The Knights of "The Song of Roland"

The epic poem The Song of Roland sings the praises of the knights of the emperor Charlemagne of France, and specifically Charlemagne’s nephew, Roland. Much of the beginning of the story does not even include Roland in the action but is simply discussion from other people, such as Roland’s stepfather, regarding Roland’s past deeds. This aspect seems to contrast Beowulf greatly. In Beowulf the title character is continuously singing his own praises. Beowulf’s continuous mention of his past deeds gives him a haughty, egocentric air that although he is capable of backing up, it does not seem the trait of a “knight”. His boasting seems to suggest that he serves only himself, that he stands alone, rather than what is actually the case, that he is in the service of his king or lord, Hygelac. Also, he went to fight Grendel not at the order of his lord but purely for his own boasting that he was the only one that could defeat the monster and restore peace to Hrothgar’s hall. 

Roland, in contrast, rarely says anything regarding his deeds without linking them to his loyalty to the emperor, his uncle, Charlemagne. When he is placed at the head of the rear guard and they are being slaughtered by the Spanish army he cheers his men on by saying that their deeds will bring them the blessing and praises of Charlemagne. The few times that Roland does mention past deeds without mentioning Charlemagne he is talking to his companion, Oliver, and reminiscing about how they fought and won together. Roland does not single himself out as the one hero.