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Illustration from unknown manuscript. Roland (died 778) was a Frankish military leader under Charlemagne who became one of the principal figures in the literary cycle known as the Matter of France. Roland was military governor of the Breton March, with responsibility for defending the frontier of Francia against the Bretons. Roland is considered the epitome of the perfect knight. Strong, courageous, and honorable he is loved by his king, Charlemagne, and worshipped by his men. He has only one enemy, his stepfather, Ganelon. When given the chance Ganelon betrays his king, his country and his people to take revenge on Roland. Roland is ambushed. The French fight a magnificent battle, but they are outnumbered and the tide turns against them. Roland blows his horn so that Charlemagne will know what happened to them. He is struck in the head and dies. Charlemagne grieves deeply at the death of his men, particularly Roland. The Saracens, under Baligant the Emir of Babylon meet Charlemagne's forces in battle. The battle is fought fiercely on both sides but Charlemagnes forces prevail and the Saracens flee. Soon after the battle, the Franks dedeuce Ganelon's treachery and he is brought back to Aix in chains for trial. Found guilty in a trial by combat, Ganelon is subjected to a painful death as a traitor.
