for Deception: This makes the Saracens’ betrayal seem defensive, not purely treacherous.
"Better by far their heads be shorn away, / Than that ourselves lose this clear land of Spain, / Than that ourselves do suffer grief and pain."
- Repeat of Earlier Argument: Reinforces that sacrificing the hostages is preferable to losing Spain.
- "Clear land of Spain": Emphasizes the beauty and value of their homeland, making their defense seem noble.
"'That is well said. So be it.' the pagans say."
- Unanimous Agreement: The Saracen lords accept the plan, showing their unity and resolve.
- Foreshadowing: Their decision sets up the ambush at Roncevaux, where Roland and the Franks will be massacred.

Key Themes

Honor vs. Survival
- Blancandrins argues that honor and land are worth more than lives, a core medieval value. This contrasts with later scenes where Roland’s pride leads to disaster.
Deception & Oath-Breaking
- The Saracens pretend to convert and submit, but plan betrayal. This reflects medieval distrust of non-Christians and the idea that pagans are inherently treacherous.
- However, the poem also shows Christians breaking oaths (e.g., Charlemagne’s earlier betrayal of Ganelon), complicating moral judgments.
Feudal Loyalty & Sacrifice
- Blancandrins’ willingness to sacrifice his son for Marsile mirrors the vassal-lord bond, where personal loss is acceptable for the greater good.
Religious Conflict
- The false conversion highlights the clash between Christianity and Islam, a major theme in Crusader-era literature.
Fate & Prophecy
- Blancandrins’ prediction of events foreshadows the inevitability of betrayal and war, a common epic trope.

Literary Devices

Alliteration & Rhyme
- "Faithful service, his friend and his ally" (repetition of "f" sounds)
- "Lions and bears and hounds" (rhythmic listing)
- The poem uses assonance and lais (a medieval poetic form) to create a musical, oral quality.
Imagery
- "Beard, that in the wind doth sway" (vivid, dynamic image)
- "Silver and gold, four hundred mules load high" (visualizes wealth)
Repetition for Emphasis
- "Better by far they go, though doomed to die" (repeated in both stanzas to reinforce the theme of sacrifice).
Dramatic Irony
- The audience knows the Saracens are lying, but Charlemagne does not, creating tension.
Foreshadowing
- Blancandrins’ plan directly leads to Roland’s death, setting up the tragedy.

Significance of the Excerpt

Sets the Tragedy in Motion
- Blancandrins’ deceptive counsel leads to the ambush at Roncevaux, the poem’s climax.
Moral Ambiguity
- While the Saracens are villains, Blancandrins is wise, loyal, and eloquent, making them more complex than pure evil.
- The poem justifies Christian violence by portraying Saracens as treacherous, but also shows Christian flaws (Charlemagne’s pride, Ganelon’s treachery).
Feudal & Religious Ideals
- The excerpt reinforces loyalty to one’s lord, sacrifice for honor, and the superiority of Christianity—key medieval values.
Oral Epic Tradition
- The rhythmic, repetitive style reflects its origins as a performed poem, meant to be heard by a noble audience.

Conclusion

This excerpt is a masterclass in medieval political intrigue and feudal ethics. Blancandrins’ speech is persuasive, cunning, and tragic—he knows his plan will lead to betrayal and bloodshed, but believes it necessary to preserve honor and land. The passage foreshadows the epic’s central conflict: the clash of cultures, the cost of pride, and the fragility of oaths. While the poem ultimately condemns the Saracens as deceitful, it also humanizes them, making The Song of Roland more than just propaganda—it’s a tragic exploration of loyalty, war, and faith.

Questions

Question 1

The passage’s portrayal of Blancandrins’ argument relies on a rhetorical strategy that subtly undermines its own ethical coherence. Which of the following best describes this paradox?

A. His appeal to feudal loyalty is undercut by the implicit admission that Saracen honour is performative rather than intrinsic.
B. His emphasis on the inevitability of Charlemagne’s departure suggests a fatalism that contradicts the strategic agency he claims.
C. His invocation of Christian rites as a tactical ploy ironically reinforces the spiritual legitimacy of the faith he seeks to manipulate.
D. His willingness to sacrifice hostages exposes a utilitarian calculus that clashes with the chivalric ideal of self-sacrifice.
E. His insistence on the superiority of honour over survival depends on a circular logic wherein honour is defined by the very actions it justifies.

Question 2

The repetition of "Better by far they go, though doomed to die" serves a function beyond mere emphasis. Which interpretation most accurately captures its nuanced effect on the passage’s tone?

A. It transforms a pragmatic calculation into a liturgical incantation, elevating the hostages’ sacrifice to the level of martyrdom while stripping it of moral agency.
B. It mirrors the oral epic tradition’s reliance on refrain, but here the repetition underscores the hollowness of the Saracens’ rhetorical flourishes.
C. It reveals Blancandrins’ subconscious guilt, as the iteration betrays an attempt to convince himself as much as his audience.
D. It parallels Charlemagne’s own repetitive demands for tribute, framing the exchange as a battle of wills rather than ideologies.
E. It highlights the futility of the Saracens’ resistance, as the phrase’s rhythmic inevitability mimics the Franks’ unstoppable advance.

Question 3

Blancandrins’ description of Charlemagne as "proud is that King, and cruel his courage" performs a specific narrative function in the context of the epic’s moral framework. Which analysis best accounts for its ambiguity?

A. It aligns with the poem’s overt condemnation of pagan treachery by portraying Charlemagne’s flaws as justification for preemptive betrayal.
B. It introduces a moment of unintended sympathy for the Saracens, as the critique of Charlemagne’s pride echoes Christian teachings on humility.
C. It foreshadows Ganelon’s later betrayal of Roland, suggesting that both sides are equally capable of moral corruption.
D. It serves as a veiled compliment, recasting Charlemagne’s "cruelty" as the necessary ruthlessness of a conqueror.
E. It undermines the epic’s binary morality by implying that the Franks’ victory is contingent on virtues that are themselves morally suspect.

Question 4

The passage’s structure—Blancandrins’ proposal followed by the pagans’ unanimous assent—creates a tension between individual persuasion and collective action. Which of the following best describes the implications of this tension?

A. The swift agreement of the pagans exposes the fragility of their political cohesion, as their unity depends on the suppression of dissent.
B. The lack of debate suggests that Blancandrins’ argument is irrefutable, reinforcing the poem’s theme of destiny over free will.
C. The unanimity of the response implies a cultural homogeneity among the Saracens, contrasting with the Franks’ internal divisions.
D. The immediate assent transforms Blancandrins’ speech from a deliberative act into a performative one, where the outcome is predetermined by the epic’s conventions.
E. The absence of counterarguments highlights the poem’s bias, as it denies the Saracens the moral complexity it affords to Christian characters.

Question 5

The imagery of "lions and bears and hounds" and "mewed hawks" in Blancandrins’ proposed tribute serves a purpose beyond mere opulence. Which interpretation most accurately captures its symbolic resonance?

A. The animals represent the untamed nature of pagan lands, which Charlemagne seeks to domesticate through Christian conquest.
B. The menagerie evokes the exoticism of the Saracen world, but its inclusion in the tribute signals the subjugation of that world to Frankish order.
C. The predatory creatures mirror the deceptive nature of the Saracens’ offer, as each gift is both valuable and capable of turning against its recipient.
D. The list functions as a feudal inventory, emphasizing the material wealth that underpins political power in both Christian and pagan societies.
E. The animals symbolize the Saracens’ own martial prowess, which they are willing to symbolically surrender to avoid actual combat.

Solutions and Explanations

1) Correct answer: E

Why E is most correct: Blancandrins’ argument hinges on the claim that honour is a supreme value, yet his justification for preserving it ("Better by far they go, though doomed to die") relies on the very actions (deception, hostage sacrifice) that a strict code of honour would prohibit. This circularity—where honour is both the goal and the means of its own violation—exposes the rhetorical sleight-of-hand at the heart of his speech. The passage does not resolve this paradox but instead uses it to complicate the Saracens’ moral positioning.