In the poem’s medieval context, giving a token such as a glove symbolizes the delegation of authority for the giver, and the acceptance of a task for the receiver. In the poem, gloves feature most prominently. For example, Charlemayn bestows his glove on Ganelon when he sends Ganelon to Saragossa as an envoy—but when Ganelon drops the glove in the dust, the poet frames the moment as a symbolic indication that Ganelon cannot be trusted with the authority that’s been invested in him. When Roland dies on the battlefield, he extends his gloved hand heavenward as though indicating that he has now fulfilled his duty to God. When Pinabel vows to fight Thierry on Ganelon’s behalf, he hands Charlemayn his glove as a sign of this challenge. For the knights in the poem, gloves represent taking on responsibility entrusted by authority figures.
Gloves Symbol Timeline in The Song of Roland
