The Song of Roland summary

When the epic begins, Charlemagne has been battling the Saracens – Arabian Muslims – in Spain for seven years. The only city still unconquered by the Franks, Charlemagne’s people, is Saragossa, ruled by King Marsilion. Knowing he can’t beat Charlemagne’s forces, Marsilion claims that he has converted to Christianity and will become Charlemagne’s vassal. He pledges lavish gifts and hostages to get the Franks to leave Spain.

Charlemagne is suspicious. But his advisor, Ganelon, persuades him to accept the offer. The hot-headed Frankish warrior Roland, nephew of the king and Ganelon’s stepson, objects. He insists that Marsilion can't be trusted. The council rejects Roland’s stance, angering him. When Charlemagne then asks for a volunteer envoy to relay his terms to Marsilion, Roland nominates Ganelon for the dangerous mission out of pure spite. Furious, Ganelon departs, swearing revenge on Roland.

On meeting Marsilion, Ganelon declares that he must submit to Charlemagne or be destroyed. Enraged, Marsilion almost kills Ganelon before his allies intervene. But Ganelon soon shifts allegiances, plotting with Marsilion to ambush Roland’s rearguard with 100,000 men at Roncevaux Pass. If Roland dies, Ganelon believes Charlemagne will lose heart. Marsilion showers Ganelon with treasure for his treason.

Ganelon returns to Charlemagne, lying that Marsilion will come to France to pledge loyalty to the king and his Christian religion. Charlemagne is most pleased, happy to be able to return to France. He appoints Roland to command the rearguard for the retreat. But at night, Charlemagne has strange nightmares prophesying danger for his men. 

Roland is unworried by the king’s concerns. He assembles eleven of his best men, including his closest friend Olivier and the fierce archbishop Turpin. Meanwhile, Marsilion readies 400,000 men to pursue the Franks. He promises the honor of striking the first blow against Roland to his nephew Aelroth. 

And so the stage is set for an epic confrontation. Will Roland’s rearguard prevail against impossible odds? Will treason triumph over trust and kinship?