The Song of Roland opens a window on to how ideal feudal power worked in the Middle Ages—or at least how 12th-century nationalist poets wanted it to work.
Charlemagne's government is carefully described as one of limited power, based on mutual respect and consultation. His government is so limited in fact that it often seems that Charlemagne's the one in their control. Why else would Charlemagne bite his beard in frustration that everyone keeps nominating the wrong person for the Marsile envoy or giving the wrong verdict in Ganelon's trial? If he's the emperor of freaking Europe, can't he just nominate someone himself or declare his own justice? Apparently not. There are important checks on his power that seem to operate through custom and conventional ideas of honor and respect rather than through any codified law.
Questions About Power
- Who has more power, Charlemagne or his Twelve Peers?
- Which council seems more democratic, Marsile's council or Charlemagne's council?
- Why does Charlemagne get so upset about Naimes being nominated?
- How is Charlemagne's government a feudal system?
Chew on This
Although Charlemagne wields a whole lotta power, his actions and decisions are limited by the complexities of his feudal relationships.
The Song of Roland celebrates Charlemagne's glories in Christian warfare as well as his more frustrating achievements in building the French state.