The Twelve Peers
This title character and nephew of Charlemagne is the brave but headstrong leader of the rearguard.
Who is Roland?
This step-father of Roland betrays the Franks after being nominated for a dangerous diplomatic mission.
Who is Ganelon?
The Song of Roland is the most famous example of this Old French genre, meaning "song of deeds."
What is Chanson de Geste?
The central massacre of the rearguard takes place in this mountain pass in the Pyrenees.
What is Roncevaux (or Roncesvalles)?
This is the number of "Peers" in Charlemagne’s elite inner circle.
What is twelve?
Roland’s best friend and foil, he is described as "wise" while Roland is "worthy" (or "bold").
Who is Oliver?
He is the Saracen King of Saragossa, the last Spanish city holding out against Charlemagne.
Who is Marsilla (or Marsile)?
Instead of rhyming, the poem uses this device, where the last stressed vowel sounds of lines match.
What is assonance?
Charlemagne has been fighting in this country for seven years before the poem begins.
What is Spain?
When Roland dies, he turns his face toward Spain to show he died as a conqueror, and offers this to God.
What is his glove?
This warrior-archbishop isn't just there for prayer; he dies fighting alongside the peers at Roncevaux.
Who is Turpin?
Ganelon’s defense at his trial is that he wasn't committing treason, but seeking this against Rolan
What is revenge (or a private feud)?
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Upon Roland's death, this woman—Oliver’s sister and Roland's betrothed—literally drops dead of grief
Who is Aude?
Charlemagne’s sword, Joyeuse, is said to change this many times a day.
What is thirty?
Roland famously refuses to blow this ivory horn to call for help until it is far too late.
What is the Oliphant?
This powerful Emir of Babylon arrives late in the poem to challenge Charlemagne in a final, massive battle.
Who is Baligant?
Many laisses end with this mysterious three-letter word, the meaning of which is still debated by scholars.
What is AOI?
God performs this miracle for Charlemagne so he can finish the battle against the Saracens before nightfall.
What is making the sun stand still?
The poem was likely written or transcribed around the time of the First Crusade, approximately this many years after the real battle of 778.
What is 300 years? (Accept 11th century/early 12th)
This is the name of Roland’s unbreakable sword, which allegedly contains holy relics in its hilt.
What is Durendal?
At the end of the poem, Ganelon meets a grisly end by being pulled apart by four of these animals.
What are horses?
While the poem depicts a religious war, the historical 778 AD battle was actually an ambush by this ethnic group.
Who are the Basques?
This character, Ganelon's kinsman, fights a duel against Thierry to determine Ganelon's guilt.
Who is Pinabel?
This angel descends from heaven to take Roland’s soul to paradise.
Who is Gabriel?