The Song of Roland
The Song of Roland (La Chanson de Roland) is an 11th century Old French epic poem about the battle of Roncevaux (or Roncesvalles) fought by Roland and his fellow paladins. The story details the defense of Charlemagne's army from an attack by Moorish forces.
The account of the song does not match history, but is considered a classic example of the virtues of chivalry.
Warning: Plot details follow.
While returning from the siege of Saragossa to Aachen, the rear of Emperor Charlemagne's army is attacked by a large Moorish force. Roland had been placed in command of the rear guard by his treacherous stepfather Ganelon, who had made a prior agreement with the Moors. Roland and the Paladins, along with a division of Charlemagne's army, turn to hold off the Moors while the majority of the army continues on, unaware.
Roland's friend Oliver advises him to blow his great horn Olifant and summon help from the rest of Charlemagne's army. Roland refuses to dishonor himself by calling for help and decides instead to fight with the men he has, even though they are outnumbered a hundred to one. Roland's forces initially beat back the attackers, but his men are eventually overrun by the enemy's numbers. Seeing the hopelessness of the situation, Roland at last sounds his horn to summon help, blowing so hard that his temples bleed. All of Roland's men are killed, but Roland himself in his final act routs the last few Moorish forces before finally succumbing to his self-induced injuries.
By the time Charlemagne actually gets to the battle, his men are all dead, although Roland and the paladins had forced the Moors to flee. Charlemagne ends up defeating the remainder of the Moorish forces before returning to Aix.Synopsis