The Song of Roland (Option B)

The Song of Roland would have been an ideal story to tell to Crusaders on their way to Jerusalem and there are several reasons why the Crusaders would find this story so enjoyable.  First of all, it is a beautifully written epic poem that can be appreciated by almost anyone.  It would have been an entertaining way to pass the time on the long journey to Jerusalem.  Aside from the entertainment value, most Crusaders would have found The Song of Roland interesting because it was relatable to the situation that they were in.  Many of the Crusaders may have found it helpful to hear a story about other men going through a similar situation.  Some of the Crusaders may have been nervous about what they were about to experience and the story of Roland could have calmed their nerves.  The poem would have calmed their nerves because it validates that the fight for Christianity is right and just.  The Crusaders probably would have liked the fact that when Roland died, he was taken up to heaven by the angel Gabriel and the angel Michael (pages 19-20).  The Crusaders were told that they were guaranteed a place in Heaven if they died during the Crusade, so hearing this story probably would have solidified their beliefs about that.  Those who were in charge of the troops could have taken the opportunity to use The Song of Roland as propaganda to rally the troops and get them excited about the cause.  This story would give the Crusaders hope because in the end the Christians won and forced the defeated Moslems to convert to Christianity (page 21).  The poem also could have acted as reference point for the way the Crusaders should conduct themselves.  For example, in laisse 88 Roland explains how it is a knight’s duty to be brave and fight heroically (pages 9-10).  As evidence provides, The Song of Roland could be seen as more than just a story about a heroic battle to the Crusaders who were headed to Jerusalem.