The Song of Roland Character Analysis

Emperor Charlemayn / Carlon / Charles

Charlemagne, spelled “Charlemayn” in Sayers’s text, is also frequently called “Carlon” or “Charles” throughout the poem. He is the emperor of the Franks, or French, whose capital is at Aix. Charlemayn is described as having… read analysis of Emperor Charlemayn / Carlon / Charles

Count Roland

Roland, a mighty baron of France, is Charlemayn’s nephew and Ganelon’s stepson. He is the bravest of knights, but also reckless and rash. At the beginning of the poem, he favors ongoing war… read analysis of Count Roland

Count Ganelon (Guènes)

Count Ganelon is also called Guènes in the poem. He is married to Charlemayn’s sister and is therefore Roland’s stepfather. He also has a son named Baldwin. Ganelon is a treacherous and seemingly… read analysis of Count Ganelon (Guènes)

King Marsilion

Marsilion, the king of pagan/“Paynim” (Saracen) Spain, is also called “Marsile” throughout the poem. He reigns at Saragossa with his wife, Queen Bramimond. He is a rash, hot-tempered king. Instead of submitting to Frankish… read analysis of King Marsilion

Baligant

Baligant is the emir of Babylon, whose help Marsilion requested seven years earlier. After Charlemayn chases the Saracens back to Saragossa, Baligant finally arrives with his massive navy to face Charlemayn on the dying Marsilion’s… read analysis of Baligant

Oliver

Oliver is Roland’s most faithful friend and a fellow knight. He is among those appointed to the rear-guard at the Roncevaux Pass alongside Roland. He is prudent and wise, advising Roland to blow his… read analysis of Oliver

Archbishop Turpin of Rheims

Archbishop Turpin is a warrior-bishop. Along with Roland and Oliver, he is appointed to the rear-guard which holds the Roncevaux Pass. He exhorts the men to fight for Christendom, and he is an unstinting… read analysis of Archbishop Turpin of Rheims

Blancandrin

Besides being a mighty knight, Blancandrin is described as the wisest among the pagans and is a trusted advisor to King Marsilion. Blancandrin suggests and leads the envoy to Charlemayn, lying that Marsilion… read analysis of Blancandrin

Pinabel

Pinabel is Ganelon’s friend, a fierce and articulate warrior, whom Ganelon summons to his own defense at his trial. Pinabel promises that if Ganelon is sentenced to death by anyone, Pinabel will face that… read analysis of Pinabel

Minor Characters

Queen Bramimonda (Bramimond)

Queen Bramimonda is King Marsilion’s wife and the queen of Saracen Spain. After Charlemayn conquers Saragossa, she accompanies him back to Aix and ultimately converts to Christianity. She is baptized and rechristened Juliana.

Duke Naimon

Naimon is Charlemayn’s wisest vassal; he counsels peace at the beginning of the poem when Roland favors war. Naimon faithfully supports and comforts Charlemayn throughout the ensuing battles. With Count Jozeran, he also helps marshal Charlemayn’s 10 columns before the battle with Baligant. He kills Baligant’s son Malpramis.

Count Walter Hum

Along with Roland, Oliver, and Archbishop Turpin, Count Walter Hum is appointed to the rear-guard which holds the Roncevaux Pass. He is one of the last three men standing at the Pass before Charlemayn arrives.

Thierry

Thierry is Geoffrey of Anjou’s brother. When most of the Franks decide to let Ganelon off, intimidated by Pinabel, Thierry demands that justice be done and slays Pinabel.

Adelroth

Adelroth is King Marsilion’s nephew. He requests and is granted the honor of striking the first blow in the ambush of the Franks, but he is swiftly killed by Roland.

Valdabron

Marsilion’s godfather and a particularly vicious Saracen who’s committed sacrilege in Jerusalem.

Duke Samson

A member of the rear-guard at the Roncevaux Pass, killed by Valdabron.

Aude

Oliver’s sister who is engaged to Roland. After the battle, she learns that Roland has been killed and promptly dies of grief.

Jurfaret

Marsilion’s son, whom Roland beheads in battle.

Marganice

Marsilion’s uncle, who commands a column of African soldiers in the Saracen army. He gives Oliver his death-blow and is then promptly beheaded by Oliver in return.

Clarifant

Emir Baligant’s envoy to King Marsilion.

Clarien

Emir Baligant’s envoy to King Marsilion.

Geoffrey d’Anjou

One of Charlemayn’s trusted barons. He initiates the mass burial of Franks killed at Roncevaux Pass.

Rabel

A knight who, after Roland’s death, occupies Roland’s spot at the battle against Baligant.

Guinemant

A knight who, after Oliver’s death, occupies Oliver’s spot at the battle against Baligant.

Count Jozeran

Count Jozeran, along with Duke Naimon, helps marshal the 10 French columns before the battle with Baligant.

Ogier the Dane

An especially valiant baron at the battle against Baligant. He knocks the latter from his horse, allowing Charlemayn to take him down in single combat.

Malpramis

Baligant’s son, who requests the honor of striking the first blow in battle against Charlemayn’s army. He is slain by Duke Naimon.

Gerin

A member of the rear-guard at the Roncevaux Pass.

Gerier

A member of the rear-guard at the Roncevaux Pass.

Engelier

A member of the rear-guard at the Roncevaux Pass.

Berenger

A member of the rear-guard at the Roncevaux Pass.