Authority
The examination of the different characters in The Song of Ronald reveals the hierarchy of authority in the Early Medieval society. This epic poem showed that the people believed in God, though king Marsilie was known not to love God, but instead “worships Mahomet and calls upon Apollin” (Ronald 2). God occupies the highest position, and based on the readings, the loyalty of those who believed in him are answered favorably. For instance, on his way to avenge his men, Charles prayed that the Lord God will cause the sun to stop on its course and this was granted allowing him to conquer his enemies.
Charles occupies the next highest position, and this can be inferred from Marsilie’s statement when he called on his dukes and counts to counsel him about the impending attack by emperor Charles, who held the highest authority in the land. Marsilie stated, “ and of Charlemaine the king you shall beg on my behalf that for the sake of his God, he have mercy on me” (Ronald 3). Therefore, next to the authority of God was Charlemagne who was the emperor and under him are his vassals, and the kings of the different states. According to the belief of that time, God vested his authority and blessings to Charlemagne, and whoever will follow him will be equally blessed as the emperor. Consequently, the reference to the lords and vassals in the epic poem informs the reader that the people during that time were under the feudal system; accordingly, they are under the duty to subject themselves to the emperor.
Identity
The main rival groups in this epic poem are the Saracens led by king Marsile and the Christians Franks under the rule of Charlegmange. The Saracens, as represented by their king were a group of people who do not love the God who was worshipped by the Christians, but instead worship another whom they call as Mahomet. The epic showed that the writer depicted the Saracens as a group of treacherous and uncaring towards others. For example, king Marsile was advised by his dukes and counts, particularly Blancandrin who suggested that it is better for their men to be beheaded by the Franks rather than to lose Spain (Ronald 3). The reader further learns of the treacherous characteristics of king Marseille when Ronald recounted how the king of the Saracen “had acted in very treacherous wise” (Ronald, 5).
On the other hand, the Christian groups were portrayed positively in this epic. For example, when analyzing the characteristic of Charlamagne, he is braved and fierce, but was also forgiving. When the emperor received the message of peace and surrender from Marseille, he thought, “He may yet be saved” (Ronald 5). The writer also portrayed the Christian Franks as brave and faithful both to God and the emperor. For instance, the victory of the Emperor against the Saracerens was largely attributed to the guidance provided by God because of their unfailing faithfulness. This characteristic was mostly portrayed by Ronald who fought hard and brave for his emperor. Another identity trait attributed to the Christians was their gallantry and this was mostly depicted in the character of Olivier who was Ronalds most trusted friends. Olivier fought alongside his friend, and showed his gallantry even after knowing that they will be defeated by the enemy.
Religion
The Songs of Ronald showed how faith was positively rewarded. The people believed that their success in war was greatly determined by their faith, for instance, Charlamagne called upon God to grant him that he may avenge his nephew (Ronald 62). This showed that Christian people during the medieval times greatly endorse everything upon God, and most of their success can be attributed to the will of God. When the Christian Franks won the ultimate battle, it means that their God favors them so much that they were bestowed with sufficient power and strength. The Saracen’s loss in the battle was perceived as the strength of the Christian God. Despite the fact that Charlamange’s trusted man, Ronald, died in the hands of the enemy, the emperor believed that God will guide and protect him in his plan to avenge his death.
Another example, when religious belief was reinforced in the epic story was when judgement was finally handed down on Ganelon. Ganelon betrayed the emperor by showing the enemy how they can betray the emperor’s group, thus it was decided that he should be punished. Thierry argued that Ganelon should be punished, while Pinabel defended his friend and challenged the weaker Theirry into a duel. Thus, they fought and Theirry said, “May God vindicate the right between us two this day!” (Ronald, 76). Thierry was not expected to win the fight because Pinabel was known to be stronger, but by God’s vindication the weaker man won. Religion was further presented in the epic poem when Bramimonde, the queen of the Saracen realizes the weakness of their god, and finally lose her devotion to Islam. Charlemagne decided to bring her to Aix, not to punish her but to do her good and by good faith Bramimonde was baptized into Christianity (Ronald, 78).
Summary and Conclusion
The early medieval society functioned under the feudal system where the hierarchy of authority stems from God as the supreme being. The power of God was perceived to be delegated to the emperor, and in this epic poem, was Charlamange. While the emperor is directly answerable to God, so were the subjects of the emperor answerable to him. Those who belong to the lower levels are willing to fight and give up their lives for the emperor, and this was believed to be pleasing to God. Consequently, based on the conflict between the Saracens and the Christian Franks, it can be determined that people who belong in different groups would usually want to conquer the other. The reader can also determine that the Christians during the medieval times are keen on fighting for the cause of their religious belief.
Moreover, despite worshipping a different God, the Saracens and the Christian Franks share the same point of view in terms of their religious faiths. Both of them pledge loyalty and faithfulness to their God, on the belief that the favor of their God will deliver them towards all that is good, including conquering the enemy. There is the perception that through God’s intervention, a group will become successful in their endeavor, especially in their objective of winning a war. By the context of this epic poem, the favor of God falls on Charlemagne for his loyalty and commitment to fight against those who do not believe in his God. Moreover, Charlamagne being the second authority next to God should not be defied, lest the defiant will suffer the contempt of God. As suggested, the emphasis of this epic is about relying on the power of God and pleasing him in order to gain his favor.
Works Cited
The Song of Roland, translated by Jessie Crosland. Old French Series. Ontario. 1999
