The Traitor
This man, Roland’s stepfather, is chosen to deliver the message to King Marsile, which he views as a death sentence
Who is Ganelon
This is the specific number of "Peers" (elite knights) that Roland leads into the mountain pass.
What is twelve
This is the name of Roland’s legendary sword, which contains holy relics like a tooth of Saint Peter.
What is Durendal?
When Oliver first sees the massive Saracen army, he begs Roland to do this to save the rearguard.
What is blow the horn (Olifant)
Because they were originally made from peach baskets, this sport had to be played with a ladder nearby to retrieve the ball after every score.
What is basketball?
Ganelon makes a secret pact with this Saracen King of Zaragoza to ensure the destruction of the French rearguard
Who is Marsile
While Roland represents "prowess," this close friend and fellow knight represents "wisdom."
Who is Oliver
Meaning "the Elephant," this is the horn Roland eventually blows to signal Charlemagne
What is the Olifant
Roland initially refuses to call for help because he doesn’t want to lose this
What is renown (fame, reputation)
This biological process, from the Greek for "self-eating," is how cells disassemble and recycle their own damaged components. Results from intermittent/long fasting
What is autophagy?
Ganelon’s primary motivation for betraying Roland is not for money, but for this—a personal desire to settle a score.
What is revenge (or vengeance)
This warrior-priest promises the French soldiers that if they die in battle, they will be granted "holy seats in Paradise."
Who is Archbishop Turpin
Montjoie!" is the traditional war cry used by this group of people.
Who are the Franks (or the French)
When Roland finally decides to blow the horn, his temples burst from the effort, causing this to happen to his brain.
What is bursting?
In the Star Wars universe, these microscopic lifeforms reside within cells and allow certain beings to communicate with the Force.
What are midi-chlorians?
When King Charlemagne has a bad feeling about the rearguard, Ganelon dismisses his concerns by citing this character trait of Roland’s.
What is pride (or arrogance)
Before the fighting begins, the French soldiers are characterized by this emotion when they think of their families back home.
What is sorrow (or weeping/weeping for their wives)
Charlemagne’s own sword, which supposedly changes color thirty times a day, goes by this name
What is Joyeuse
Hearing the horn from miles away, Charlemagne realizes Ganelon has lied, and orders Ganelon to be placed in the custody of these lowly people.
Who are the cooks (of the palace)
In professional golf, this is the specific term for a score of three-under-par on a single hole.
What is an albatross (or double eagle)?
To seal the deal of the betrayal, Ganelon receives these items from the Saracens, including some for his wife
What are jewels (or precious furs/gold)
This is the specific geographic location where the rearguard is trapped by the Saracen forces.
What are the Pyrenees (or the pass of Roncevaux)?
Oliver’s sword, which he uses to strike down many Saracens before he dies, is called this
What is Hauteclere
Before his death, Oliver accidentally strikes Roland with his sword because he has suffered this physical ailment during the battle.
What is blindness (from his own blood/wounds)?
France