Song of Roland Revenge Quotes

Roland doesn't believe Blancandrin's promises, but the real reason he wants to continue fighting in Spain is revenge—not just general revenge, as in, You are a wicked pagan and I will take revenge on you, but a specific revenge relating to two high-rankin' Franks. The way Roland tells it, these Franks were killed while on a diplomatic mission to Saragossa. Now it's time to kill some Saracens.

This is the ever-pleasant Ganelon, publicly announcing vengeance on Roland for nominating him as envoy to King Marsile. But what's up here? Is Ganelon seriously ticked that he's going to talk to Marsile? Based on the experiences of the two Franks Roland mentions (i.e. death), that seems a reasonable reaction. On the other hand, is it possible Ganelon is already revolving thoughts of revenge against Roland? Plus, his trip down south turned out pretty well. As usual, it's hard to tell with this guy.

The attack on the rearguard may be Ganelon's personal revenge against Roland, but it's also a chance for the Saracens to avenge the seven years of war they've endured during Charlemagne's campaign. Because Roland is so beloved and important to Charlemagne, they can accomplish their revenge just by doing him to death.

Charlemagne, you're going down. This is the Emir Baligant boasting that he will revenge Marsile's crushing losses. His claim that he will take a head to avenge Marsile's hand (cut off by Roland) may be the poet's reference to Hebraic law of the Old Testament—you take my eye, I'll take your eye. Only notice here that the Emir is not keeping things balanced: Marsile lost a hand, goshdurnit if I don't chop off that emperor's head.

Of course, while the Emir is declaring revenge on the Franks, Charlemagne isn't exactly advocating brotherly love. He's happy killing Saracens at any time, but when his beloved nephew is lying slaughtered in a mountain pass, his war turns to revenge.

We're listening in on Charlemagne's prayer here, and if you listen closely you might put your finger on an interesting religious paradox. Charlemagne's asking that through God's mercy he will be able to achieve his revenge on the Saracens. Mercy delivering revenge? Now that sounds weird.

Understandably, Charlemagne's army is not stoked to confront a kajillion Saracens, so Charlemagne tries to lift their spirits by (1) promising them rewards at home and (2) reminding them that among the dead at Roncevaux are their best buds—their families and friends. And what can you do when Saracens massacre your homies? You take revenge!

Ganelon is attempting a tricky defense here. He is claiming that his actions were only a matter of private revenge rather than political and religious treason. It's hard to know if Ganelon truly believes this. Even if he does, it's hard to argue that arranging the obliteration of tens of thousands of Franks constitutes private revenge.

Once Charlemagne's revenge against the Saracens is exhausted, conversion begins. Although it isn't violent (usually), is it possible that converting these pagans to the Christian faith is actually the ultimate revenge the Franks can take? Why destroy a pagan life when you can destroy his soul?